Sen Hua Tang Kan Le Zhu Ukulele Group started out with just about 20 people but has swelled to some 200 members now. - LH TANG
The story of the Sen Hua Tang Kan Le Zhu Ukulele Group began about eight years ago when music teacher/enthusiast Chu Fong Chon decided to introduce the ukulele to his community.
“I started this group as part of the recreational activities offered by the Sen Hua Tang Kan Le Zhu because the ukulele is one of the easiest instruments in the world to learn,” said Chu, in an interview at the Chinese Assembly Hall in Seremban recently. Despite his background in brass and woodwind instruments and school bands, Chu recognised the appeal of the ukulele for beginners.
“Even those without any basic knowledge in music find it very easy to learn it,” he said.
Chu’s ukulele journey started with an invitation to Lim Kean Huat, a master of string instruments, to teach him and a few other local teachers in Seremban. The simplicity of the instrument encouraged the group to move forward quickly.
“By learning three basic chords, we were already able to play.”
However, the ukulele classes initially had a modest start.
Chu explained, “Our first group had only about 20 people. But after Covid, we moved to this new venue, and things began to change dramatically.”
The group’s relocation to the Sen Hua Tang Hall saw its membership swell to around 200 people.
“The first batch had 50 to 60 students, but it grew steadily. We now have classes for both adults and children, with separate groups for new and returning students.”
The rapid growth of the programme was supported by dedicated volunteers, many of whom are retired teachers.
One of the teachers, Bryan Chin, 56, emphasised the sense of community within the group.
“The vibe is very good,” said Chin. “We can chit-chat and make friends easily. It’s not just about the music; it’s about connecting with people.”
Another teacher, Lee Hoong Wai, 54, who also teaches piano at the Hammond Academy of Music, described the group as “a great way to spread the love of music in a relaxed, joyful environment.”
In addition to the volunteer teachers, ukulele instructors Kelly Teh from Kuala Lumpur and Danny Lam from Segamat, Johor, travel to Seremban every month to give lessons to the group. Both serve as Ukulele Educational Advisors for the Ukulele Group. Chu said: “Kelly and Danny are good in this field so they are able to help raise the standard of our students here.”
An avid ukulele player, Teh, 61, enjoys promoting ukulele music and is happy to travel to Seremban to teach.
She said: “I believe it is so important to keep the brain active, and what better way than to use music to sharpen the memory and improve brain health? I think singing, practising and performing keeps us young at heart. I also enjoy teaching this group new songs to play.”
Chu’s ukulele journey started with an invitation byLim Kean Huat, a master of string instruments, who began teaching him and a few other local teachers in Seremban.
Strong bonds
Among the group’s senior members, some have been long-time friends with Chu. One such member is Tan Kang Hoi, 78, who met Chu in 1968 through their involvement with the St. John Ambulance back in the day.
“I’m not really a music person, but I’m close friends with Chu. We’re also distant relatives, so when he asked me to join, I thought, why not?” said Tan.
His long friendship with Chu highlights the community-driven nature of the group, where bonds are as strong as the music they play.
For others like Tony Chan, 68, who works as a tailor and is allegedly the town’s “king of karaoke”, the ukulele offers a way to stay mentally sharp.
“Lifelong learning is so important,” said Chan. “Playing the ukulele keeps me active and young. I have a beautiful life, and I want to keep it that way.”
Chan’s sentiment reflects a common theme among the group’s older members, who see music not just as a hobby but as a means to maintain their well-being.
Tan Lee Lan, 65, and her friend of 30 years, Teo Kwee Lan, 67, also joined the group to enrich their social lives. “We go on vacations together, and the ukulele has brought us even closer,” said Tan. Teo echoed her friend’s thoughts, saying, “I feel younger when I sing and play. It’s something I really enjoy, especially the golden oldies.” Teo, a grandmother of three, finds joy in practising at home and engaging in other activities that the Sen Hua Tang Kan Le Zhu offers like calligraphy.
“I’m enjoying my retired life, and I really enjoy occupying my time with fruitful, creative activities like music and calligraphy,” she said. “Every Sunday from 1pm to 6pm, without fail, you’ll find me at the hall. It’s my time to relax and have fun.”
Teo and the other members are particularly grateful to Chu and the volunteer teachers who make the group possible. “Without them, we wouldn’t have this opportunity,” she said. “They generously give their time and effort, and we’re all very thankful.”
The group doesn’t just focus on weekly lessons. Performances are a key part of their activities, with invitations to various events growing every year.
“We’ve also expanded into kindergartens and elementary schools to get more children involved,” Chu said. This effort to engage younger students is crucial for ensuring the longevity of the programme.
“We want to make sure the seeds of music don’t get buried,” he explained.
The members of the Ukulele group have not only learnt to play the instrument but formed social bonds in their golden years. - ANN MARIE CHANDY
Music for all
One of the unique aspects of this programme is its inclusivity.
“Music education in Malaysia started in the 1980s through the Kurikulum Baru Sekolah Rendah,” Chu reflected. “Back then, however, most schools didn’t focus on music because other subjects like mathematics and science took priority.”
He noted that while there are many private music schools, these are often expensive and inaccessible to lower-income families.
“What we’re doing here is different. This programme is affordable – just RM10 per month – to cover basic costs for electricity and air-conditioning.”
Apart from classes at the Sen Hua Tang Kan Le Zhu, Chu has also been key in promoting the ukulele among low-income and underprivileged groups in Seremban and other areas. Together with the volunteer teachers, he has introduced music to children from low-income families, helping them experience the joy of music.
Chu began his music journey playing bugle for the Chan Wa Chinese School band six decades ago. In 1971, he began studying conducting, music theory, and training. By 1975, he joined the Music Teacher Training Institute’s band programme, and after graduating, he continued his career in music education and band formation.
Tan (left), and her friend of 30 years, Teo joined the group to enrich their social lives.
At 73, he firmly believes in the broader benefits of music. “Music trains the right brain, the creative side, and makes people happier,” he said. “Happiness and health are the two most important things in life. Without them, we are nothing.”
He emphasised that many elderly participants join the group not only to learn music but also for the emotional and social benefits. “For older people, music helps prevent loneliness and keeps them mentally active. When they sing and play, they feel happy. In my younger days, I would listen to pop hits, even by bands like the Beatles and the BeeGees. But these days I prefer listening to classics and old hits.”
Looking to the future, he is optimistic. “The response has been so good, and we plan to keep going,” he said. “We’re even thinking of setting up branches in other regions to spread the love of music even further.”
The group’s biggest milestone yet is the upcoming 7th Malaysia Ukulele Festival, which will be held on Dec 7 and 8, at Seremban Prima Mall.
The Malaysia Ukulele Festival has consistently been a platform for showcasing ukulele talents from all levels, offering workshops, performances and opportunities for networking among musicians. This marks the first time the festival will be held outside Kuala Lumpur.
“We’re co-organising the event with the Persatuan Pencinta Muzik Ukulele Malaysia,” Chu said. The festival is expected to attract ukulele enthusiasts from across the country, especially from southern states like Johor and Melaka.
“It’s a great opportunity for the community to come together, showcase their talents and deepen their appreciation for the ukulele.”
For Chu and the Sen Hua Tang Kan Le Zhu Ukulele Group, the ukulele has become more than just an instrument – it’s a way of life. He aptly sums up: “It brings people together, nurtures friendships and creates lasting memories. Music has a magical way of enriching lives, and we’re proud to be part of that journey.”
