Summer ‘Vets & Guitars/ Ukuleles’ starts June 15

The Highground will once again host its “Vets & Guitars” course, which has proved to be a meaningful experience for veterans paricipants and their instructor.

The Spring “Vets & Guitars/ Ukuleles” course had a full house—12 veterans for guitar instruction and five for ukulele.

“Music is a powerful tool in bringing joy to life. Peace and mental focus can be found almost immediately when we listen to and create music,” wrote Liz Hamilton of The Highground in a press release.

The “Vets & Guitars/ Ukuleles” course is a fun way for veterans to learn a lifelong artistic skill in the company of fellow veterans. All courses are instructed by local award-winning musician and instructor, Victoria Shoemaker, who has partnered with The Highground to develop this music program for veterans. More information on Victoria and her music performances with Peter Phippen and their band, Virginia Steel, can be found at virginiasteelmusic.com.

The acoustic guitar course is geared towards Veterans who have little to no experience or those who haven’t played in several years and would like to refresh their skills and enjoy the company of fellow veterans. The ukulele course was an exciting new addition to The Highground’s veterans programs.

“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,” said Shoemaker.

Because of generous donors, the 10-session courses are free for veterans and The Highground is able to supply the instruction, instruments and basic supplies needed for the courses. Major funding for the 2023 programs has been received from Lawrence Kizewski and grants from the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs and the Million Dollar Round Table.

It takes $150 to sponsor a veteran for the program. Those who would like to help a veteran attend this program are invited to email Theresa at museum@thehighground.us or call 715-743-4224.

The Highground is at W7031 Ridge Rd, Neillsville WI 54456. Visit thehighground.us for more information.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO