THE ukulele has not always been the most popular instrument of choice but with folk bands like Mumford and Sons topping the charts it is perhaps little surprise it has seen a resurgence of interest among pupils at Shenfield High School.
A 20-strong ukulele orchestra plays at all school concerts and at some events in the community, while a practice group of 40 beginners meets once a week to learn the basics of the instrument.
Jonathan Sands, head of music at the Alexander Lane school, explained: "The ukulele is the modern day recorder as it's an ideal first instrument. You can pick one up very cheaply – they start at around £13. As it has only four strings, after a few lessons you can pick out a few tunes so feel as you have made progress.
"The group began at Shenfield about two years ago when two sixth formers came to see me after the summer holiday saying they had started playing ukulele and would like to set up a band. I put in some practising at home and we began the orchestra."
Sixth former Ciara Crane, 16, is equally enthusiastic. She said: "As soon as I heard the ukulele orchestra I knew I had to be a part of it. I went out and bought myself a ukulele and learnt the basics. It was so much easier than I thought it would be."
Charlotte O'Toole, 17, agrees: "Being part of the orchestra has given me so much confidence to perform as part of a group and as a soloist. I really enjoy the fact that we can make ukulele arrangements of any style, from pop to rock to reggae."
Such is the growing popularity of the four-stringed instrument, staff at the Alexander Lane have purchased a set of 30 so this year's intake can have whole-class lessons as part of the curriculum.
The school's orchestra plays at all the school's concerts, open evenings, and has been invited to events including a pensioners' Christmas party. It was also part of a school music tour to Paris last year.
Basing their playing on that of the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain, the group performs a range of modern songs with ukulele arrangements.
Mr Sands added: "The ukulele is losing its uncool image. It's a lot of fun to play."
