Joyful Strums at Wesley Commons: The Story of the UNIQ’ULELES
At the heart of Wesley Commons Continuing Care Retirement Community,something joyful is in the air — and it’s not just the aroma of fresh coffee orthe morning strolls through the community garden. It’s music. Specifically, thecheerful strumming of ukuleles, played by a group of residents who are provingthat it’s never too late to learn something new.
Every Thursday afternoon, laughter and music drift from the commons area,where about a dozen residents gather for their weekly ukulele class. What beganas one resident’s personal passion has blossomed into a full-fledged musicalmovement.
The ukulele, often affectionately called the “uke,” is a tiny stringedinstrument with a big personality. Originating in Hawaii in the late 19thcentury, this cheerful little instrument has captured the hearts of musiciansand novices alike around the world — and it’s easy to see why.
The weekly class is led by Sue Weiner, a Wesley Commons resident who firstpicked up the ukulele during a cruise to Hawaii celebrating her husband’s 70thbirthday. Inspired by the joy the instrument brought her, Sue started a ukulelegroup after moving to Wesley Commons. Residents quickly signed up to learn, andthe group has grown ever since. Members range in age from their mid-70s to 95 —and most had never played an instrument before. Their weekly Sing-Alongfeatures a mix of Tin Pan Alley favorites, folk tunes, ballads, love songs, and60s music — a truly eclectic mix. Songbooks are shared and everyone is welcome.
“The ukulele is perfect for beginners,” Sue says. “Playing any instrument isgood for the brain and the soul, and the ukulele has some special advantages.It’s small, portable, affordable, relatively easy to learn — and best of all,you don’t even need to know how to read music!”
For many, the class is more than a hobby — it’s a lifeline to socialconnection, cognitive stimulation, and emotional well-being. Studies show thatplaying an instrument like the ukulele has surprising health benefits. It canboost memory, improve coordination, reduce stress, and enhance emotionalwell-being. For seniors especially, it offers vital cognitive stimulation andsocial engagement to help maintain a healthy, active lifestyle.
“The ukulele class is more than just learning an instrument — it’s aboutbuilding community, sparking joy, and enriching lives. Watching our residentsdiscover new skills, connect with each other, and share their music is trulyrewarding,” says Life Enrichment Director Justin Jenkins.
One of the group’s favorite activities is bringing their music to those whocan’t easily get out. They perform for residents in the on-campus Memory Care,Assisted Living, and Health and Rehab Center, as well as off-campus at placeslike Greenwood Regional Rehab Hospital and a local church’s senior programs.Visits are often timed around holidays, complete with festive decorations andthemed music to brighten everyone’s day.
Having been going strong for over four years, the group officially adoptedthe name Wesley Commons UNIQ’ULELES.Today, they’re even joined by a bassist and a percussionist, adding extrarhythm and depth to their cheerful tunes.
“Making music brings our group great joy, not just in playing but in sharingit with others. We enjoy endless camaraderie among ourselves,” Sue shares.
Today, the cheerful strums of the ukulele continue to echo through the halls— a sound that reminds everyone at Wesley Commons that learning never ends andthat joy, like music, is timeless.
