Hello, I’m Ray Ulibarri, and I have a question for you...
What makes a great marching percussion book?
For me, it comes down to three things. It’s a collaboration that sets your winds up for success. It challenges your percussion students in a way that actually teaches them something. And it shows up on time. (That last one is for my band director friends.)
Musical, and the judges hear it too
I take pride in writing that’s creative and artistic. I want my colleagues to call it musical, and I want the non-percussionist adjudicator to say the same thing. My books have variety, and your students will have fun playing them. When the show calls for the percussion to step out front, I write strong, engaging features that grab the audience, regardless of numbers or skill level.
Every part has a job
A great percussion arranger understands what’s primary, secondary, and tertiary in the music at any moment. That’s one of the strengths of my writing. The percussion supports with purpose and keeps a steady energy that drives your winds and guard. It doesn’t fight them for attention.
Thirty years, every level
Over thirty years I’ve designed music that works at every level, from A-Class indoor programs to World Class marching pageantry, and for outdoor bands with 200 winds or 20. Whatever size and level your program is, my goal is the same: make your band sound great.
More than arranging
I’ve also spent my career teaching, in both orchestral percussion and the marching arts. I offer:
Live or video consultations to help your ensemble with music and general effect
Percussion curriculum planning to build a teaching system for your program, from beginner through collegiate levels
