Throughout this summer, 20 fourth-grade members from the Boys & Girls Club of Oshkosh Peace Adventure program have been learning the basics of how to play the ukulele. Our Club was lucky enough to receive 10 new ukuleles through a grant from Guitars 4 Gifts.

“Despite only starting this program a couple of months ago, I can already see a positive impact on our members. Some use it as a tool for stress relief, while others have used it as a tool to make new friendships. It has even helped bring our members out of their shells!” said Jessica McKenna, a Club staff member who has been teaching the new program this summer. “These instruments help our members to get to grow their skills by learning something new but also by working at a goal that they want to achieve.”

The kids have really enjoyed learning how to read basic music tablatures, how to care for the instrument, and just trying something new. Many of our Club kids often come from situations where access to instruments and lessons is limited, so this program really allows us to open doors for them. It has been a while since the Club has been able to offer a music program and we’re so excited to be able to give our members this opportunity. We have seen the positive impact that music can have on children, and hope to continue this program into the school year and next summer.

Overall, we have had a great time this summer with this program and I hope our members will want to keep pursuing their musical talents in the near future!