Local girls inspire with faith-based music ... and ukuleles

BUCYRUS - Three local friends are trying to spread a positive message to younger teens with their band, Uke 3.

Uke 3 is a female-fronted Christian group that has been performing actively for about a year. They currently play two tenor ukuleles and one baritone. Members Melia Williamson and Bailey and Abbey Niedermier are childhood friends. Jennifer Niedermier, Abbey and Bailey's mom, said that she became friends with Melia's mother while they were both pregnant. 

Melia and Bailey are Colonel Crawford High School seniors; Abbey is a sophomore at the school. The girls have all been interested in music since they were young. Bailey is the flute section leader of the Colonel Crawford marching band. All had the same piano teacher when they were in elementary school.

"The community has really rallied behind them," said Jennifer Niedermier, who also acts as the girls, manager.

Faith has been a big part of the girl's lives. All are members Bucyrus Nazarene Church, where they sing in the youth and praise band. All categorized their music as a more praise-based style and say they are different than other Christian groups because of their instruments and all-acoustic song style. 

"That's our biggest goal is to just spread a positive message," Bailey said. 

They are currently in the process of trying to record music as well as add piano and guitar to the mix of their current group.

Uke 3 has really taken off in the past few months. The girls have played at a First Friday event in Bucyrus, at the Bookery Parable Christian store in Ontario and other places. 

"We have a full schedule this month," Jennifer Neidermier said. She said she's getting calls all of the time for the girls. 

Music and faith have taken the girls beyond just performing. Both Melia and Bailey, both seniors, plan to attend Mount Vernon Nazarene to study music education. Both say they are excited about where their futures will take them.

"Either way, God will provide," Melia said.

The girls will perform at 11 a.m. July 21 during the Sunflower Festival at Pickwick Place.