If cars had names, Cheryl Waddy’s could be the Music Mobile. A ukulele, keyboard and music stand have top priority spots in the carefully organized cargo space of her SUV.
Eight years ago, she joined a local ukulele group: “The High Altitude Strummers.” Eventually, she became the director. Along with fourteen other enthusiasts, mostly retirees, they bring their joyous music to assisted living and memory care facilities in the area. Their sets change through the years. Currently, they are practicing “British Invasion” songs and other sixties era tunes. Past performances have included ‘Songs from Laurel Canyon’, ‘Show Tunes,’ ‘Love Songs,’ ‘At the Hop’ and more.
I observed them rehearsing at the Corrales Senior Center recently as they sang “It’s the time of the season…it’s the time of the season of love.” Bags and water bottles were bunched on the floor near their music stands and tapping feet. The tenderness of voices singing in unison was uplifting. One member, wearing a straw fedora hat, asked a question and then made notations on her music sheets…