One musical group new to the eisteddfod scene this year was the Wellington Public School ukulele group, with all year two students taking part in a pilot program under teacher Chick Jones.
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The ukulele group played favourites like My Dog Has Fleas and songs about the c and g chords.
Ms Jones said that for many students, performing at the eisteddfod was a unique experience that made a big difference in their confidence.
“My thinking is that many children who take part in this have never been on stage before in their life and because music is involved self discipline comes into it –and after that a fun experience of a lifetime,” she said.
“They might never go onstage again.”
According to Ms Jones, the ukulele group has been a huge success and she is hoping that the program will be even bigger next year.
“The ukulele is becoming a popular instrument world wide because it is something you can sing to,” she said.
“Many students choose to continue with guitar and they have that experience with them for life.”
Then there are the choir groups – which Ms Jones feels are a must for schools.
The year 4 choir was elated to win the school choir section at the eisteddfod.
“The champion choir was unauditioned and while some students didn’t want to participate in it, by the end of it they were really enjoying themselves, they loved it,” Ms Jones said.
