Ukes On The Move! is a Carpe Diem Arts initiative introducing children (and adults!) to music-making and song-writing via the most versatile, affordable, accessible and portable instrument..THE UKULELE! This project was inspired by seeing the joy and excitement derived from learning to play an instrument -- at any stage of life.  

The primary goal of Ukes On The Move! is to bring music-making into the lives of 3rd-5th grade students -- providing them with a life skill -- at an opportune and sometimes critical time of growth and change in their lives. Extensive research has shown the direct benefits of arts engagement and music education. Test scores rise, as does the quality of life. 

Wherever possible, funds are raised in partnership with the host school or center to enable each student or participant to receive his/her own ukulele, soft case, tuner and song notebook. We are also piloting the project in after-school programs.

Another priority is to bring the ukulele into our senior centers and retirement communities as a way to engage seniors in an uplifting activity with lasting benefits.

Ukes on the Move! partnered with Artivate's "Project Youth ArtReach" to do a ukulele residency with the women's unit at the Montgomery County Correctional Facility.

Other planned outreach initiatives include programs for wounded warriors and in children's hospitals -- along with residencies to DC area French, Spanish and German immersion programs, thanks to our illustrious and multi-talented, multi-lingual teaching artists!

In December 2018, we launched a pilot ukulele program with Mary Ruth McGinn's 3rd grade class at Stedwick Elementary school with teaching artist Maureen Andary -- and in January 2019, the popular children's performing artist Devin Walker of the popular Uncle Devin Show is offering an after-school beginner ukulele program at Forest Knolls Elementary School in Montgomery County. Our hope is ultimately to have every 3rd grader in Montgomery County learn to play the ukulele and write their own songs!

For many, the experience of learning to play an instrument can serve as a springboard for success and fulfillment in other parts of life.
 
In summary, the Ukes on the Move! project offers the spark to ignite the imaginations of young and old, while also providing the experience of success in acquiring a skill that is tangible and real.