How we got started
Three of our founding ladies
The "Fretted Friends" started in the late fall of 2010 as a casual group of friends from the Black Creek area who wanted to learn to play the ukulele. The founding ladies (three of whom are pictured at left) felt that we needed a little extra help in learning to play the instrument. After a few phone calls and local enquiries, we enlisted the help of ukulele director, Vince Sequeira from the Pacifica Ukes in Campbell River.
What began as a few informal sessions with a group of six people meeting in a home soon grew to a larger group needing a bigger space as word quickly spread in the community. In the spring of 2011, the group practices relocated to the Black Creek Community Hall, our current location. With the new location and a new name, we were able to open the group to the general community, offering instruction to new members as well as experienced players. Vince's wife, Charlene was added to our group, assisting in directing the group and teaching beginning members who were new to the ukulele. As of this writing, the group has a core membership of 20 from Campbell River, Courtenay, Comox and the Black Creek area.
The purpose for the Fretted Friends is to provide an opportunity for people who want to enjoy being a part of an organized ukulele ensemble,
and enjoy making music together while furthering their skills. For some, it may be reminiscent of the times when they were playing in a school band or in the choir. For others, this is a totally new, and enjoyable experience. In addition, a few had previous musical training and had played other instruments before, and a few others who had never touched an instrument in their lives - until now.
What began as a few informal sessions with a group of six people meeting in a home soon grew to a larger group needing a bigger space as word quickly spread in the community. In the spring of 2011, the group practices relocated to the Black Creek Community Hall, our current location. With the new location and a new name, we were able to open the group to the general community, offering instruction to new members as well as experienced players. Vince's wife, Charlene was added to our group, assisting in directing the group and teaching beginning members who were new to the ukulele. As of this writing, the group has a core membership of 20 from Campbell River, Courtenay, Comox and the Black Creek area.
The purpose for the Fretted Friends is to provide an opportunity for people who want to enjoy being a part of an organized ukulele ensemble,
and enjoy making music together while furthering their skills. For some, it may be reminiscent of the times when they were playing in a school band or in the choir. For others, this is a totally new, and enjoyable experience. In addition, a few had previous musical training and had played other instruments before, and a few others who had never touched an instrument in their lives - until now.