In Memoriam
It was with deep sadness that we learned of the passing of our Music Director Ernie Macintyre on March 8, 2026.
Ernie had a unique combination of skills playing stringed instruments, singing, and teaching. He credited his musical talents to his Mom.
Born in Scotland, Ernie emigrated to the U.S. with his family as a boy. Following college, he had a successful career in electronics design and subsequently in semiconductor sales. He played music in college, and family members shared his love of music.
After moving to the Summerset IV community, Ernie joined the Summerset Singers, a mixed choral group. He became Assistant Music Director, and later their Music Director.
Ernie joined the Delta Strummers in 2011, responding to a request for help. He was responsible for a huge improvement in our playing and singing skills, and our ability to make music as a group. He also introduced us to performing at public concerts.
Under Ernie’s leadership, the Delta Strummers grew from 10 members in 2011 to over 65 in 2026. He taught the vast majority of newcomers to play ukulele, either in small groups or individually, and the learning continued as newcomers joined the main band. Also under Ernie’s leadership, we were introduced to music in multiple genres, some not normally associated with the ukulele, while maintaining the roots of Hawaiian music.
Ernie’s musical abilities and reputation have been largely responsible for attracting talented musicians and singers to the Delta Strummers.
Welcome to the Delta Strummers
Located in the East San Francisco Bay area (Brentwood, Discovery Bay and surrounding communities), we are an amateur group of ukulele and guitar players fostering the playing of the ukulele in an ensemble. We plan two performances a year at a local senior living community. Smaller groups of members play at assisted living communities and for local elementary schools.
Under the leadership of Music Director, Ernie Macintyre, the group grew to around 60 members, adding depth and breadth to our music and singing. We welcome newcomers to the group, so consider playing the ukulele and joining the Delta Strummers.
Photos from our various performances can be viewed by clicking the Photos link in the menu above.
Videos of a number of our performances can be viewed by clicking the Videos link in the menu above.
Group ukulele practice
Our weekly group practices are held on Tuesday evenings at Summerset IV in Brentwood. Members pay a nominal practice fee each session.
Breakout Groups
Our performances feature several ‘breakout groups’, or ensembles of musicians/singers performing one or more songs. Several band members are also featured in solo renditions of some songs (playing &/or singing), with the backing of the band. Another featured ensemble, ‘The Banjoukers’, is a subset of the band playing banjo ukuleles (banjoukes) on appropriate numbers. ‘Side By Side’ is a breakout group of ladies who play and sing parts of, or entire songs.
Ukulele Lessons
Participants at our beginning ukulele lessons are able to transition to our main playing group as they achieve some basic skills.
If you wish to learn to play the ukulele, or merely wish to enhance your playing skills, click the Contact Us link in the menu above.