Learning how to play an instrument, in this case the ukulele, can benefit a person and
improve their lives in many ways. Studies show that this increases the capacity of your memory, teaches you patience and perseverance, and includes many more benefits. Not only that, but knowing how to play an instrument is very enjoyable. Learning the basics to playing ukulele is not as difficult as it seems. This guide shows a few basic steps for beginners that are easy to follow and remember. Step 1: Choose a ukulele. As you may already know, there are different types and styles of ukulele. The most noticeable and used are: soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone. There are many factors to keep in mind while choosing your uke. You can choose by size (smallest- soprano, largest- baritone; in respective order mentioned above), sound (higher timbre/tone- soprano, lowest timbre/tone- baritone), or price. Although you may choose to your liking, it is more recommended to buy/use a soprano ukulele if you are a beginner. Step 2: Know the parts of your ukulele. This instrument has many parts to it, but there are four that are the most important and you should know: the body, neck/fretboard, head/tuning keys, and the four strings. Body: the bottom, hollow wooden part. It makes up of most of the instrument. The body has a hole under the strings above which you strum. Neck/Fretboard: the neck is the long wooden piece that sticks out of the body and is underneath the strings. Although the neck “makes up” the whole wooden piece, it is actually known as the rounded bottom part. The top part of the neck is called the fretboard. The frets on the fretboard are sections of the fingerboard divided by metal strips that go across fretboard, perpendicular to it. Each fret corresponds to a different note or pitch for each string. Head/Tuning Keys: the head is the top part of the uke. The tuning keys are located here; they stick out from behind or on the sides of the head. They hold the strings, and as the name suggests, are used to tune the uke by turning them. The Four Strings: there is not much explanation, as the name says it all. Although, it is good to know that, depending on the type of ukulele you buy, they may be different. The lowest or thickest string is known as the 1st string, moving upwards to the highest or thinnest string which is the 4th string. Step 3: Tune your ukulele. Your ukulele will most likely not be in tune when you first buy it. To tune the ukulele, you have to twist the tuning keys on the head. With time the strings will need to be tightened more often, as they lose tension. To have the correct tuning, you can buy an electric tuner or use an app (or website) that helps you tune your strings and make sure they are not sharp or flat. If you do not tune your ukulele properly, you will not be content with the sounds it makes and will not be able to play the songs you wish to, since they do not have the correct notes/tuning. Another thing to keep in mind is getting the closest you can to pitch perfect for each string. Tuners will help you make sure they are the closest they can be to pitch perfect and the needle (or whatever it is) will align with the note you are looking for. If you do not do this, and leave a string(s) a little sharp or flat, you might notice the sound to be slightly off and it can be very bothersome. Step 4: Correct posture for playing. If you are sitting or standing, you should always use the same posture and hold your ukulele the same way. The uke should be between your right forearm and your body, resting in the crook of your elbow. The ukulele should be held near your waist or chest. The neck of the uke should be resting on the thumb and web of your left hand. This lets you reach around with your other four fingers and touch all strings. You should have your back and shoulders straight, not hunched. You will have a better appearance when playing and reduce the amount of pain and tension in your back. This is the recommended posture even if you are left-handed, but you may feel uncomfortable and wish to strum with your left hand. If this is the case, please search ukuleles or postures that are specifically for left-handed people. If you do not use and develop the correct posture, you may feel uncomfortable, not get a good sound from the uke, and potentially harm your wrists and/or back over time. Step 5: Chords. Knowing how to play simple but important and most used chords is key to ultimately being able to play uke. Now, to play chords you must know the correct fingering. You can learn the fingering for each chord by searching online, through an app, or by asking someone with experience. The simplest chords are minor and major chords (note: if you do not know about minor and major chords, you might want to search/learn about them!). A note to keep in mind is that there exists different fingering for each chord. This may depend on which fret you start on. Once these chords are mastered, you can move on to more complex chords such as 7th, suspended, and many more. Step 6: Strumming. This might be the easiest part of playing. You can use a ukulele pick or use your fingers to strum, the latter being the most common way of playing. If you use your fingers, you should use your nails to strum down, and the fleshy part of fingertips to strum upwards. When strumming, try not to do it above the hole in the center of body, but instead higher, near the fretboard. If you are playing a certain song, you might want to listen the original and pay attention to the strumming (if there is a guitar or ukulele) or pay attention to when chords change in the background of the song. If you do this, you can play on your own, without the song, and have the correct strumming or strumming that is similar and would fit the song. With some patience and good use of these steps, learning the basics of playing ukulele will be very easy. The basic major/minor chords are easy to learn and play. Once you know these chords, you can play a lot songs that you know and love. You can even write your own songs if you want! Once you have mastered the basics, you will be able to play ukulele, and then go onto harder things. Not only is playing ukulele entertaining, but it is good for the soul, can benefit you in a lot of ways, and may even improve your life! By: Daniela Velasco Ardilla -- contributing writer It is important to treat your skin with the appropriate products. The three skin care tips
that will benefit every skin type is to make sure to clean, exfoliate, and nourish your skin. Cleaning your skin benefits you because the unwanted matter is removed from your skin, so it will give your skin a healthy complexion. Exfoliating refers to the removal of dead skin cells from the surface of your skin; this benefits your skin because it unclogs pores and allows the release of natural skin oils. To nourish your skin means to provide it with the food or other substances necessary for growth, health, and good condition. The products you use all depends on what skin type you have because certain products would have no affect on your skin and it will not help with cleaning, exfoliating, and nourishing your skin. Choosing the right kind of skin care products is important in order to have a healthy glow. 1. Evaluate Skin type and Condition: There are numerous types of skin that a person can have; they are oily, dry, normal, and combination. Oily skin produces more than enough oils and it usually makes the skin glossy or shiny, and contains visible pores. Dry skin produces less oil than most skin and it lacks moisture; it appears dull and the skin may have wrinkles, and fine lines. Normal skin produces just enough oils and contains a healthy amount of dryness in the skin; it will contain few to no imperfections and severe to no sensitivity. Combination skin can be oily in some areas and dry in some areas; the skin may contain blackheads, shiny skin, or other kinds of imperfections. A recommended tip to help you determine which of the four skin types you have is to pat a piece of paper on different areas of your face, then hold the paper up to the light. If little to no oil is picked up then you most likely have dry skin. If a little amount of oil is visible on the paper then you most likely have normal or combination skin type. Finally if the paper is saturated with oil then your skin type is most likely oily. Another way you could evaluate your skin type is by going to a dermatologist, where they are experts in providing information about all types of skin. 2. Finding the Right Products: Finding the right product is important, so you can improve your skin. The products used for oily skin should be oil-free, and should contain products that breaks up the oil and rinses it with ease. A dermatologist recommended product is the Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne wash since it is an acne-fighting cleanser specially formulated for oily skin. For dry skin it is recommended to use products like Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Cleansing Gel because the formula increases skin hydration level. Another good product is face oils since dry skin lacks oil. For normal skin and combination skin a safe product would be cetaphil, since it is a gentle skin cleanser that contains a non-irritating formulation that soothes skin as it cleans. 3. Daily Cleansing and Moisturizing: It is important for all skin types to have a clean face in order to prevent imperfections and unhealthy skin. It is recommended that once you buy the right products that you prepare a daily routine that works for you. There are four suggested tips for all skin types to include in their daily cleansing routine. First it is important to wash your face two times a day; this avoids clogged pores, and acne. It is encouraged to use a cleansing brush because it has been proved that they remove six times more dirt, oil, and makeup than regular face washing. They also increase the absorption of your skin care product ingredients and they reduce the appearance of pores and wrinkles. It is important to rinse your face with lukewarm or cold water because hot water will dry up your skin; also when drying your skin it is important to gently pat the towel around your face instead of roughly rubbing the towel against your skin. The next type of product you should use is a toner, they can be applied on the skin by a spray to the face, lotion, or a wash; they should be applied after cleansing, but before any other product is applied. Toners complete the cleansing of the skin, and it plays a role in the removal of the sebum produced during the day. The following tip includes moisturizing your face. This is important for your skin because it can help prevent and treat dry skin; it can also protect sensitive skin, and improve skin tones and texture. Finally the last step is optional, you could apply acne treatment medication on your pimples to help remove them. Skin care is important to most people because it can only result in positive outcomes. The right products can help change your skin to the better. The three tips, determining what skin type you have, finding the right products, and having a daily cleansing routine will help make sure your skin is clean, exfoliated, and nourished. All of the steps listed above is important for the improvement and health of your skin. By: Stephanie Silva -- contributing writer Proper vocal technique is important for all aspiring and professional singers. You are
probably thinking “there is a wrong way to sing?” The answer is simple, yes there is. When a performer does not know how to sing the right way, they can really damage their voice so that they never sing again. If singing incorrectly, a singer is increasing the chances that he/she will get one of the many diseases that singers can get. Nodes is one of the biggest ones and are caused by vocal overuse or vocal cord trauma and are callous-like growths that have developed in the midpoint of the vocal folds over time and when a singer uses their voice too much. Singing properly takes a lot of practice along with the proper knowledge of your body and personal limits. Step 1: Before Starting to Sing ● KNOW THE ANATOMY OF YOUR BODY AND THROAT; You need to know what part of your body you are using so you know how to use it properly. Your most important word to know about your throat is your larynx. Here are the steps to release the tension in your larynx: ○ Put your finger across your throat at the top of your “Adam's Apple” and swallow. ○ Notice the upward motion of the “Adam's Apple”. ○ Now, keeping your finger at the top of your “Adam's Apple” relax and begin a yawn. (It’s the feeling that occurs at the beginning of a yawn that releases tension in the throat. The full yawn brings tension). ○ Notice the downward motion of the “Adam's Apple.” This motion opens the throat and releases tension. ○ Yawn again at the back of your throat. Repeat a few times letting the throat muscles slip downward as you yawn. Then, repeat the yawn and exhale by sighing “ah” at a comfortable high note in your range that floats downward – sounding like a sigh. ● MAKE SURE YOU ALWAYS STAY HYDRATED; Whenever you know that you are going to be singing, always bring a water bottle and make sure you have access to a place where you can fill it. If you try to sing for whole rehearsal without a water, your throat is going to become super dry. You will end up pushing the sound out of your mouth and using the improper breathing techniques because you are trying harder than you should be. ● ALWAYS STRETCH BEFORE SINGING; Stretching before singing helps you loosen up and relax your body so your singing is not tight and does not sound stressed. Even simple little stretches like bending to touch your toes or stretching your upper body to the right or left. Make sure, however, that you do not ever stretch your head up because that pulls your larynx in a bad way. ● MAINTAIN A STRONG SUPPORTED POSTURE; The correct way to stand is with your feet shoulder width apart with a slight bend of the knees (do not stand with your hips popped), arms by your side (not in your pockets) and a straight back (as if someone is pulling an imaginary string at the top of your head). When sitting in a chair, sit at the front of your chair (so your back is not touching the back of the seat) with the same straight back as when standing, and make sure if you are not holding music that your hands are rested nicely in your lap. Do not sit with one leg over the other, your feet must be planted firmly on the floor. If sitting do not slouch because that hurts the way you are breathing. You are crushing your diaphragm and your core is off balance and you need both to be engaged in order to sing properly. Step 2: Best and Worst Conditions for Singing ● GET ENOUGH SLEEP; When you are tired so is your voice. You also become unaware of things that you are doing wrong. Make sure that you get a good night’s sleep, especially on the night before a performance or big audition. A tired mind is a tired body. ● IF YOU ARE SICK, DO NOT SING; When you are sick, you do not want to go to school and get everyone around you sick too. When you are sick and try to sing, you are hurting your voice even more than it already hurt. Drink tea and take medicine and do not sing until you feel 100% better. ● DO NOT SMOKE ANYTHING; Everyone hears that smoking can ruin you and probably do not want to hear is from another person but for singing, it is a crucial rule to follow. Smoking ruins your lungs and your lungs are important to singing. If your lungs are damaged, your breathing is also damaged. ● IN COLD WEATHER: Wear scarves to protect your voice, drink warm drinks (like tea or hot chocolate), and central heating/air is not your friend. When your throat is too cold, you tense up. Think of when you get goosebumps. Your body is really tensing up to create more warmth. The same thing happens to your vocal chords. ● SINGING IN COLD WEATHER OUTSIDE: Warm up your voice and self before going outside, and make sure you cover your head and throat. Take more frequent, smaller breaths through nose and mouth rather than normal. Lastly, big, gasping breaths through the mouth will tend to chill the larynx. Having a cold larynx is not a good thing for any singer. ● IN WARM/HOT WEATHER: Don’t dry out your voice, drink lots of water, and optimal humidity is around 50% and below 45% becomes a problem. When your throat is too hot it loosens up to much. Make sure that if the humidity is too low, you use a humidifier to make your larynx normal. Step 3: Singing And Your Breathing ● ENGAGE CORE AND EXPAND RIB CAGE; When you stand up straight, you need to engage your core in order to keep from slouching. Slouching, as mentioned before, crushes your diaphragm which is one of the most important organs to a singer. When you breathe in before singing, you need to make sure that you are not breathing with your shoulders, but with your ribs. Put your hands just below the chest on your rib cage and try to breathe and feel the rib cage expand. When singing, you must make sure that the rib cage always stays expanded. When the rib cage is expanded, it makes it easier to hold out notes for longer periods of time. ● BREATHE THROUGH YOUR NOSE; When you breathe through your mouth, you are at a higher risk of getting a sore throat. The air going into your lungs could make your throat hurt. When you are singing, always breathe through your mouth, but when not singing, always breathe through the nose. ● WARM UP; Now that you know how to stand/sit, relax your body, and stay hydrated, it is time to start singing. The most fatal mistake that singers make is not warming up before a performance. When you do not warm up, you are risking your chance of ruining your voice. You may not be able to sing notes that before were easy because you did not practice them in warm ups. Proper vocal technique is the most important part of being a singer. Many singers do not realize how risky it is to not do these things. Singing properly takes a lot of practice along with the proper knowledge of your body and personal limits. Keep in mind all of this information when singing and try to notice the differences between proper and improper singing. By: Elise Lowe -- contributing writer Prom night has been a tradition in high schools all across America since as early as the
late 19th century. A night in which girls dreams of being a princess in their pretty long dresses comes true while being escorted by their date. A night where guys can let loose and have fun dressed in tuxedos making it a night to remember. Through the stress and immense amount of work that high school delivers, this one night is one to look forward to. Proper preparation is key to help you plan a successful and memorable prom night for all students. 1. Pre prom fundraising: An average prom will cost anywhere between $12000-16000. If the prom cannot be paid for, the prom will not happen. Which is why class officers and their advisors have to start planning fundraisers at least nine to twelve months before the date the event is scheduled to happen. Fundraisers that bring in sufficient amounts of money combined could be a car wash with volunteers from the class and reaching out to restaurants that are willing to make deals. A car wash should take place in the summer before the prom because of the good weather. If the car wash gets pushed later than summer, the weather will be cold and rainy resulting in not many volunteers or cars wanting to stop by. Restaurant fundraising can take place in chain restaurants such a Chipotle or Chick Fil A. To do so, you can go on the chosen restaurants website and see if there are any fundraising request form to fill out and email. It is also necessary to start these fundraisers early because it takes at least two-three weeks for the restaurant to get back to the class advisor with a date and time. The money earned from fundraising helps lower the final cost for other aspects that go into planning a prom. 2. Pick Venue and date: Most people forget this is a step because it just seems like common sense. However, this is one of the most important steps for prom. Similar to fundraising, picking a date and venue for the prom has to happen about nine to twelve months in advance. You need to remember that other schools are also looking for prom venues and dates, so it is important to start early in order to find a venue that everyone will be happy with and that will occupy the amount of people expected to go. Look at a couple of different venues before choosing the perfect one for your class. Reach out to the chosen venue by either calling, emailing, or going there in person. However, keep in mind that if they do not email or call you back, try to get in touch with them again for a follow up. Once you have found the venue, it is time to consider dates for the event. First check in with your schools principal and discuss possible dates; preferably on a night where there are no school events planned or AP tests the day of that could lower prom attendance. Once you and your principal have come up with a couple of different dates, touch base with the venue to see which date works for them. Then put down a deposit on the venue (from some money fund raised) in order to confirm and save the venue and date for the prom. 3. Create invitations and decorations + food + Music + Chaperones and police: This step is also overlooked a lot of the times. It is mostly organizing and planning. First, talk to your advisors and officers to solidify a theme for the prom. Once the theme is chosen, go shopping to find decorations of materials for decorations. Most venues will provide table cloths, but you need to consider buying/making centerpieces, balloons, twinkly lights, basically anything that can be taken from a prom in a movie scene. Once you and your team have decide on a theme, create an invitation to advertise your prom! Make sure information such as the date, the address, the time and the theme is located on the invitations. Next, get back in touch with the venue to see if they have meal plans. Again, most venues do offer dinner services for their events so it is suggested to look over the options and decide which plan sounds the most appetizing and affordable. Teenagers want to dance the night away at prom, it is necessary to have a good DJ. Reach out to local DJ’s in your area that are willing to put on a good show, while playing modern music. Lastly, this step requires finding chaperones and security. Venue and school ran proms are obligated to have police at the event for any possible situation. Police need to be paid for to cover the prom, therefore, get into communication with the local police to see the cost. Chaperones do not need to be paid for. It is as simple as getting around twenty teachers from your school to come to the event and make sure everything goes as planned. If there are no chaperones, the prom might not even happen, if it does happen, teenagers could get away with doing a lot of wrong activities. 4. Ticket Pricing and Selling: No matter how much fundraising is done in the first step, ticket prices always help pay for the total cost of the prom and profit for the class funds. Now this step usually gets led on by the treasurer of the class because they are the person elected to be in charge of the money, however, if you do not have a treasurer, it is not a problem just follow the given steps. Calculate the costs of the previous steps, a.k.a., the cost of the venue, decorations, food, music, chaperones, and police. One you have a number for what was/still needs to be spent, subtract the amount of money you earned from the fundraisers from that total. The remaining amount of money is the cost that needs to be covered by the student tickets. Divide that number by the amount of students expected to attend the prom to get a ticket cost per student. In order to get a profit, add $5-10 to the student ticket. You need to be careful when adding the profit to the student tickets because if you add too little, your class barely gets any money, however, if you add too much, the tickets might be too expensive for some students lowering the attendance and possibly losing money. Start selling tickets about a month before the prom to give students time to get money and take the day off of work if needed. Tickets can be sold at lunch during school hours, this way, everyone has a chance to buy them. 5. 2 weeks before and day of preparations: You made it this far but it is not over yet. About two weeks before the event is when most venues ask for the final payments, same with the DJ. Follow up with all of the aspects that needed to be scheduled (venue, DJ, police, and chaperones) to make sure they are still planning to make it. Two weeks is not a lot of time but if one of the scheduled aspects were unable to make it (for example the DJ), it would at least give you fourteen days to find a replacement. On the day of, have at least one person who has helped plan get to the venue about twenty minutes early to make sure everything is under control and the decorations are as imagined. Planning a prom demands for a lot of hard work and organization. Nonetheless, following the five steps and proper preparation is key to help you plan a successful and memorable prom night for all students. The last unofficial step, take your planning prom hat off and put on a beautiful dress or tux then hit the dance floor! Enjoy the night that took such preparation for. By: Jennifer Maciel -- contributing writer |
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