From: aloha-destiny@hotmail.com

To: tpensel@pobox.com

Sent: Tue, 20 Mar 2007 7:21 PM

Subject: Introducing the Nui `ukulele club of Chicago (www.nuiukulele.org)

Aloha, 

I have been wanting to start an `ukulele club for sometime. Below is an except from the club website. A few items are still under construction, but some very good info is located there. 

http://www.nuiukulele.org 

Keep Strumming, Singing and Smiling, 

Terry Truhart 

tpensel@pobox.com 

*********************** 

The Mission 

The mission of Nui `ukulele (Lots of `ukuleles) is to learn the universal language of music with the `ukulele and embrace and promote the aloha spirit. 

Why the `ukulele? 

The `ukulele is the happiest, most accessible, and easiest string instrument to learn. Also, `ukulele is the perfect sing along instrument . And by Golly, did I mention the `ukulele is FUN TO PLAY!!! You won't find a regularly depressed `ukulele player. Ok, occasionally depressed, but NOT regularly depressed `ukulele player. The GCEA reentrant standard tuning allows a `ukulele player to play the most chords with the least number of fingers required to hold a chord. The `ukulele is small and easy to hold. Thus, it is ideal for new players of all ages. Also, the `ukulele is one of the cheapest string instruments to buy. You can buy a good full setup `ukulele package from $150 - $200. 

The `ukulele (pronounced oo-koo-leh-leh) with a short light "eh" sound on (lele) part. The first part (`uku) is Hawaiian for flea. The second part (lele) means "to jump". Thus, the word "`ukulele" translates to "jumping flea". Another interpretation was made by Queen Lili'uokalani (Hawaii's most beloved songwriter who wrote "Aloha 'Oe") She thought it came from the Hawaiian words for "the gift that came here", or "uku" (gift or reward) and "lele" (to come). Personally, I like both definitions. The `ukulele is a gift that just keeps on giving.