Of the numerous classes, clubs and electives offered on campus, only three have offered students the opportunity to learn a musical instrument. That is, until music director Michael Ogdon founded the Ukulele Club.

This club will allow both junior and senior high students to come together in the Ground Zero Quad once every third Thursday of the month to learn how to play the ukulele (“uke”).

Ogdon, who directs all musical groups on campus, began the club after students saw the bright yellow ukulele he bought for his daughter, he said.

Unlike other groups such as Planeteers Club or Spanish Club, Ogdon says the Ukulele Club will focus on learning the basics of the instrument and will encourage an “island mentality” — a relaxed nature — within students.

“It seems most of the clubs I’ve heard about are fairly academic in nature; this one is all about rockin’ the ukes,” Ogdon said. “Preparation is fairly slack, in that we will create our aura upon arrival. Those with previous uke skills will assist those without to gain uke rock status over time.”

Senior Danny Ibarra joined the club after football season ended, when he gained more spare time.

“I wanted to pick up a new hobby after football season, so I decided to pick up a ukulele,” Ibarra said. “It’s something exotic for when I go off to college, where I’ll be able to serenade people.”

Eighth-grader Molly Coleman appreciates that Ukulele Club, unlike other campus clubs, is open to junior high students, and hopes the experience will enable her to practice and meet new people.

“I don’t really play my ukulele that much, so it’s fun to be inspired to play more,” Coleman said. “It’s more fun to do things with other people, and you’re more motivated to do it than if you did it by yourself. I’m trying to get some more close friends in there, but it’s fun because I’m meeting new people I wouldn’t normally meet.”

Ogdon believes the ukulele, though not especially popular, to be an upcoming instrument in modern music. Due to his experience with bringing uncommon objects, like scooters, to popularity, Ogdon thinks the club will be well-received among students.

“It’s really quite amazing; listen to some of the recent unplugged instrumentation being recorded by artists like Jack Johnson and Nickel Creek — ukulele jumps up proud,” Ogdon said. “On quite another tack, I have introduced uncool things to Fresno Christian before. Were it not for my strong leadership, scooters would still be in garages across the Valley.”

For more information, e-mail Ogdon. For more coverage of clubs, read the Aug. 31 article, Senior duo launches Planeteers Club.

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