Samson Trinh is the founder of Uke ‘n’ Roll. His teaching career started as an elementary music educator in Virginia for Caroline County Public Schools and Henrico County Public Schools. Samson has taught the Uke ‘n’ Roll method to K – 12 grade students in public, private and Montessori schools. His compositional work spans from studio productions to commissioned pieces for the Richmond Symphony.

As a music director, producer, arranger and saxophonist, Samson has performed with Jason Mraz, Sara Bareilles, k.d. lang, Al Jarreau, The Temptations, Christina Perri, Rene Marie, and Robbin Thompson. He is the winner of Richmond Magazine’s Theresa Pollak Prize for Excellence in the Arts and was honored by Hanover County Public Schools in Virginia for integrating ukuleles in music classrooms through Uke ‘n’ Roll. Samson is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University where he received his Bachelor of Music degree in jazz studies and Orff-Schulwerk Level 1 and 2 certification. He continues to write, perform and is the lower and middle school music teacher at The Steward School.

“The ukulele is the best fortunate accident in my musical and teaching profession. Four simple strings from this small instrument can bring so much happiness and confidence to the player and listener.”

John Gonzalez del Solar is the owner of Fan Guitar and Ukulele in Richmond, VA. He and wife Genie opened the small specialty shop with a simple goal to provide a comfortable, fun and informative environment in which customers can enjoy the process and experience of finding the instrument that is perfectly matched to them and their own personal musical journey.

John graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University earning his Bachelor of Music degree in classical guitar. He is also a graduate of the Armed Forces School of Music. As a guitarist who toured with the U.S. Navy Band, John discovered the uke while based in Hawaii. He has extensive experience as a music instructor and clinician. He is also a skilled luthier and repairman.

“I have been monumentally inspired by the ukulele; it brings such simplicity, accessibility and joy to those who pursue music through this small and humble instrument! The uke constantly reminds me that music is, first and foremost, fun and always a source of creativity and innovation.”