FEATURE - The making of a musical family

by Arcadia Love

At the start of 2013, Maleny music teacher Tom Richter advertised ‘Ukulele Lessons,’ planting the seed for what soon grew into a group, Maleny Ukulele (MU.) Skills grew, friendships blossomed, and MU soon began performing.

When approached by HT about telling their Malen Ukulele story, Tom replied in his typically humble way, “Just ask our members. Maleny Ukulele is really all about them.”

One of MU’s original members, Pippa Pirie, recalls “We started with 15 and a handful of us are still in the group. Tom has a knack for choosing great songs and arranging them to suit the group. You don’t have to be able to read music as Tom gives us the chords and we sing the songs as well.”

Chris Clark and his wife Jo got involved 12 years ago. “Jo watched a documentary, ‘The Mighty Uke,’ and was so inspired she bought a ukulele, joined a Sunshine Coast group with our daughter and started planning a trip to the Cairns Ukulele Festival!

“I tagged along and was surprised to hear the uke played by professionals. ‘Good grief,’ I thought, ‘They sound great.’ My preconceptions about plink, plonk, and twang music - and memories of Tiny Tim - were blown away. The next thing I knew I’d bought a ukulele too. Jo and I saw Tom’s newspaper ad and became part of MU.

“Playing music is probably the most fun you can have standing up. Performing in front of an audience is an even bigger buzz.”

Maleny Ukulele has performed at Ukulele Festivals in Kenilworth and Imbil, around Brisbane, in Cairns, The Blue Mountains and Newcastle. A few members even played at the Norfolk Island Music Festival.

Locally, MU’s first gig was at Maleny’s Upfront Club and they’ve entertained at Maleny Music Festival, Club Acoustic, Maleny Christmas Street Carnival and in halls, pubs and nursing homes and were thrilled to be the opening act for international performer Bobby Alu.

Debbie McLean attended one of Tom’s free ukulele workshops at the 2017 Maleny Music Festival.

“I didn’t own a ukulele but wanted to learn. Tom is an exceptional teacher, gently encouraging us to grow. He has extraordinary expertise in all things music and is very generous, taking time to explain and guide us.

Two years earlier Tina Lathouras saw Maleny Ukulele perform at the Maleny Music Festival and booked lessons with Tom.

“With zero ukulele experience, I spent eight months learning with Tom, then joined the group. Tom gives us amazing opportunities and encourages us to spread our wings. Many members have taken up other instruments since joining MU.”

One of those is Richard Proudfoot who now plays the five-string banjo, while others in the group now play harmonica, guitar, bass, tin whistle and piano. Unlike many members,

Richard had been playing the uke for five years and performing with a trio when he joined in 2017.

“I believe the secret to the success of Maleny Ukulele is Tom’s musical arrangements. He can take anything from orchestral, reggae, folk, rock, country and classical music, pull it apart and arrange it for ukulele.”

Louanne Oakes is the only bass ukulele player in the group.“I heard about MU in 2016 having played ukulele for a couple of years. Tom is an excellent teacher, very patient and good at gauging where you’re at while remembering what he’s taught you. He’s also very witty and makes everything fun.”

Pippa adds “For someone so competent, I don’t know how he puts up with us!”

On a cruise in 2012, Lyn Hill watched entertainer Michael playing the ukulele.

“He told the audience the ukulele is a great instrument to learn, especially if you have no experience. I bought a ukulele at Maleny’s Samba Music and had my first lesson with Tom in early 2013. I had no idea about chords, strumming, reading music, frets or tuning but picked it up and once MU started, I eagerly joined.

“I was on another cruise in 2016 and the same Michael who had inspired me four years earlier was again entertaining. He and I teamed up and taught about 50 ukulele players, culminating in a performance. It was such fun.

“Two years ago, when my husband Roy was in palliative care, Maleny Ukulele gave a beautiful concert at Maleny Hospital. Roy was so happy singing along as we played. I treasure that time.”

Tom wanted to say a few words after all.

“I would like to add how proud I am of them all, especially as some of them have come from completely non-musical backgrounds, and through determination and the support of each other have become accomplished musicians. They're like family to me now.”

Contact Maleny Ukulele 0457 502 776 or visit Facebook.com/MalenyUkulele