Newfoundland Uglystick
The music in Newfoundland and Labrador has a strong connection to fishing. The first people to settle in the region – Irish, Scots, French and English were all fisherman. In addition to their families, they brought their traditional instruments and songs. Many men shared their songs while they worked and while relaxing in the pubs after work.
Over the years, the traditions became unique to the area. The music is still strongly influenced by its European origins, but each harbor has its own unique style and songs. One of the most distinct musical traditions in the area is the ugly stick. It is a homemade musical instrument that is often accompanied by accordions and fiddles to create traditional Newfoundland folk music. They are not very difficult to make or play. With the supervision of a parent, you could make one, too.
• The ugly stick is an instrument made of recycled household materials.
• Each ugly stick is unique and is usually handmade by the musician.
• Common items used to make ugly sticks are mops, brooms, bottle caps and tin cans.
• Each ugly stick is unique.
• To make one, a stick – like an old broom handle – is covered in something that will make noise when shaken, like bottle caps, washers, bells or tin cans.
• With the help of a parent, you can use hot glue or a drill to attach strings or wires full of these noisemakers to the handle.
• Something soft, like rope, is attached to the head of the stick to create a comfortable handle.
• The other end of the stick is attached to the inside of an old rain boot.
• The rain boot is then stuffed with newspapers.
• The ugly stick player will then bounce the boot on the ground and hit the stick with a second stick to make music.
• Additional decorations can be added to personalize the instrument.
• Fiddles and accordions are expensive, but with an ugly stick, everyone can participate in making music with friends and family.
