Final Product

Dream Big Project Introduction

     For my first HoHum first semester Dream Big Project, I have been learning how to play the ukulele. I came into this project never having played an instrument before. Playing an instrument is something I have always wanted to learn, but with such a busy schedule, I never had a chance to learn one. So, when I was given a chance to learn something I wanted to learn, I knew right away I wanted to learn to play an instrument. However, I wasn't sure what instrument. 

     There were many different reasons I chose the ukulele. The first being that I liked that it was different. Not very many people can say they play the ukulele. Another reason is that I liked its small, portable size. If I ever wanted to bring it anywhere, it wouldn't be a problem. The main reason I chose the ukulele, however, is that I really liked the way it sounded and the memories the sound of it brings back to me. My family went to Hawaii over the summer, and I would hear people playing ukuleles all the time. There would be people playing them on the beach and at the hotels. Even restaurants and shops had Hawaiian music playing. I could tell it was a really important part of the Hawaiian culture. Now, whenever I hear it I remember all the fun times my family and I spent there.

     To show my progress, I put together a video using the app iMovie. I would take videos on my phone of me playing. It was easy to see my improvement over the course of the semester. My video, "Dream Big Project: Learning the Ukulele," is now on YouTube. By putting together this video, I also learned a lot about video editing and how to upload videos to YouTube.

     Overall, this Dream Big Project was a great experience. I really liked that I felt like I was in complete control of what I was learning. I am very grateful Mr. Bowers has given me such an amazing opportunity to do a project like this. I would recommend everyone to do something like this and get a chance to learn on their own.

     

Day 15: Ukulele

Today I filmed the last clip for my video. It is me playing the song, "Stitches" by Shawn Mendes. I played the introduction, the pre-chorus, and the chorus. The strumming pattern for the introduction is D-D, U-U, D-U and the chords are Am, C, G, and F. The pre-chorus is just one down stroke on each of the chords. The chorus has the strumming pattern D-U-D-U-D-U and the chords Am, C, G, and F. I could definitely see my improvement, because I was able to learn this song very quickly, and I filmed it perfectly on my first try. It usually takes me at least 5 tries to get a video I am happy with.

Day 14: Book

So, I finally finished my book! I really liked it, and its now one of my favorite books. I liked that I was able to relate to the book so much. I think the deepest connection I made was when Lulu wanted to quit the violin, and then when she finally quit. I really relate this event to what's happening in my life right now. I've played soccer for almost 10 years now, and I am so thankful for that. This sport has changed my life in so many ways I never thought it could and its given me amazing relationships with my teammates that I now view as family. However, I feel like this past year, the passion I once had, just isn't quite there anymore. I'm not going to quit yet, the game has done so much for me and I still love it so much, but I feel like this might be one of my last years, the same way Lulu felt about the violin. Then, Lulu quit the violin to play tennis. I feel like eventually I will end up quitting soccer to play field hockey. I just started playing this year, but I fell in love with the game the same way I fell in love with soccer. If I do end up quitting soccer, it will always have a special place in my heart, the way the violin does for Lulu.