The ukulele is making a comeback in the local school district as
a popular teachable musical instrument and extracurricular
outlet. Roosevelt Elementary music teacher Peggy Paar last week
led 26 fifth-graders, each enthusiastically singing and
strumming their four-strings to tunes such as "Frere Jacques,"
"Eight Days A Week" and "Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da." A day later,
Longfellow music teacher Will Ulrich would lead 20 sixth-,
seventh- and eighth-grade students dubbed "Uke Crazy Kids" as
they showed their club talents at the Village Green Street Fair
in the village June 2. Easy to learn So, why the resurgence in
interest among today's students for a funny little miniature
guitar, which has historic 19th Century roots and was made
somewhat popular in the mid to late 20th Century by the likes of
Arthur Godfrey and Tiny Tim? Apparently, the instrument's ease
of learning has made it a cool musical choice, say teachers and
their students. "Ukulele music is being heard more and more,"
Ulrich said. "If you listen carefull