Coronavirus: Third-Grade Ukulele Player Sends Positive Message

NORTHBROOK, IL — Although the growing threat of the coronavirus prevented a group of Wescott Elementary School music students from performing a ukulele show last week, one student wanted to show that "every little thing is gonna be alright." Third-grader Oliver Wyton, 8, who planned to play "Three Little Birds" by Bob Marley and the Wailers as part off the school's Ukes Out Front show, instead decided to film a video of his performance for his teacher, Quentin Coaxum.

Ukulele classes are offered to students starting in the third grade. Although there are enough instruments for students to perform in class, there aren't enough for each student to take home while schools are closed under Gov. JB Pritzker's stay at home order issued in response to the coronavirus pandemic. However, the school offers e-learning opportunities for music classes.

"[Oliver's] performance contains sage advice during these uncertain times," Coaxum wrote. "I wish all of them had ukuleles at home. Then they could all do this."

Jennifer Wyton, Oliver's mother, said her son's interest in the ukulele was piqued following a recent visit from his grandmother, who lives in Australia. After that, Wyton said her son picked the instrument up straight away. Although most students are left without a ukulele to practice with during the school's closure, Oliver has an instrument of his own.

"Having the ukelele kind of makes him feel right at home because he had a little bit of exposure from his grandmother," Wyton said.

After finding out that the Ukes Out Front shows was being canceled, Wyton said she spoke with her son and they both decided to send a video of his planned performance.

After moving into the school district from Texas, Wyton said she has been amazed by the classes, teachers and offerings of Glenview/Northbrook School District 30.

Gov. JB Pritzker's stay at home order in response to the coronavirus will close schools at least through April 8.