Time For Uke members (2023)
Susan Archibald
Born and raised in Flin Flon, Manitoba, Susan became a member of "Time for Uke" in 2012. After graduating from Brandon University in 1969, Susan began her teaching career in Northern Manitoba at the tender age of 19. She received her Bachelor's degree and Post Grad Diploma in the Kodaly Music Methodology shortly after. Moving out west to Victoria, Susan taught Kodaly and music theory at the Victoria Conservatory of Music, and in the B.C. public school system. Susan was introduced to playing the ukulele through workshops with Bonnie Smith and Chalmers Doane in the 1980's. She continued to teach ukulele in the Langley and Courtenay school districts before retiring in 2008. Playing the ukulele with "Time for Uke" has rekindled Susan's love of the instrument and gaining new skills. Outside of music, She is enjoying the camaraderie of the other musicians in the group. Aside from music, Susan enjoys the outdoors, "Pure Painting" classes and mostly, cherished time with her family.
Born and raised in Flin Flon, Manitoba, Susan became a member of "Time for Uke" in 2012. After graduating from Brandon University in 1969, Susan began her teaching career in Northern Manitoba at the tender age of 19. She received her Bachelor's degree and Post Grad Diploma in the Kodaly Music Methodology shortly after. Moving out west to Victoria, Susan taught Kodaly and music theory at the Victoria Conservatory of Music, and in the B.C. public school system. Susan was introduced to playing the ukulele through workshops with Bonnie Smith and Chalmers Doane in the 1980's. She continued to teach ukulele in the Langley and Courtenay school districts before retiring in 2008. Playing the ukulele with "Time for Uke" has rekindled Susan's love of the instrument and gaining new skills. Outside of music, She is enjoying the camaraderie of the other musicians in the group. Aside from music, Susan enjoys the outdoors, "Pure Painting" classes and mostly, cherished time with her family.
Sue Diederichs
One of our two newest members, Sue joined Time For Uke in 2019.
One of our two newest members, Sue joined Time For Uke in 2019.
Brenda Geddert
Brenda is one of our two newest members, having joined the group in 2019. Brenda is a retired music / primary teacher from the Campbell River school district. Besides singing and practicing her ukulele, Brenda enjoys reading, sewing and walking. Brenda and her husband are also avid travellers and have visited over 30 countries world wide.
Brenda is one of our two newest members, having joined the group in 2019. Brenda is a retired music / primary teacher from the Campbell River school district. Besides singing and practicing her ukulele, Brenda enjoys reading, sewing and walking. Brenda and her husband are also avid travellers and have visited over 30 countries world wide.
Donna Griffiths
Donna was first introduced to the ukulele when she moved to the Comox Valley in 1981 and attended a school district "Uke Fest". Impressed by the joy the students had playing and singing together, the ukulele quickly became a part of her intermediate music program in the schools. Since her retirement, Donna continues to play the ukulele, developing and honing her playing skills. She particularly enjoys the "Time For Uke" group for the mentoring and sharing of musical ideas and skills. Aside from ukulele, Donna fills her days with committee work, making Aids Angels, CV Piano Society and more recently helping at Courtenay Uke Jam.
Donna was first introduced to the ukulele when she moved to the Comox Valley in 1981 and attended a school district "Uke Fest". Impressed by the joy the students had playing and singing together, the ukulele quickly became a part of her intermediate music program in the schools. Since her retirement, Donna continues to play the ukulele, developing and honing her playing skills. She particularly enjoys the "Time For Uke" group for the mentoring and sharing of musical ideas and skills. Aside from ukulele, Donna fills her days with committee work, making Aids Angels, CV Piano Society and more recently helping at Courtenay Uke Jam.
Lynn Hodge
Lynn first picked up a ukulele at a University of Victoria music education class with Bonnie Smith in 1976. Throughout years of teaching elementary music in Trail, Calgary, and Courtenay, Lynn shared her love of singing, strumming and picking with probably thousands of students. However it wasn't until after retiring that Lynn began to work on improving her ukulele skills with her colleagues and friends in Time For Uke. It continues to be a wonderful and amazing journey. Lynn enjoys travelling with husband Terry, playing pickleball, and being an active member of the local theatre scene. She juggles ukulele gigs with the latest theatre commitment (whether it is a role on stage or as a vocal director in a musical).
Lynn first picked up a ukulele at a University of Victoria music education class with Bonnie Smith in 1976. Throughout years of teaching elementary music in Trail, Calgary, and Courtenay, Lynn shared her love of singing, strumming and picking with probably thousands of students. However it wasn't until after retiring that Lynn began to work on improving her ukulele skills with her colleagues and friends in Time For Uke. It continues to be a wonderful and amazing journey. Lynn enjoys travelling with husband Terry, playing pickleball, and being an active member of the local theatre scene. She juggles ukulele gigs with the latest theatre commitment (whether it is a role on stage or as a vocal director in a musical).
Beth Hopkins
Starting at an early age, Beth's father introduced a few basic chords to her on his Harmony Ukulele, and she was thrilled to be able to participate with other family members and musicians at parties and picnics. Realizing the potential of making music with the instrument, Beth easily utilized it in her primary classes as she began her teaching career, strumming and singing with her students. In 1985 Beth studied ukulele with Lorna McPhee in a university credit course offered at C.Y.M.C., and embraced the ability to read music notation and play melodies on the ukulele, beyond just "simple strumming". Beth has also attended workshops with Canadian ukulele notables such as Chalmers Doane, Bonnie Smith, Marven Shields and James Hill. Hundreds of students were introduced to the ukulele through the music program at Brooklyn Elementary School during Beth's lengthy teaching career. Presently, Beth continues to build on her solo playing skills by attending workshops throughout North America and being an important member of the"Time For Uke" group.
Starting at an early age, Beth's father introduced a few basic chords to her on his Harmony Ukulele, and she was thrilled to be able to participate with other family members and musicians at parties and picnics. Realizing the potential of making music with the instrument, Beth easily utilized it in her primary classes as she began her teaching career, strumming and singing with her students. In 1985 Beth studied ukulele with Lorna McPhee in a university credit course offered at C.Y.M.C., and embraced the ability to read music notation and play melodies on the ukulele, beyond just "simple strumming". Beth has also attended workshops with Canadian ukulele notables such as Chalmers Doane, Bonnie Smith, Marven Shields and James Hill. Hundreds of students were introduced to the ukulele through the music program at Brooklyn Elementary School during Beth's lengthy teaching career. Presently, Beth continues to build on her solo playing skills by attending workshops throughout North America and being an important member of the"Time For Uke" group.
Linda Safford
Linda began her teaching career as a music teacher in the Comox Valley in 1977. She is a current member of the Comox Valley Celebration Singers, and has also directed both children's and adult choirs. Her music portfolio also includes piano and guitar instruction. In recent years, Linda has released a CD of her original songs. Produced by Todd Butler, it features many local Comox Valley musicians. Linda has performed as a soloist, and in other combinations of groups, including the “Fabulous Ms. Adventures”, a five-member feminist musical comedy revue. She brings her musical talents to "Time For Uke", and still enjoys making music with friends. Outside of music, Linda is an active environmentalist, and a passionate advocate for participatory democracy…..and…..walking with her dog in the woods and forests around Cumberland.
Linda began her teaching career as a music teacher in the Comox Valley in 1977. She is a current member of the Comox Valley Celebration Singers, and has also directed both children's and adult choirs. Her music portfolio also includes piano and guitar instruction. In recent years, Linda has released a CD of her original songs. Produced by Todd Butler, it features many local Comox Valley musicians. Linda has performed as a soloist, and in other combinations of groups, including the “Fabulous Ms. Adventures”, a five-member feminist musical comedy revue. She brings her musical talents to "Time For Uke", and still enjoys making music with friends. Outside of music, Linda is an active environmentalist, and a passionate advocate for participatory democracy…..and…..walking with her dog in the woods and forests around Cumberland.
Charlene Sequeira
Charlene is one of three Campbell River musicians that play with Time For Uke each week. Joining the group in the fall of 2016, Charlene is also a retired music teacher and co-directs the Pacifica Ukes with her husband, Vince. She began her teaching career in 1979 in Campbell River after graduating from the University of Victoria, and has been involved with various music groups in the Campbell River community, including several elementary school ukulele groups. Her favourite pastime is spending precious moments with her nine grandchildren and two beloved cats.
Charlene is one of three Campbell River musicians that play with Time For Uke each week. Joining the group in the fall of 2016, Charlene is also a retired music teacher and co-directs the Pacifica Ukes with her husband, Vince. She began her teaching career in 1979 in Campbell River after graduating from the University of Victoria, and has been involved with various music groups in the Campbell River community, including several elementary school ukulele groups. Her favourite pastime is spending precious moments with her nine grandchildren and two beloved cats.
David Hopkins
David is our sound engineer in the group and his skills and expertise helps us to achieve a proper, balanced blend in our vocals and instrumentals. He enjoys all kinds of music and remains one of our biggest fans. Although he owns a uke and started playing a few years ago, a broken hand and too much skiing and gardening got in the way! As a teenager in cadets, he could be depended upon to keep perfect time as squadron leader when marching in parades. David has been a member of many choirs and enjoys singing in social settings but his preference is to be in the background controlling the sound and clapping enthusiastically for his favourite tunes performed by the group. David's mechanical and electrical skills are very much appreciated by the group.
David is our sound engineer in the group and his skills and expertise helps us to achieve a proper, balanced blend in our vocals and instrumentals. He enjoys all kinds of music and remains one of our biggest fans. Although he owns a uke and started playing a few years ago, a broken hand and too much skiing and gardening got in the way! As a teenager in cadets, he could be depended upon to keep perfect time as squadron leader when marching in parades. David has been a member of many choirs and enjoys singing in social settings but his preference is to be in the background controlling the sound and clapping enthusiastically for his favourite tunes performed by the group. David's mechanical and electrical skills are very much appreciated by the group.
Vince Sequeira
Vince (Vicente) and his wife Charlene joins the group each week from Campbell River, 45 minutes further north. After 32 years as a band director and music teacher in the public schools, Vince now enjoys playing and performing with Time For Uke. He continues to direct the highly acclaimed Pacifica Ukes ukulele ensembles along with his wife, Charlene. As a former Doane Ukulele clinician and staff member, he is often requested to give workshops for students and teachers throughout the province. Vince holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree with a major in composition and orchestration. He is Time For Ukes' music arranger for much of the music the group enjoys playing. When not involved in music, Vince can be seen on the job at various track venues in the province as an internationally certified Athletics Canada Track & Field official.
Vince (Vicente) and his wife Charlene joins the group each week from Campbell River, 45 minutes further north. After 32 years as a band director and music teacher in the public schools, Vince now enjoys playing and performing with Time For Uke. He continues to direct the highly acclaimed Pacifica Ukes ukulele ensembles along with his wife, Charlene. As a former Doane Ukulele clinician and staff member, he is often requested to give workshops for students and teachers throughout the province. Vince holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree with a major in composition and orchestration. He is Time For Ukes' music arranger for much of the music the group enjoys playing. When not involved in music, Vince can be seen on the job at various track venues in the province as an internationally certified Athletics Canada Track & Field official.
Al West
Al is the bass (the biggest UKE) player in the group. While he has tried his hand at other instruments, including the clarinet, violin, flute, cello, tuba, trombone, 4 string banjo, and classical guitar (which endures to this day), he always reverted back to his first love - the Bass. Since arriving in the Comox Valley about 8 years ago, Al has played bass in several jazz and old time fiddle groups, as well as the Strathcona Orchestra and the Comox Valley Concert Band. Some highlights include playing in musicals such as "Singin' in the Rain, Les Miserables, Anne of Green Gables. Outside of music, Al spends time at the Habitat Restore, testing and repairing whatever comes in, sawing boards and hammering nails… hopefully not his own! His skills with small woodworking projects include a couple of small boats. Al also enjoys cycling on nice days, but not with a bass in tow.
Al is the bass (the biggest UKE) player in the group. While he has tried his hand at other instruments, including the clarinet, violin, flute, cello, tuba, trombone, 4 string banjo, and classical guitar (which endures to this day), he always reverted back to his first love - the Bass. Since arriving in the Comox Valley about 8 years ago, Al has played bass in several jazz and old time fiddle groups, as well as the Strathcona Orchestra and the Comox Valley Concert Band. Some highlights include playing in musicals such as "Singin' in the Rain, Les Miserables, Anne of Green Gables. Outside of music, Al spends time at the Habitat Restore, testing and repairing whatever comes in, sawing boards and hammering nails… hopefully not his own! His skills with small woodworking projects include a couple of small boats. Al also enjoys cycling on nice days, but not with a bass in tow.
"Retired" Members:
Gladys Schmidt (officially "retired" from performing with Time For Uke in 2020)
As a young child growing up in Saskatchewan, Gladys taught herself to play the pump organ until her parents gave in to her insistence to take formal piano lessons. Her involvement in the church choir also helped lay the foundations of music literacy and harmony. This would be further reinforced during her years at the University of Saskatchewan where she pursued her teaching degree. After moving to Courtenay, B.C., Gladys took a Ukulele techniques course with B.C. Ukulele pioneer, Bonnie Smith, and from then onwards, used the ukulele in her grade 5 and 6 music classes. As an itinerant music teacher in SD#71, Gladys was greatly influenced by Canadian Ukulele expert, Chalmers Doane and fellow teaching colleague, Beth Hopkins. When not playing her ukulele, Gladys enjoys her time in the great outdoors, being active in skiing, cycling, hiking and backpacking. Her quilting skills, and spending precious time with her two grandsons are also priorities in her life. Today, as a retired member of Time For Uke, Gladys enjoys her quiet, but still busy life with her husband Ken at home.
As a young child growing up in Saskatchewan, Gladys taught herself to play the pump organ until her parents gave in to her insistence to take formal piano lessons. Her involvement in the church choir also helped lay the foundations of music literacy and harmony. This would be further reinforced during her years at the University of Saskatchewan where she pursued her teaching degree. After moving to Courtenay, B.C., Gladys took a Ukulele techniques course with B.C. Ukulele pioneer, Bonnie Smith, and from then onwards, used the ukulele in her grade 5 and 6 music classes. As an itinerant music teacher in SD#71, Gladys was greatly influenced by Canadian Ukulele expert, Chalmers Doane and fellow teaching colleague, Beth Hopkins. When not playing her ukulele, Gladys enjoys her time in the great outdoors, being active in skiing, cycling, hiking and backpacking. Her quilting skills, and spending precious time with her two grandsons are also priorities in her life. Today, as a retired member of Time For Uke, Gladys enjoys her quiet, but still busy life with her husband Ken at home.
