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The Highground’s Spring Vets & Guitars to Include Ukuleles

The Highground is excited to announce the Spring Vets & Guitars (and Ukulele) courses are open for registration. These 10-session courses are free for veterans and are scheduled to meet weekly on Thursdays at The Highground. Both the acoustic guitar and ukulele sessions will begin on Thursday, March 23. The ukulele course will start at 5:30pm and the guitar course will start at 7pm. The Highground will supply the instruments and basic supplies needed for beginner instruction.

Music is a powerful tool in bringing joy to life. Peace and focus can support our mental health almost immediately when we listen to and create music. The Highground’s Vets & Guitars (and ukes) course is a fun way for veterans to learn a lifelong artistic skill in the company of fellow veterans.

Vets & Guitars Instructor Victoria Shoemaker of the band Virginia Steel.

All courses will be instructed by local musician and instructor, Victoria Shoemaker. Victoria has partnered with The Highground to develop this music program for veterans which is now in its 3rd set of courses. More information on Victoria and her music performances with Peter Phippen in their band, Virginia Steel, can be found at virginiasteelmusic.com

The Acoustic Guitar course is geared toward veterans with little to no experience playing acoustic guitar or to those who have not played in several years whowould like to refresh their skills.

The Ukulele course is an exciting new addition to The Highground’s veterans programs. These fun instruments are growing in popularity. A ukulele is smaller and easier to handle for many people. According to Victoria, “The ukulele is easier for veterans that have a lack of hand strength or control to play. We wanted to offer this exciting option for veterans that have not joined the guitar course because of this…we want to reach out to more veterans with this important program.”

It is recommended that veterans sign up for the guitar or the ukulele, not both, unless they already have experience with one of the instruments. It may be difficult to begin completely new with both the ukulele and guitar at the same time.

This program is made possible because of the support and generosity of others. Major funding for the 2023 series of Vets & Guitars programs has come from grants from the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) and the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT). We also thank Jennifer Tieman and the Willard Well for raising funds and supporting this program and Ken McEwen for helping get the program off the ground.

It takes $150 to sponsor a veteran for the program. If you would like to help a veteran attend the program by sponsoring them, please contact Theresa at The Highground (contact information below).

To register for the acoustic guitar or ukulele course or for more information, please send an email to museum@thehighground.us or call Theresa at 715-743-4224.

The Highground is located at W7031 Ridge Rd, Neillsville WI 54456.