Someone gets sick. A long awaited grandchild arrives early. Someone breaks a foot. Financial circumstances change. Whatever the reason, people end up cancelling at the last minute. And that is why we have three spaces available on our Cuban ‘Ukulele Rhythms Adventure, February 16 – 25, and two spaces available on the Vinales Extension, February 25 – 29.
And you can sign up for either one, or both!
So, if you are interested in joining us in Cuba, in 2024, please contact me (that is not me with the cigar!) as soon as possible.
Trip Insurance
If you are going to Cuba, Cuban medical insurance is required and is often included in your airline ticket. But it doesn’t cover other things that might happen to prevent you from enjoying the trip or participating at all. So, regardless of what adventure you are planning, you want to make sure you are covered for the full cost of all parts of any trip you have paid for and that you will get a full refund if something comes up. (And…if you are travelling to Cuba…make sure your insurance covers Cuba as well. Not all insurance companies do!)
Currently I use TravelInsurance.com. You enter your total trip cost, the country and dates of travel. It comes back with a list of several insurance companies and policies for you to choose from based on your needs. And you can apply right there. It’s easy peasy and well worth the peace of mind.
We’re all super busy making sure the 2023 West Coast ‘Ukulele Reunion is the best one yet. The Workshops have been posted and the Schedules have been “finalized,” but as always, subject to change. And we are adding a Sunday Day Pass for folks who live in the area but can’t commit to the whole shebang.
Sunday Day Pass
We know some of you can’t commit to a full weekend, so we’ve opened up a day, Sunday, so you won’t have to miss the fun. Among other things, it includes the ever-popular Matthew, Mark, UKE, & John Ukulele Gospel Hour with Rick and Rhan–complete with choir robes you may get to take home!
The Ukulele Gospel Choir feeling the rapture at the West Coast Ukulele Reunion.
The indomitable Nancy Piver has also come up with an ensemble arrangement for the timeless classic “Glow Worm,” one that can be mastered in just one workshop session. It’s perfect for folks who are just coming for the day…especially if they’re staying through dinner and for the evening show, where it will be one of the featured acts. Of course it’s open to everyone else, as well.
More Sunday Workshops
Some of the other workshops that will be available on Sunday include:
Time is On Your Side with Dave Egan
Chord Progressions & The Circle of Fifths with Jim D’Ville
You can opt to end your day at the West Coast Ukulele Reunion then. OR you can stay for dinner and join us for the Open Mic and Battle of the ‘Ukulele Bands. It’s the Most Fun You Can Have with Your ‘Ukulele On!
The Sunday Day Pass is $175. If you want to stay for dinner and the evening show, the total cost is $225.
Note: Registration is being handled by Camp Ocean Pines. If you have never used the Camp Ocean Pines site before, you will need to click on “new registration.” If you attended the Ukulele Reunion last year, click on “returning registration.” From there, click on individual registration for (your name). A list with all of Camp Ocean Pines Workshops will appear, listed chronologically…scroll down to Ukulele Reunion 2023 and click on that. The rest should be self-explanatory.
Playing in an ‘ukulele ensemble is a delightfully different musical experience. Rather than simply strumming in a song circle or playing solo chord/melodies, in a “ukestra” each individual contributes an important part of the whole piece. The end result is often astounding.
Surprisingly, ensemble playing can also be very accessible for players of all abilities. And the opportunities to develop new skills are boundless. So, we are beyond pleased to have Nancy Piver, one of the ukulele world’s most noted ensemble creators and conductors, join us again on the staff of the West Coast ‘Ukulele Reunion, November 3 – 6, at Camp Ocean Pines in Cambria.
Nancy is a life-long ‘ukulele player and an intuitive musician who plays by ear. She is also a graduate of James Hill’s Ukulele Teacher Certification program, JHUI and leads a local community ukulele group, SLO Strummers, in San Luis Obispo. Nancy also teaches privately. But her passion for arranging music, from trios to ‘ukulele orchestras, has become legendary.
Ukulele Ensembles
Nancy will be bringing three ensemble opportunities to the West Coast ‘Ukulele Reunion this year: “Glow Worm,” “Castle Valse Classique,” and “Trés Moutarde.” As always, she brings a little something for everyone.
“Glow Worm” is a simple and delightful tune that has seen fame as a Mills Brother’s classic and with Kermit the Frog on “The Muppet Show.” Accomplished in a day, with parts for beginners as well as intermediate players, it offers a great opportunity for those who might just want to dip a toe in the ukulele ensemble universe as well as those wanting to hone their skill at playing well with others.
“Castle Valse Classique” is a fancy name for a ragtime-era version of Antonín Dvořák’s famous “Humoresque,” which you’ll likely recognize immediately as soon as you hear the melody. If you don’t, don’t worry. Nancy will provide an MP3 for those who’d like to hear it first. This fun ensemble piece is perfect for “confident” beginners and intermediate players. There is even a part for a baritone ukulele.
And here is the pièce de résistance for intermediate and advanced players, “Trés Moutarde,” (aka “Too Much Mustard”), a lively ragtime tune with up to six parts, including baritone ukulele and bass. This one is a commitment, covering 3 sessions to produce a performance-ready piece. Check it out and remember, “Yes, you can!”
Please Join Us
Nancy Piver joins a team of 6 excellent instructors who will be joining us at the West Coast ‘Ukulele Reunion in November and we still have room if you’d like to join us.
If you’d prefer to stay off campus, the Bluebird Inn still has space available. But if you’d prefer to stay at camp, we have room for a couple of RV’s (no hook-ups) and there are still a few beds available (women only) in the charming camp cabins.
Registration fees go up on October 5. So, if you’re thinking about joining us, this would be a great time to take the leap.
To learn more specifics about the retreat, please visit the website.
If you’re ready now, the button below will take you directly to the Camp Ocean Pines website to register.
