Strumming a Decade of Harmony: Ukulele Orchestra of St. Andrews Celebrates 10th Anniversary

PANAMA CITY, FL - A musical journey that began as a modest gathering of Bay County music enthusiasts strumming ukuleles in 2013 has blossomed into a harmonious celebration of its 10th anniversary. The Ukulele Orchestra of St. Andrews, founded by Ron and Julie Merritt, has not only grown in numbers and diversity but has also expanded its outreach, offering a helping hand to aspiring musicians and educators.

Julie Merritt, was quoted reminiscing about their early days, saying, "Initially, we would play and sing along to some classic old tunes." Little did they know that their love for this small, versatile instrument would spark a musical revolution in their community.

Over the past decade, the Ukulele Orchestra of St. Andrews has evolved into a vibrant family of musicians, where the ukulele is just one of many instruments that find a place. Trumpets, guitars, bass guitar, bass fiddle, flutes, drums, harmonicas, and dobros are now part of the eclectic ensemble, truly living up to their name as an orchestra. Mary Jo Howard, the orchestra's secretary, expressed, "It is truly an orchestra in every sense."

What sets this musical collective apart is not just their versatile repertoire, which ranges from classical ukulele tunes to rock and roll, blues, folk, and cabaret, but also their commitment to giving back. The orchestra frequently performs at venues across the Panhandle, using the proceeds from these events for their outreach programs.

Through a combination of donations, special events, and tips, the Ukulele Orchestra of St. Andrews (UOSA) has been able to give back to the community in a big way. They provide ukuleles and support for music education and performances at local schools, civic groups, and even the local library.

In addition to this, the orchestra has a grant program aimed at assisting groups, schools, or budding musicians with essential musical supplies to kickstart their musical and arts journeys. For details on this program, interested parties can contact the Ukulele Orchestra of St. Andrews at strum@standrewsukes.org.

To stay updated with their events and activities, you can visit their Facebook page at facebook.com/standrewsukes or their website at www.standrewsukes.org.

As they celebrate a decade of music and community, the Ukulele Orchestra of St. Andrews looks forward to the future with an unwavering commitment to sharing the love of music and supporting the musical aspirations of those in Bay County and beyond. UOSA's priorities are to have fun and to support music and the arts in Bay County. This 10th anniversary is not just a milestone; it's a testament to the enduring power of music to bring people together and make a positive impact on their community.

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