With Drury University’s focus on community service and involvement, it is no surprise that Drury’s ukelele club, DUkes, works hard to spread their music, joy and message beyond campus.

On Sept. 19, DUkes traveled to the Humansville Fall Festival, entering a float and playing a handful of songs to share their music, including “Sweet Caroline” and “Tequila.” The troupe ended up winning first place at the festival for their performance.

“We didn’t necessarily go to the parade to compete, but it was such a fun surprise to win first place!” said freshman member Irelynn Holst. Holst is majoring in music therapy with a minor in theatre.

“We played kazoos during ‘Tequila’ while we strummed our ukuleles,” Holst continued. “Instead of ‘tequila,’ we would shout, ‘ukulele!’ It was a wonderful way to spend the weekend!”

Giving a sense of community

The organization can be found at many Drury events like the Student Activities Fair, Family Day and playing the national anthem at basketball games. The members of DUkes work hard to make their space upbeat and open.

DUkes at Humansville Fall Fest (Photo via Delilah Gadd).

“It was one of the first clubs at Drury I got involved with,” said DUkes president Esther George. “When life gets really stressful, I can always count on going to DUkes on Tuesday afternoons to unwind and just jam out.”

George is a junior majoring in biology and theatre. She has been a member of the organization for all of her three years at Drury.

“I love DUkes so much. The people I’ve met and relationships I’ve made have really shaped my college career in an insanely positive way,” George continued. “It’s also given me a lot more confidence in my music.”

“This club has given me a fun environment to musically express myself with other ukulele players. Thanks to DUkes, I’ve been able to meet many supportive and wonderful friends,” Holst said.

In addition to their campus presence, DUkes has been recognized for their community engagement at the Drury Presidential Spotlight Awards and, according to their page on the Drury website, have reached over 12,000 people with their performances around Springfield.

DUkes meet from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on Tuesdays at Big Momma’s Espresso Bar for UkeJams. Meetings are open to all of Drury’s student body, with or without musical experience.

Written by Maclen Johnson.