Ukena Music

Ukena Music Percussion Compositions and Elementary Music Teaching materials of Todd A. Ukena Hey, it all started with Integrated Music & P.E. ("March Music into P.E. teacher.
(1)

or Bounce P.E. into Music!")
With the percussion compositions, (marimba, snare drum,
Timpani, drumset, percussion ensembles, etc.) of Todd A. Ukena
for the beginning to advanced,
it is now renamed: UKENA MUSIC. Integrated Music & P.E. is the newer component of Ukena Music
with many more teaching aids on the way for the Music or P.E.

I found four pair of worn out mallets so....I spent the evening rewrapping them while I was in a green mood.Turned out ...
20/09/2024

I found four pair of worn out mallets so....I spent the evening rewrapping them while I was in a green mood.

Turned out decently, don't you think.

If it's your birthday today then here is this week's treat.
31/07/2024

If it's your birthday today then here is this week's treat.

Something some of you may have done for a snare drum part when music is having to be learned in a short amount of days c...
11/03/2024

Something some of you may have done for a snare drum part when music is having to be learned in a short amount of days come contest time.
It's particular helpful with marches.

So.....what was my problem and what was the solution?

Free free to steal in your moment of need.

04/03/2024

I love a good pun.

I was happily watching the Bermuda Philharmonic Orchestra
when the guy on the triangle
just disappeared.

31/12/2023

Another year's finally complete.
Some made a mess and others quite neat.
A success or a stumble
A win or a fumble
Plug on, don't have a repeat.

The only thing that we can do
Is learn from our past, start anew
Let's raise up each other
So we can recover
And start a new year to pursue.

(This fits the song, "The Animal Fair". If you know it, sing it while reading.)

If you can be anything, be kind.
It matters.

This is helpful.
25/12/2023

This is helpful.

Mallets Break! Some repairs are an easy fix! Please take a look to see how easy it can be. (Something I didn't say on the video; this works best on wooden...

They are still good.
25/12/2023

They are still good.

Haven't done a Limerick in a while.....so......here's my attempt.

I've noticed when playing alone,
It's easy to get in the zone,
with rhythms and patterns
That are guiding light lanterns
In learning new skills that I'll hone.

It's nice when you like what you hear,
That's pleasant and light on the ear,
It helps in your practice,
To keep it exact as
A melody that's crystal clear.

It's something I've done in my writing
in learning four mallet highlighting.
Keep it simple and nice
That's done more than twice,
Will improve your technique that your fighting.

That's what the "Gorillas" are for.
Two books with nice melodies galore
help teach the technique
Of four mallet mystique,
and I believe you will adore.

Merry Christmas everyone!May all of you have a joyful and restful Christmas season.
24/12/2023

Merry Christmas everyone!
May all of you have a joyful and restful Christmas season.

....for your Thanksgiving fun....(My voice has something to be desired.)
23/11/2023

....for your Thanksgiving fun....

(My voice has something to be desired.)

07/09/2023

I'm having a memory of a bicycle trip I took in my younger days. ( I think I was 17 or 18.)

My apologies for the rhyming and meter.

I didn't ride for distance......and didn't need assistance,
Just wondered what was on the other side.

I kept the tires a-turning,
Like butter urns a-churning
When coming to the curve ahead in sight.

Who knows what might have been there
I won't know and I don't care
Until I see that's there's another hill.

So I keep the pedals spinning
Just like at the beginning
As I crest the peak and wonder with a thrill.

Anticipation mounted,
As my eyes saw and I counted
The wonders of this new found scene I saw.

It's things I've never seen
In the county that I've been
For years and years and didn't know were there.

Then reality took hold
As I was far too bold
For the trip back caught me long unaware.

That's what a flat will do
On your bicycle, that's true
When you're eight miles far from home and have to walk

So that's the way it was
I know it just because
I made that trip, a lesson I was taught

It's one thing to adventure
Thinking back I might have censored
The words that kept coming out of my mouth

Next time I'll be prepared
On the bicycle repaired
For another trip of wonder
Far down south

It happened, long ago.

I'll promote anything J.T. Baker is doing in the drum world.
13/08/2023

I'll promote anything J.T. Baker is doing in the drum world.

Santa Clara Vanguard Releases Stunning Snare Line Video: A Masterpiece of Percussion Artistry SANTA CLARA, CA – The world-renowned Santa Clara Vanguard (SCV) is thrilled to unveil its latest percussion […]

25/07/2023

From Randy Fluman. This is great.

"A synopsis of every drumline I heard yesterday:

diddle-diddle-dlddle-diddle-GOK-GOK-GOK-GOK-flamdiddle-GOK-herta-herta-GOCK-diddle-diddle-ZZZ-ZZZ-GOK-diddle-GOK-diddle-herta-GOK-herta-GOK-diddle-diddle-diddle-diddle-diddle-diddle-diddle-diddle-diddle-diddle-GOK-GOK-GOK-GOK-ZZZ-ZZZ-ZZZ-ZZZ-diddle-diddle-diddle-diddle-paradiddle-paradiddle-diddlepara-diddlepara-GOK-diddlepara-GOK-herta-herta-herta-herta-ZZZ-ZZZ-ZZZ-ZZZ-GOK-GOK-GOK-GOK-diddle-diddle-diddle-diddle-GOK-diddle-GOK….(REST)….diddle-diddle-diddle-flam-diddle-flam-diddle-flam-diddle-triplet-triplet-triplet-triplet-GOK-triplet-GOK-ZZZ-GOK-ZZZ-GOK-diddle-diddle-diddle-diddle-doubleparadiddle-tripleparadiddle-paradiddle-paradiddle-ratamacue-GOK-ratamacue-GOK-flamadiddle-flamadiddle-diddle-diddle-diddle-diddle-diddle-diddle-diddle-diddle-diddle-diddle-diddle-diddle-diddle-diddle-diddle-diddle-diddle-diddle-diddle-diddle-diddle-diddle-diddle-diddle-GOK-GOK-GOK-GOK-GOK-GOK-GOK-GOK-GOK-GOK-GOK-GOK-GOK-GOK-GOK-GOK-GOK-GOK-GOK-GOK-GOK….GOK….GOK….GOK….GOK….KA BLOOOOSSSSHHHHH!!!!"

20/06/2023

I think I've been hacked. Ignore any friend requests from me.
....and thanks to those Facebook friends , who let me know. I am grateful!

Happy 5/4 day ala Dave Brubeck.
04/05/2023

Happy 5/4 day ala Dave Brubeck.

This is the live performance of Take Five by The Dave Brubeck Quartet at the Jazz Casual TV show. Year: 1961.The piece was composed by Paul Desmond (saxophon...

Come on......this is funny.Thanks, Rich Bono!!
29/04/2023

Come on......this is funny.
Thanks, Rich Bono!!

The Texas Tech percussion studio were great when I presented "Four Mallet Technique through Literature" (with help from ...
27/04/2023

The Texas Tech percussion studio were great when I presented "Four Mallet Technique through Literature" (with help from the Gorilla.).

Good questions and one brave soul sight read with me.

Here's another example.My goal in writing the solos for The Gorilla in the Room was having a way for the beginning to in...
24/02/2023

Here's another example.My goal in writing the solos for The Gorilla in the Room was having a way for the beginning to intermediate student to be able to focus on one hand at a time. The following is an example of working on double laterals in the left hand. The right hand could be played with one mallet or work single independents. Other solos follow this same idea with double verticals or triple laterals and always in a musical setting.

I truly believe these solos are beneficial to learning four mallet technique.

This book is available for sale as a pdf version. $20

Contact me. Please share with others.

(There is a vibraphone Gorilla book that works within the same premise. The neat thing is it is written to be played with the Marimba solos as wonderful duets. I would hope that Samuels and Friedman would approve.)

24/02/2023

Jazz one playing a Nelson Riddle tune. I recognized it immediately. I think Aretha Franklin first sang it. It was nice adding the singer.

We are waiting to hear the Jazz bands from Texas Tech University. They are performing in the small, intimate Crickett t...
24/02/2023

We are waiting to hear the Jazz bands from Texas Tech University. They are performing in the small, intimate Crickett theatre at the Buddy Holly Performing Arts Center. This is a wonderful venue

My goal in writing the solos for The Gorilla in the Room was having a way for the beginning to intermediate student to b...
23/02/2023

My goal in writing the solos for The Gorilla in the Room was having a way for the beginning to intermediate student to be able to focus on one hand at a time. The following is an example of working on double verticals in the right hand. The left hand could be played with one mallet or work single independents. Other solos follow this same idea with double or triple laterals always in a musical setting.

I truly believe these solos are beneficial to learning four mallet technique.

This book is available for sale as a pdf version. $20

Conttact me. Please share with others.

Haven't done a Limerick in a while.....so......here's my attempt.I've noticed when playing alone,It's easy to get in the...
14/02/2023

Haven't done a Limerick in a while.....so......here's my attempt.

I've noticed when playing alone,
It's easy to get in the zone,
with rhythms and patterns
That are guiding light lanterns
In learning new skills that I'll hone.

It's nice when you like what you hear,
That's pleasant and light on the ear,
It helps in your practice,
To keep it exact as
A melody that's crystal clear.

It's something I've done in my writing
in learning four mallet highlighting.
Keep it simple and nice
That's done more than twice,
Will improve your technique that your fighting.

That's what the "Gorillas" are for.
Two books with nice melodies galore
help teach the technique
Of four mallet mystique,
and I believe you will adore.

Right hand double verticals with left hand single verticals (or only one mallet). This allows a student to focus on one ...
10/02/2023

Right hand double verticals with left hand single verticals (or only one mallet). This allows a student to focus on one hand.

This is from the book, The Gorilla in the Room immediate availability as a pdf version.

Let me know how I can help.

There is another book, Another Gorilla in the Room, that has vibraphone solos that can be played with the Marimba solos as duets.

A list of audio links is available so you can hear them all as solos or duets. Contact me.

Pdf books are $20.

A Nightmare or Just a Bad Dream is a solo coming from the "Gorilla" book of solos. Double Laterals are everywhere but ...
03/02/2023

A Nightmare or Just a Bad Dream is a solo coming from the "Gorilla" book of solos. Double Laterals are everywhere but not exclusively. This is one of my favorites from the book.

(It's even neater when played with the Vibraphone solo creating a duet. I would hope Samuels and Friedman would approve.)

The book pdf's are $20 each (PayPal or Venmo) ready for immediate delivery. Private message me with email. I'll add audio links so you can hear them all.

Make them part of your library.

Oh......please share this with others. I truly believe these solos are a great resource, fun to play, and help with four mallet technique. There are many people that don't know about them.

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Videos

Jazz one playing a Nelson Riddle tune. I recognized it immediately. I think Aretha Franklin first sang it. It was nice adding the singer.

Here's another variation of bucks. I have the students stay at tap (pointing downward) while the other hand is is playing bucks. It's helping my students. Hope it helps yours.

A Tongue Drum purchased at TMEA
A Tongue Drum purchased at TMEA

Flam-away, variation 1
Flam-away, variation 1

If you've seen my previous Flam exercise, it sets itself up for variations. I follow the same form, but start with inverted paradiddles. (The Diddle starts first and I like to Flam it.) Follow along.

Playing around with this drum set. The bass drum sounds like another tom. Please excuse the cymbals. Yuck! What do you think? (I do like a nice funky beat, can you tell?)

My project drum and its fifth tuning. (Tightening the rope gets harder and harder.) I'm pleased with sound. "8-)

"Song for Kendall" (vibraphone solo,) has a new key change section. Here's a rough draft to give everyone an idea how it sounds. (I love the tone quality of this vibraphone at Granbury High School. Great instrument, Tahlequah Kirk.) (I have the notation done for publication but have a few edits to complete.) I'll photograph some of the pages for all to see.)

I thought I was finished with Song for Kendall. I was mistaken. There will be a new section in a different key. Here's the original version in case you haven't heard it. I'll be making a new recording soon.

One of my private 6th grade percussion students. He's part of the 200 CLUB. (Not just "8 on a hand," check out his "16 on a hand" at 200 m.m.) He has a great work ethic and an incredible practice regime. I can only imagine what his future will be

"Song for Kendall", a vibraphone solo, written for, and dedicated to our first grandchild, has a light dreamy feel with its lilting 12/8 time. I enjoyed performing the independent inner lines within the melodic structure. Listen for the different parts: Melody, syncopated ostinato, harmony, and bass. (It's really a song. I'll share the lyrics later. The sheet music for the both will be available at www.ukenamusic.com soon.)

The Single Stroke Seven from Almost "40 Rudiments" for Mallets
The Single Stroke Seven from Almost "40 Rudiments" for Mallets

In learning the rudiment, the Single Stroke Seven, it can be easy add a note or leave one out, especially when moving from right hand lead to left hand lead. By placing seven different notes on a mallet instrument, these problems can be solved. Notice the mirrored pattern from right hand lead to left hand lead. In the book, Almost "40 Rudiments" for Mallets it was important (in the development of all exercises) that one hand stayed on the upper keyboard while the other hand stayed on the lower keyboard. When switching lead, the hand would switch position on the upper and lower keyboards.

The Flam from Almost "40 Rudiments" for Mallets
The Flam from Almost "40 Rudiments" for Mallets

I will hazard a guess that every percussion director has told students to keep the grace note down. (Come on, admit it.) In putting the rudiment, the Flam, onto the mallet keyboard, one pitch is dedicated to that grace note. The accented notes move outward and inward in a mirrored patterns. ( This is a great way to widen the peripheral vision of the student.)

The Flam Paradiddlediddle
The Flam Paradiddlediddle

The neat thing about putting rudiments on a mallet instrument is you use different pitches to make the sticking quite clear. Listen and you can hear the sticking of the Flam Paradiddlediddle from All Most "40 Rudiments" for Mallets.

Flam Tap from Almost "40 Rudiments" for Mallets
Flam Tap from Almost "40 Rudiments" for Mallets

Here is a way to help your mallet players learn the rudiment, the Flam Tap, helping improve their rudimental technique. It's also a way to get your battery players onto the mallet keyboard, and play the rudiment in a new and innovative way.

The Double Paradiddle from Almost "40 Rudiments" for Mallets
The Double Paradiddle from Almost "40 Rudiments" for Mallets

Here's a way to help your mallet players learn the the rudiment, the Double Paradiddle, helping improve their rudimental technique. This is also a way to get your battery players onto the mallet keyboards improving their technique in a new and innovative way. This exercise comes from my book, Almost "40 Rudiments" for Mallets. Thanks to Percussive Arts Society allowing me to adapt the PAS 40 International Rudiments. (I like the way the rudiment flows outward melodically. This could be a great way to expand the student's peripheral vision.)

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