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.