Sing and Strum group a melodious ‘meeting of minds and hearts’
BY LERISSE SMITH
It may be small in stature, but the humble ukulele is enjoying a resurgence in popularity. This is obvious at Mornington Salvos in Victoria, where a dedicated group of ukulele enthusiasts gather each week.
In the warm and inviting ambiance of a majestic old church hall, a group of women assemble on a crisp Melbourne day. Ukeleles and song sheets in hand, they are ready to merge their music and voices.
It’s going to be a great day.
The dedicated music lovers have a quick chat and catch-up before readying themselves for yet another glorious afternoon of singing and playing to their heart’s content ably led by Dave Parker, Community Music Activities Coordinator at Mornington Salvos.
“It’s a good meeting of minds and hearts singing songs,” Dave says. He says the ukulele has grown in popularity over the past couple of decades, with COVID-19 also helping the instrument’s appeal as people took it up as a way to keep busy while stuck inside.
“For me, the most important thing about this particular group is the fellowship that we have with people from all walks of life. They are just ordinary people from the community who want to get out and about and play a little bit of music.”
Scan the group’s song books, known as ‘Sing and Strum Ukulele’, and classic hits range from the old to the new. Moon River, Have You Ever Seen the Rain, Kumbaya, Johnny B Goode, Lean On Me and We Are Australian are among the favourites.
Chat to Dave about his beloved group of 'musos', and it is immediately apparent he is passionate about what he does and why he does it. Tuesdays are always a great day out for him, with the ukulele music group running in the afternoon following his VAMP (Varied Abilities Music Program) Music Disco in the morning.
The humble beginnings of Sing and Strum started three years ago. As a talented and experienced musician, singer and teacher who played regular gigs with his band, Dave found himself without regular music work when COVID-19 forced the creative arts industry to shut down.
However, it did not stop Dave from his lifelong love of playing music to entertain and touch people’s lives, his 40 years of music teaching and his unwavering desire to encourage and support others in experiencing the joy of learning an instrument.
“After 9/11 happened, there was a significant increase in New York community music activities because people needed to rediscover connection and belonging,” he says.
“Music has the power to draw people from different backgrounds together into worthwhile and purposeful shared friendships.”
The Sing and Strum players meet each week in the church hall for a music session followed by a cuppa, bikkie and friendly chat. Regular community concert performances are also part of the fun.
Some of the members have had no musical background, while others have played guitar or piano. But it doesn’t matter. Regardless of the skill level, everyone loves the special bond they have created.
“It’s great fun; I love it,” says Conny, one of the group members.
“I have been here since it’s started. You can laugh when you make mistakes and no one wants to miss out on the fellowship. Dave is such a great teacher. The spirit is here. I walk out flowing with joy.”
Dave says friendship and fellowship were a key component to the group’s success. About five or six attend the Mornington Salvos church, while another 10 to 12 attend other churches. But all are from the local community.
Additionally, Dave provides advice and assistance on purchasing or renting a ukulele whenever needed. He was also a guest speaker at the recent Salvation Army Community Arts Engagement Conference in Melbourne.
Dave reflects on the success of the group. “It's just a little bit like The Salvation Army’s Home League used to be I guess, providing a place for people to meet in fellowship and have a fun time in a creative activity.”
“I believe the ukulele group will continue to build a bridge between the community and our faith community at Mornington Salvos.”
