Message from David McDonald, Band Leader

The ukulele is a wonderfully versatile and accessible instrument, offering opportunities for everyone—whether you’re a complete beginner or someone looking to improve your skills. At Clackmannanshire Ukulele Band (CUB), we believe in the power of music to bring people together, especially through an instrument as flexible and enjoyable as the ukulele.

Having personally experienced the healing power of music after recovering from multiple strokes, I understand the immense value of giving people access to musical expression. Through the ukulele, I rediscovered my connection to music and the world around me, and I want to share that experience with others.

I have had the privilege of playing with ukulele groups across the Central Belt of Scotland, alongside talented musicians, and have seen firsthand how the ukulele can bring joy to people of all ages. Unfortunately, the ukulele is often undervalued and its full potential overlooked. Too often, ukulele groups settle into a routine of just playing and singing together, which while enjoyable, can limit creativity and exploration. My belief is that the ukulele, in all its forms, has so much more to offer.

On Sunday, August 4th, 2024, I took the opportunity to act on these beliefs and decided to create a ukulele band that would embrace innovation by incorporating other instruments often overlooked in traditional groups. This marked the creation of the Clackmannanshire Ukulele Band (CUB), with the vision of a unique, creative group that would challenge the boundaries of what a ukulele band could be.

We’re actively working to take the ukulele into schools, local groups, and educational centres to make music more accessible to people across Clackmannanshire and beyond. The ukulele, with its simplicity and joy, is perfect for bringing music to individuals of all ages and backgrounds, from young children to older adults.

By integrating a variety of instruments alongside the ukulele, we aim to showcase the instrument’s full potential and encourage creativity. Our vision is to not only entertain but also support and inspire local communities through music.

By creating the Clackmannanshire Ukulele Band, we’re building not only a musical group but also a platform for creativity and community engagement. Our band will continue to grow, support local communities, and provide an exciting space for musical exploration.