Ukulele is a popular music-class addition

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - Dave Kinzer's music class is jamming to the Beatles, Creedence Clearwater Revival and Matishyahu - on ukulele.

The 15-year veteran teacher told the (Springfield) State Journal-Register that his students at Springfield's Ball Charter School stay focused on lessons because they are busy with the instruments in their hands.

Kinzer was awarded a $2,200 grant to purchase 27 of the four-string instruments.

The teacher focuses on an instrument each year. He says he might ditch the recorder, xylophone or piano in the future because of the kids' strumming success.

Students were hesitant at first but soon joined in when they realized they could change chords and strum.

Sixth-grader Mario Garcia-Perez says his favorite song is the Beatles' "Paperback Writer." He says the ukulele is easier and more fun than he imagined.