out & about by Gin Denton
MAUI — A BAND FOR ALL AGES!
Have you ever wanted to learn to play an instrument—but thought you were too old? It is never too late, and George Smith, instructor and conductor of the Mount Airy Ukulele Invasion (MAUI), shares that members of the MAUI classes have ranged in age from five to eighty-five! Several retiree-aged members say that learning to play the ukulele and playing in the jams help to keep their minds exercised.
MAUI is a family affair for me—George (who happens to be my husband) teaches, I add the creative touch, and our son, Dorian, hands out candy at the practices.
make a career of music. MAUI is a great starting place. I get to perform and sing on stages all over with audiences as big as 200 people and as small as 20 or 30 nursing home residents. I have gained a lot of self-confidence. I love George, Gin, and Dorian.” And from Yaya Penny: “MAUI has given my granddaughter, Lacy, and me a bond that I never thought could be achieved. I drove her to Mount Airy twice a week for almost three years for lessons while I sat on a couch and waited. I didn’t think I could ever play an instrument. Much to my surprise, with MAUI and George’s encouragement, I can (I’ll never play a solo.) and have been playing for almost two years. The best and most heartfelt bonding occurred when Lacy and I stood together with MAUI, on a stage, playing and head-banging to hard rock tunes as backup for the George Smith Band. We laughed all the way home; three generations apart and we can have that kind of fun together!" This ukulele orchestra began in 2013 with 17 players and averaged 50 in each class in 2019. Covid restrictions have pushed MAUI classes to online, so now aspiring to accomplished musicians can join in worldwide. Currently the eight-week classes cost $100, and scholarships may be available. Choose from three options a week for attending: Tuesday afternoons from 1:00-2:30, Tuesday evenings from 7:30-9:00, and Saturday mornings from 10:30-noon. You can find MAUI online at www.themusicofgeorgesmith.com or on Facebook.
Member Jody Crawford, who has been in the group since its inception, says, “Playing ukulele is fun because it is a very accessible instrument; it’s inexpensive, small enough to finger and strum easily, and has a happy sound because of the way it is tuned. But what makes it really fun? MAUI led by George Smith. George is always encouraging and positive. The MAUI group is comprised of all ages. George makes sure there is a role for everyone, whether beginner or advanced. shy or outgoing, young or old.” And member Candace Burchum adds, “We are a very diverse group of people of many ages, walks of life, and lifestyles. We all get along famously! The ability to have fun, enjoy each other’s company, and learn music is the trifecta of fun!”
lifestyle photography
GIN DENTON
MAUI often bridges the generation gap. I’ve seen some of the most awesome friendships form between the young and old. The beautiful thing is that you might see a younger member teaching an older adult student how to play—and vice versa. I’d like to share about one special relationship in the MAUI orchestra—that of teen Lacy Griffith and her grandmother Penny Moseley (called Yaya by Lacy.) Lacy shares, “My mom died unexpectedly with a brain aneurysm in 2014 and my Yaya is almost all the family I have. I started MAUI a year later and I haven't missed a session since, even through a pandemic. I have a family! I want to 16 • SURRY LIVING Oct. 2020 Issue
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