Coleen Coble

Tell us a little about yourself - what’s your background in music and community involvement?

A little red uke changed my life. In 2013, it caught my eye hanging on the wall of a hardware store in Bisbee, Arizona. I tried to learn to play it by watching videos on my computer. Even though I loved music, after a few weeks I realized playing music was not my thing. I wasted plenty of my parents’ money on requisite music lessons as a kid but never succeeded… maybe because I rarely practiced, and it was a boring and lonely activity. I offered to sell the uke to the leader of the local ukulele group. She asked, “Why do you want to sell it?” I told her I was no good at playing music. She replied, “Give me 30 minutes of your time, and if you still want to sell it, I will buy it”. Well, we sat in my living room for over an hour, playing, singing, and laughing. She asked, “Now do you want to sell it?” Of course not! And there my journey began.

My goal now is to simply pay it forward, recruiting and supporting new players. For a couple of years, I played along with several uke groups in AZ and FL. In 2016, a friend I had just taught to play, and I decided to start a group in our small town in Florida. She has kept the group going in my absence, and now over 100 ukulele players show up every Monday night.

What was it that motivated you to start the Vancouver Ukulele Club WA?

New friendships were by far my motivating factor. When I arrived in Vancouver, I discovered that the local group had just folded because the leader had moved away. There were some uke groups in Portland, but I thought a city the size of Vancouver could surely support a new uke group. I approached the Firstenburg/Trapedero Club coordinator with my idea and with my previous success starting groups in Florida and North Carolina, the Vancouver Ukulele Club was off and running. 25 people, from beginners to experienced players, came to our first gathering in January 2020. We met four times and then Covid happened.

I approached the Firstenburg/Trapedero Club because I find 50+ aged communities and senior centers provide convenient, safe, and welcoming environments. (That age group was a logical choice for me.) In addition, I have witnessed the positive impact that ukulele groups have on the senior population.

What challenges did you face in getting the club started, and how did you overcome them?

Honestly, I have never had any challenges starting the 3 different ukulele clubs. The organizations I approached were very interested in supporting a new program. They saw it as a unique, fun, accessible, and educational opportunity for adults and especially valuable for seniors. These organizations, i.e., public libraries, community centers, and senior activity centers, are safe, affordable, and provide a built-in outlet for promotion to their community.

Covid was the only challenge. I continued to email a few new songs each month. Once we were able to meet face to face again (or mask to mask), we reorganized and recruited new volunteers and leaders since by then, I was only a summer resident.

How do you think music—especially the ukulele—benefits older adults in terms of creativity, social connection, and well-being?

The ukulele is affordable and easy to learn. It makes a joyful sound that everyone recognizes. It makes people want to smile, sing, and play along. The scientific literature abounds with evidence of the benefits of both music and socialization for the well-being of older adults. It is amazing how ukulele players from all walks of life bond together as friends.

What kind of experience do you want members to have when they join the club?

I cannot emphasize enough what a welcoming, friendly, supportive, energetic, creative and fun community the ukulele creates. This is what I want members to experience.

When you are playing and singing along with 15 to 100 people, nobody notices if you miss a chord or a beat. My philosophy … have fun and just keep playing!

What are some of your favorite moments or success stories from club members?

So many people have joined us after a life change – a new community, the loss of a loved one, a divorce or illness. Sometimes it seems they come out of the shadows into the light. I have literally seen their persona and outlook change for the better.

If you could leave members with one piece of advice or inspiration, what would it be?

Keep coming. Don’t give up. Relax and have fun. You will never regret it.