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Community Music Awareness Through The Ukulele Club
By Brittany amalfi
Promoting music awareness is a fantastic thing to do in school systems across the world. But the benefits can be even better when music awareness hap- pens at younger ages. Timothy Hazelton, the music teacher at Paul Smith Elementary, knows this well. Besides teaching the students at Paul Smith all about music, he also runs a ukulele club with some third graders.
Timothy Hazelton has been the music teacher at Paul Smith for 24 years and knows very well the benefits music can have at such a young age. In 2013, the ukulele era began with regu- lar classrooms as an alternative to playing recorders. Playing the ukulele became part of the third-grade music curriculum, so everyone plays for two months, but there is a group of 16-20 third-graders who are a part of the club and play all year.
The ukulele club meets once a week, and Hazelton tells me that the club is more intensive than the curriculum, and they
can really focus on bettering their uke skills. And practice certainly makes progress within this club! The talented ukulele players perform in different events like school functions and concerts. Just back in January, the club played at a school board meet- ing, and it was a hit. And that’s not all with the club’s impressive track record of performances. Hazelton informs me that they did three hallways concerts last year, and they were phenomenal. He says that when the ukulele club was performing in the halls, the students from the classrooms came out and sang along with the music. They will also be playing a New Hampshire Fisher Cat Game in June, so get ready for that one!
“These kids get to feel like rockstars,” Hazelton says. “They absolutely love it, and it instills a sense of pride in them.” The club members also get to enjoy playing alongside teachers and staff as well. Tim tells me that there is several staff who plays with the ukulele club. “Kids are
really excited that their teachers are playing too,” Hazelton con- tinues.
Tim Hazelton plans to con- tinue the ukulele club for as long as he can at Paul Smith. “My favorite part of all this is seeing when they get it. Like, really get it. Playing the ukulele is so new for these students, but once it clicks for them, they have this kind of moment, and it’s awe-
open and supportive municipal- ity, maintenance and use of natu- ral and historic resources, public recreation resources, community events, and a vibrant local econ- omy.
Community Events
Choose Franklin is passionate about bringing the wonderful
some,” Hazelton gushes. From hearing everything about the ukulele club, the students at Paul Smith are clearly getting a front- row seat into how wonderful music can be. “I just love doing it. It’s one of my favorite parts of the day,” Hazelton continues. “I get to play music with a great group of kids. You can’t not smile when playing or listening to the ukulele.”
people of our community to- gether. Take a look at some of the exciting events we have com- ing up.
Franklin Community Day Saturday May 14th
10-2 at Odell Park
Volunteer
As said before, music aware- ness at a young age is so ben- eficial to kids as they learn and grow, and the students of the ukulele club are deep in the music trenches, learning to play an in- strument that they love. How lucky can a school be when the beautiful sounds of the ukulele surround them as the students learn to better their practice and enrich their musical abilities?
There’s no better way to take pride in your community and make an impact then to volun- teer! Whether it be at one of our community events, or perhaps other improvement projects; any time you can spare to help your neighborhood can make a huge difference! Find us On Facebook choosefranklin.org
Choose Franklin
Our Mission
Choose Franklin is an inclu- sive citizen’s group focusing on promoting Franklin by building on past achievements to facilitate future success.
Our Vision
Choose Franklin is committed to fostering cooperation, through open communication, to help promote, encourage and develop key elements of a successful community, sense of civic pride,
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The gown
The flowers
The music
The rings
The place
The time
The Officiant
JP services may include consultation for wedding planning, sample ceremonies with options for poems, prayers, unity candle, and exchange of rings or gifts.
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