Welcome to the Hawaii Ukulele Ensemble
Expanding the boundaries of ukulele music… one part at a time
Ready for a new ukulele sound?
The Hawaii Ukulele Ensemble (HUE) brings a new approach to ukulele music, creating a rich, layered sound by playing music with multiple parts in precise harmony. Such complex sound is not usually associated with the simple ukulele, and audiences are astounded by HUE’s arrangements of familiar compositions, from classical to classic rock.
We are a group with humble beginnings and diverse backgrounds. One thing we all have in common is a life-long love of music. Many of us met for the first time in an ukulele class for seniors. Since then, we’ve grown into a band of like-minded musicians, driven by a desire to challenge both ourselves and the instrument that brought us together.
Next Performance
Saturday 3pm
April 6th, 2024
Kona United Methodist Church
Kailua Kona, HI
Our Story
“Is there anything more advanced than strumming and picking?”
Kailua-Kona residents Tom Russell and Shirley Pratt founded the Hawaii Ukulele Ensemble in 2018 after asking themselves a simple question. After strumming and picking and kanikapila… what’s next?
Both Tom and Shirley grew up playing instruments and performing with groups. Shirley played piano competitively. Tom had a formal music education, studying Music Composition and Theory, and Music Instruction. Together, they knew they had a solid foundation to try something unique in the Big Island music scene.
The Concept
Create symphonic sound from many ukuleles playing different music parts. Each part contributes to the overall sound, with overlapping harmonies creating a more complete whole.
Orchestrated music, or music with multiple parts, is typically written for symphony or band instruments, not ukuleles. Nevertheless, with the popularity of ukuleles here in Hawaii, it seemed natural to extend ukulele music in a similar direction. The main challenge was coming up with the music to do so!
The two founders write their own arrangements of popular music. They draw inspiration from pop, rock, jazz, folk songs and even classical music. There are usually three or four distinct ukulele parts, plus bass and percussion parts. The arrangements integrate fingerpicking techniques, complex rhythms and strum patterns, as well as intricate dynamics and phrasing.
Check Out HUE!