Jeanette Perez never imagined that picking up a ukulele would lead to a classroom full of eager students. Now, she’s helping Winnipeg seniors discover the joy of music and reminding them that it’s never too late to learn something new.
Perez immigrated to Canada in 2015 and was looking for ways to fit in.
“I’ve always been musically inclined, but I couldn’t pursue that here when I arrived because I had to find a job and get us settled,” said Perez. “Eventually, I connected with some Filipinos and some organizations that went into promoting and sustaining the Filipino culture.”
Perez joined the Philippine Heritage Council of Manitoba as secretary and the Filipino Music and Arts Association of Canada, also as secretary.
Finding her musical voice
Perez learned to play piano back home, but when she arrived in Canada, she did not have access to one. Her son owned a ukulele, and during the COVID-19 pandemic she decided to try it out.
“It was not too difficult for me because I played the piano already and the guitar,” said Perez. “So I got to singing old songs. And then I tried to set a goal every week. I had to have one song that’s good enough to be recorded and posted online every week.”
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The Filipino community was drawn to her weekly performances, and eventually she was asked to perform at various events and programs.
“When I was performing, I saw them singing and dancing at the back in the crowd,” said Perez. “So I said, ‘Oh, so this is how my music affects them. It brings happiness to them.’ So I continued.”
Music brings people together
A few years ago, someone from the Filipino Seniors Hall asked if she was interested in teaching ukulele.
“I gladly said yes,” said Perez. “It was a way to give back to the community, and also because I am a senior myself, I want them to be able to enjoy what I do in my spare time. Make them feel important to their family.”
She now teaches ukulele twice a month at the Filipino Seniors Hall at 49 Euclid Avenue. About 40 people attend the classes, ranging in age from 50 to over 80.
Giving back through music
“My favourite part is making an impact on their lives. We can just leave this world at any time. We don’t really know,” said Perez. “I hope for them that they realize that their talents, when they share them, can impact the community and make people happy.”
Anyone interested in joining or learning more about the Ukulele Filipino Club can email Jeanette at perez.jeanette@gmail.com or ukulelefilipinoclub@gmail.com.