Who is Peter Luongo?

When it comes to the ukulele, Peter Luongo is Mr. Langley. The principal of Noel Booth Elementary School, Luongo teachers the instrument to his students and is the musical director of the Langley Ukulele Ensemble. The ensemble’s repertoire and appeal continue to grow. An invitation to perform in Liverpool, Nova Scotia, leaves the ensemble too little time to prepare for the annual Christmas concerts, so the concert this Saturday, Sept. 26 is the ensemble’s only concert date in the Lower Mainland for the remainder of the year. (Tickets: 604-340-8537).

Best part of your job?

Seeing the results achieved with students. I continue to be delighted to see students in my school and in my music program grow as learners and as people.

Not-so-good part?

The work is never done. I can work 18-hour days and still feel like there’s more to do.

How do you recharge your batteries?

I enjoy reading the paper and catching up on current events. I’m also an avid sports fan so I love to follow the exploits of our local sports teams. I’m also learning to golf and thoroughly enjoy getting out to play on the weekends.

Favourite place to have a holiday?

Hawaii! It helps when you feel like it’s your home away from home.

Tell us something about you that people don’t know.

I was the Western Canadian Accordion champion when I was 16 years old.

When did you first learn to play the ukulele?

I was in second year of university and took a music education course that featured using the ukulele. I eventually returned to teach the class at the university.

What draws you to the instrument?

Seeing and hearing kids being successfully able to make music.

Who has influenced you most in your life?

My mother and father were the greatest influences in my life. They taught me the value of hard work and the importance of loyalty to family and friends. My passion for music came from my father. He spent hours supporting and encouraging my development as a musician.

If you could have dinner with anyone, who would that be, and why?

Actually, I love having dinner with my family. Meal time was very important in our family when I was a child and I feel at peace and have a sense of security when Sandi, myself and our four children are all able to enjoy family dinner together.

What book do you have on your bedside?

I’m reading, The Ego Boom by Steve Maich and Lianne George. The book traces the rise of the ego-centricity and the effect and impact of this trend on both society and the economy. Actually, it doesn’t portray today’s youth in a very positive light so I’m finding it quite frustrating to read.

What music is playing on your iPod (CD player)?

The Langley Ukulele Ensemble of course! . . . Actually, I have a six-CD player in my car so I have an eclectic mix of everything from the Langley Ukulele Ensemble to Bruce Springsteen.

If I had to pick one favourite group right now it would be the Beatles. Even before the latest version of “Rock Band” came out I went back to listening to their music.

I’m in the process of adding several new arrangements to the Langley Ukulele repertoire for next year and a number of the Beatles’ songs will be added to our performances.