Making Music, Building Community

An unlikely instrument, the ukulele, has brought several UTA Libraries staff members together to share their love of music but has had an added side-effect. It has created a stronger community within the workplace.  

Sunday Phillips, a metadata supervisor, stated she started playing the ukulele during the pandemic. She thought the instrument would be an excellent way to bring people together to have fun in the workplace.  

"My daughter left a ukulele at home. She plays the violin and the viola. In her spare time, she bought a ukulele and thought she would play it. I thought, 'Let me pick this up,' and I did," Sunday said. "I remember Gretchen Trkay challenging me to teach a beginner ukulele class when we were still all working remotely."   

Sunday shared that the ukulele is an affordable instrument, with many online resources on sites like YouTube that anyone can access to learn how to play. Ukuleles range in price on Amazon from $25 to $200.  

Morgan Brickey-Jones, Director of Community Engagement, shared that it was the chance to get to know her fellow co-workers better that drew her to the group.  

"I was in the band in high school; I have a music background and like to sing. Adding the ukulele is just a fringe benefit," Morgan said. "For me, it was just mainly getting together with the group to play and sing during the day."   

Morgan shared that the ukulele is a forgiving instrument for people learning to play.  

As the group practiced and honed their talents, they learned several songs. Two of the most notable ones were made famous by The Beatles. These songs include "When I'm Sixty-Four" and "Octopus's Garden."  

The cover of these songs performed by the seven musicians gives a unique and colorful sound to these classic tunes.  

Fellow group member Amy Castillo, director of access and discovery, stated it's not just about the music but the people in the group.  

  "I get to talk with folks that I normally don't see on a day-to-day basis," Amy said. "It is nice."  

People who are interested in joining the group can contact Sunday at sunday@uta.edu.