A Stormtrooper Walks Into A Ukulele Concert

A stormtrooper walks into a ukulele concert, that’s no punchline, It’s just what you can expect to see if you happen to go to a Rocky Mountain Ukulele Concert.

Comprised of 80+ ukulele enthusiasts, the Rocky Mountain Ukulele Orchestra is an eclectic group nestled in the heart of Lakewood, Colorado. It’s a group I have been lucky enough to be a member of for the past three years.

While the word “orchestra” might usually bring visuals of stiff-postured, black-cladded musicians to mind, ours is anything but that.

Over the past few years, our concert themes have ranged from “Ukuleles in Space” (hence, the stormtrooper) to “Disney Favorites” to “Classical/Jazz”; it wouldn’t be strange to hear a full orchestra cover of Lady Gaga, a solo from your favorite Disney film, or even an original song composed by an orchestra member themselves at any given concert.

As far as costumes are concerned, well, if a song calls for a “Purple People Eater” you can bet you’re going to see an interpretation of that on stage as well.

For me, one of the most beautiful things about the orchestra is that it is inclusive to all walks of life. We have members who are 8 years old to 70+. There are incredibly talented players and very, very mediocre players (myself included), but the experience gives everyone, no matter their ability (or lack thereof) a stage to express themselves. There is something liberating about being a part of a community that isn’t seeking fame or recognition--we have the freedom to do our own thing and there is no Simon Cowell there to judge us.

Before Joining the orchestra, I had always gravitated towards people with musical ability, especially when it came to boyfriends, so when it came to learning an instrument myself, I felt an overwhelming sense of imposter syndrome. I’m not an actual musician-- He/she/they have been playing since they were a kid… I’ll never be as good as they are, so why try?

It can feel really scary to overcome those kinds of thoughts, they swarm, they buzz, and sometimes, they even sting. I found myself daydreaming about "what ifs" What if I suck? What if I can't do it? What if Israel Kamakawiwoʻole himself comes out of his grave to haunt me for how badly I butcher "Over the Rainbow"? (Intrusive thoughts can be wild)

It takes a lot of force to ignore your inner pessimist, but I finally took the risk. I bought myself the crappiest, seafoamiest ukulele on Amazon and took to the ultimate master of teaching--Yoda, just kidding, it was YouTube.

Playing the uke became my (and my cat’s) little secret. I watched video after video of beginner tutorials, and I clunked my way through them with absolutely zero pizzazz. I knew I stunk, but it was the first time I was able to beat the rut of perfectionism and just DO THE DAMN THING!

When I finally mustered up enough courage to tell people about my newfound hobby, not everyone was that impressed that I was teaching myself to play a “child’s instrument” . I was often met with comments like, “Oh, I just bought my three old a ukulele!” or “My daughter just graduated from ukulele to mandolin” These comments weren’t meant to be hurtful, but it was clear that ukulele was something people expected one to “graduate” from. Comments like these started in with those intrusive thoughts all over again. "is this worth it? "should I keep going?"

I knew I couldn't keep being so afraid of these thoughts; I'd already given them so much power over much of my life. It was time to find a supportive community, and despite being nervous as heck, I showed up to a rehearsal with 80 strangers.

I was in an orchestra for the first time, and I didn't know the first thing about reading sheet music. I remember feeling like I wasn't good enough to be there, like there was a secret bouncer who at any moment was going to spot me, pluck me out of my seat, and kick me out.

At the same time, I felt proud that I, always the friend to musicians, never the musician, was in an actual, real-life orchestra.

It never stopped being hard. I still feel those inklings of not being good enough from time to time, but playing has allowed me to slow down, have fun with the struggle, and just embrace the process.

I know so many people who seemingly fell into their passions so naturally and organically that you’d think that they found them in a Whole Foods. It took me a while to realize that maybe it doesn’t happen that way for everyone. For me, it took a little (lotta) force to get out of my own head, and I’m here to say... the force is probably with you, too.

If you want to know more about the Ukulele Orchestra you can check out the website Ukuleleorchestra.org or https://jollyrogerukulele.com/. Our fearless leader/conductor, Gary Jugert, deserves all the recognition in the world for all that he does to spread the joy of ukulele.

If you enjoyed this article, please tap the heart icon. It takes courage to branch out of your comfort zone; I did it with ukulele, and now I’m trying it with my writing as well.