For Barbara Conitz, playing the ukulele is a way to spread positivity.
A former school teacher and coach, Conitz has lived in Port Lavaca for the past 60 years, teaching both children and adults how to play the ukulele. She has also formed her own band, The Spirit Strings.
Conitz began teaching the ukulele in 2016 after participating in a ukulele band at First United Methodist Church in Port Lavaca. She was soon asked to teach children at the church how to play the instrument.
Initially, she was hesitant about teaching others.
“I said, ‘no,’” Conitz recalled. “But what came out was yes, so God had a thing to do with that.”
Many children attending her lessons were brought by their grandparents, and Conitz wanted to include them as well.
“I couldn’t have them sitting around talking,” Conitz said. “I thought, well, I’m going to hand them a ukulele, too.”
Some of the adults who participated in Conitz’s lessons eventually became members of her band, joining her on visits to the Calhoun County Senior Citizens Center and Trinity Shores of Port Lavaca.
Playing music at these locations helps those with dementia reconnect with memories from their youth.
“These songs strike memories in their minds,” Conitz said. “We enjoy going to play because it makes them happy.”
Although Conitz is retired, she finds joy in teaching others in the community.
“We’re all teachers,” Conitz said. “We may not be paid to go to school and teach a kid, but somewhere you’re helping somebody.”
