RAISING UKE AWARENESS

Two years ago, Rick Carlson wanted to find a way to keep school music alive and still move his company’s product. He found a solution outside the States.

In Canada, ukulele education has been widespread since the 1960s, and educator James Hill has successfully hyped his Ukulele In The Classroom curriculum.

"It was just something that was of immediate interest to Kala,” said Carlson, director of sales and marketing for Kala.

His company joined forces with Hill and added Ukulele In The Classroom into its business plan. Carlson noted that the partnership was inspired by a demand for an economical, comprehensive student music curriculum.

“It was something to allow us to put packages together,” he said. “We’ll find teachers and try to work it into their budgets, so their schools can initiate the program.”

CROSS-GENERATIONAL LEARNING
Influenced by Canadian ukulele education pioneer J. Chalmers Doane, Hill’s three-volume book series, published by Empire Music, features a combination of exercises and repertoire. It has gained popularity with children as young as 6 years old, but Hill mentioned that its appeal in multiple learning environments has made it accessible to a broad customer base.

“There’s no doubt it’s designed to thrive in a school classroom and also in community groups, which tend to be more adult learners and seniors,” Hill said. “But we’ve also found that people use it really effectively for self-teaching and their own self-practice.”

The partnership also lets Kala include Hill’s educational materials in two of its uke packages. These provide students with a soprano or concert-size ukulele, gig big, pitch pipe, and Play Ukulele Today!, an abridged version of Hill’s series published by Hal Leonard. Carlson noted that the packages are popular not only with music curriculum distributor Empire Music but also such brick-and-mortar chains as West Music and George’s Music.

PUBLIC RESPONSE
Kala’s presence on the school music scene has also sparked a grassroots movement in support of school ukulele programs. Because of the packages’ economical price, Carlson said he’s often contacted by alumni and benefactors looking to make donations.

“It’s been an overwhelming response,” said Hill, who gauges return on investment based on how many times the curriculum’s free online advocacy kit gets downloaded. “We get people from all over the world requesting that kit every day.” He also noted that attendance in his teacher certification program has increased dramatically, and people will even fly in internationally to be educated on the method.

Kala recently finished a series of nationwide uke circles and clinics and is planning to boost its marketing presence by expanding the teaching program into the United States. The company received additional publicity after joining in the NAMM Fly-In to Washington, D.C., in May, where the Kala team made its pitch to the Department of Education.

“We organized with NAMM a strum-and-drum circle,” Carlson said. “They actually brought in a couple busloads of children from local schools, Remo supplied some percussion instruments, and we had quite an event right there. We received a lot of publicity.”

So how can music retailers get a foot in the door? According to Hill, the free advocacy kit is the ultimate resource, as it lets retailers pitch the book series more effectively.

“Students are able to take those skills and move them over to another instrument, which is not true of other methods that teach instrument-specific techniques exclusively,” Hill said.

Carlson added that the social aspects of the uke make it highly desirable, as well. “It goes beyond what you can do with a recorder.” MI

 

November 2011 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE          
Abe Laboriel and Tal Wilkenfeld Join U-Bass Endorsees        

A musical icon, Abe Laboriel, and one of the industry's brightest new stars, Tal Wilkenfield, have joined Kala's roster of U-Bass endorsees. Abe Laboriel has played on over 4,000 recordings and soundtracks and was described by Guitar Player Magazine as "the most widely used session bassist of our time". In 2005, Abe was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Music by the Berklee College of Music.  

Tal Wilkenfeld has been widely hailed as "the rising star of the bass guitar". She achieved international acclaim as the bassist for Jeff Beck. She has also accompanied Herbie Hancock and toured with Chick Corea at the age of 21. Jeff Beck has described her as "an astonishing talent".  

Abe has chosen the Kala Mahogany acoustic-electric while Tal favors the California Series USA made solid body natural finish 4-string. The U-Bass is Kala's revolutionary line of 21 inch scale bass instruments that include the California, S-U-B, and acoustic-electric series.  

Link to Tal playing the U-Bass: http://youtu.be/pAcJ4L5NgNo  

For further information please contact Rick Carlson at rick@kalaukulele.com   877 853 3853

U-Bass video from Bass Player Live 2011!
Featuring Kala endorsees Tal Wilkenfeld, Hutch Hutchinson, and Gary Wicks And a special presentation to new endorsee Abe Laboriel Also featured are Leland Sklar, Bunny Brunel, Tim Lefebvre, and Mike Inez And the reactions of students, semi-pros, and professional bass players to the U-Bass

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kala U-Bass Solid Body Review

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                 
May, 2011  
PICTURED: Rick Carlson (Kala), Asst. U.S Education Secretary Peter Cunningham, Mike Upton (Kala)  

Kala Brand Music, Inc. presented a custom painted red, white and blue ukulele to Peter Cunningham, the Assistant U.S. Secretary Of Education for Communications and Outreach, at the Strumming and Drumming for Education ukulele and drum circle,  an event that was part of NAMM's Fly-In week to Washington DC. NAMM President Joe Lamond presented Cunningham with the commemorative patriotic ukulele donated by Kala in appreciation for the Dept.'s ongoing commitment to music/arts education. The strum and drum circle took place in front of the Department of Education and participants included music students from George Fox and Lime Kiln Middle Schools. Instruments for the ukulele and drum circle were provided by Remo, Inc. and Kala. Representing Kala were Mike Upton, President, and Rick Carlson, Director of Sales and Marketing. The red, white and blue ukulele was specially hand painted in Kala's custom shop in California for the event which was also attended by jazz guitarist/New York Yankee great Bernie Williams and former U.S. Secretary of Education Richard Riley. While holding the ukulele Cunningham proclaimed, "We are 50 million percent in favor of music and arts education in schools, and we will work very hard to make sure America embraces the benefits of a full education that includes music and the arts."     
For more information contact Kala Brand Music  rick@kalaukulele.com 877 853 3853

Stand Out With Kala    
Kala Brand Music Co. debuts the first in its series of Stand Out™ instrument stands designed with one step easy-slide assembly. The first to be introduced is the US-MHG-FOAM which fits all sizes of ukuleles and mandolins. The Stand Out ™ consists of two pieces of laminate mahogany wood with cushion foam that slide easily together or apart in one step. When apart the two pieces stack conveniently flat making the stand very compact for transporting and storage. The stand is attractively packaged in a 4 color box and retails for $29.99.      The new Stand Out™ instrument stand by Kala Brand Music Co. is so easy to put together even a cave man can do it.   www.kalaukulele.com                                                            
BOOTH 1330 AT NAMM
For more information contact
Kala Brand Music  rick@kalaukulele.com 877 853 3853   

December,  2010  
James Hill To Appear At Kala Booth And Will Lead First Wanna Play? Uke Circle   Ukulele virtuoso and educator James Hill will perform at the Kala booth and will provide mini workshops featuring his Ukulele in The Classroom education method. James will also lead the first ever NAMM Wanna Play? Uke Circle presented by Kala on Sunday. Recognized as one of the most accomplished of the new generation of ukulele musicians, James is also a passionate teacher.   James will be appearing daily at the Kala Booth in Hall E #1330. Namm's Wanna Play Uke Circle will begin at 3:30 on Sunday in front of the convention center. Kala will provide ukuleles to those that want to join in the circle. Participants are also invited to bring their own instruments.   James Hill is one of the featured performers in the hit documentary film, Mighty Uke. A screening of the film is scheduled on Saturday night Jan. 15th at the Ultrastar Cinemas in Anaheim and will include a performance afterwards by James. In addition to being the headliner at ukulele festivals around the world he has also shared billing with Jerry Douglas, Robert Cray, Lyle Lovett and many others. James's music is heard frequently on CBC and NPR National radio, and he has made many TV appearances that include MTV.  
 www.kalaukulele.com
For more information contact:
Kala Brand Music  rick@kalaukulele.com 877 853 3853

It's "Ukadelic" from Kala Kala's new Ukadelic™ line will alter your perception about ukulele. Taking ukulele into another dimension, Ukadelic™ features audacious new graphics that include Paisley, Tie-Dye, Tattoo, Flag, and Reggae designs. Ukadelic™ captures all that is fun about the ukulele and more. The designs of these colorful ukes incorporate art, culture, and humor into their design. In addition they are very playable and well made.  All models are available in soprano size, with the reggae model also available in  tenor size. Ukadelic™ models feature all wood construction, geared tuners, and Aquila Strings.     
The Ukadelic™ experience will occur daily at the Kala booth #1330 in Hall E.                                                   www.kalaukulele.com        877 853-3853 KALA BOOTH #1330  AT NAMM

Hi Mike,  
Thank you very much for your generous support of the 5th Annual Maui Ukulele Festival.  Here are the happy winners of your ukulele.    The Maui Ukulele Festival continues to grow and more tourists are coming to the event, too.  The Maui Arts and Cultural Center is the perfect venue for the festival and Art Vento and his staff do a great job in presenting this event.  
Mahalo,  
Kathy & Roy
www.ukulelefestivalhawaii.org

 

 

The Wall Street Journal: Ukulele Makes a Comeback

 

 

New Additon at Kala!

Good morning, Kala friends!
As promised (though a bit late), here are some photos of our little man, Ezekiel. Thanks for all your encouragement these past days on the arrival of our baby. May your day be great!   Sincerely,   Jason Villa Product Technician

 

Kala ukes in Denver After School  Program

June 14, 2010 br /> FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Rick Carlson  Kala Brand Music  rick@kalaukulele.com    707 775 4073             
Tony Coleman  Tiny Goat Films Ltd.  mightyuke@hotmail.com  416-588-1818

TINY GOAT FILMS AND KALA BRAND UKULELE ANNOUNCE A PARTNERSHIP TO BRING THE AWARD-WINNING FILM MIGHTY UKE TO AUDIENCES AROUND THE WORLD

“More profound than anyone could have known” Toronto Star “A must-see for pretty much every kind of audience” PDX Pipeline “The most charming documentary I have ever seen!” CBC Radio

Tiny Goat Films, the producer of the award-winning documentary MIGHTY UKE, and KALA Brand Ukulele today announce an agreement in which KALA will become a major sponsor of the MIGHTY UKE ROADSHOW tour that has been selling out theaters and entertaining audiences all over the world. U.S. Theatrical distributor, Area 23a, will roll out the “movievent” across major U.S. cities this summer and fall, including dates in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Honolulu, Washington D.C., Tampa and many more.

Back in January, 2008, Director Tony Coleman and Producer Margaret Meagher packed up their HD cameras and, for two years, travelled the world to capture the spirit and magic of the ukulele revolution, weaving together an inspiring and compelling ode to a humble instrument that many have long considered a joke.

MIGHTY UKE isn’t just a “surprising and fascinating” documentary, it’s an event. Every MIGHTY UKE ROADSHOW is a mini-festival that brings together film, live performance, and a giant strum-along. International performers and virtuosos share the stage with local ukulele clubs to create a celebration of the people’s instrument. After every show, people are lining up to get their hands on a uke and join in the fun.

To get those ukes in the hands of those looking to release their “inner music”, KALA BRAND UKULELE will provide TIny Goat Films with quality KALA instruments and will encourage their global network of ukulele distributors, and their hundreds of thousands of customers, to become part of the MIGHTY UKE experience. KALA will also produce a special limited edition MIGHTY UKE ukulele to help promote the ROADSHOW.
 click here for PDF  click here for Image

May, 2010  
Product Release from Kala Brand Music Co. For immediate release.
Kala Pocket Ukulele 
Kala Brand Music Co. has introduced the ultimate portable ukulele with the release of the Kala Pocket Uke. Measuring 16” from top to bottom the Pocket Uke is played on a Sopranissimo scale which totals 11” from nut to saddle. The Pocket Ukulele is constructed of solid wood and is available in three models, Acacia (KA-PU-ASAC), Mahogany (KA-PU-SM) and Maple (KA-PU-SSFM).

Despite its diminutive size the instrument’s arched back construction provides it with a startlingly full sound. The Pocket Ukulele is tuned in the same intervals as a baritone ukulele except in higher octaves. It can be tuned either DGBE  (4th string to 1st) or F tuning (CFAD). Other features include a mahogany neck, rosewood fingerboard and bridge, 12 silver nickel frets, friction tuners with black buttons, satin finish, and premium Aquila Nyglut strings. A padded gig bag is included with each instrument.  

Kala Brand Music Co. offers over 120 models of Ukulele, the Kala U-BASS, and a complete line of Uke Crazy Ukulele accessories.  Kala also distributes Aquila Strings.   click here for PDF

May, 2010   Product Release from Kala Brand Music Co. For immediate release.
Turn Up The Ukes With Kala "Round About" Amp
Sometimes you've just got to have more ukulele. Kala Brand Music Co. has introduced the ultimate portable ukulele amplifier with the release of the Kala "Round About" Uke Amp (Model (RAB). Sporting a round design the Round About measures 10" in height and from side to side. It is available in three colors including Tweed (RAB-T), Pink (RAB-P) and Black (RAB-B).

The amp has a power output of 10 watts and is equipped with a 5" speaker. Other features include master volume, treble and bass tone controls, and a headphone jack. The Round About is designed to provide just the right amount of punch for the ukulele to be heard when playing in circumstances when a little boost in volume is needed.

Kala Brand Music Co. offers over 120 models of Ukulele, the Kala U-BASS, and a complete line of Uke Crazy Ukulele accessories. Kala also distributes Aquila Strings.   click here for PDF

 

 April 2010   Press release from Kala Brand Music Co. For immediate release.    
KALA Releases U.Bass 2    
Kala Brand Music has added two new models to its U.BASS line with the introduction of the Kala U.BASS 2 fretted and fretless basses. Kala has been turning upright bass literally on its side with the 20” Scale U-BASS which bassist Dave Pomeroy has dubbed “portable and powerful”. The U.BASS 2 provides an affordable alternative to the original U.BASS while maintaining all the features and functionality.

Each bass is equipped with proprietary Polyurethane Strings, a passive pickup system with 4 individual piezo elements, rosewood fingerboard and bridge, and solid mahogany neck. The U.BASS 2 sports a solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides and comes with a heavily padded gig bag.

The compact size makes the U.BASS extremely portable and able to meet all carry on standards. Its deep bass tone makes the U.BASS ideal for live and studio applications. Noted U.BASS users include Jim Mayer (Jimmy Buffet), Bakithi Kumalo (Paul Simon) Hugh McDonald (Bon Jovi) and Hutch Hutchinson (Bonnie Raitt). Because of its size and ease of playing, dealers and teachers are discovering that the U.BASS makes an excellent bass for student bassists.

Kala Brand Music Co. offers over 120 models of Ukulele, the Kala U-BASS, and a complete line of Uke Crazy Ukulele accessories. Kala Brand Music Co. also distributes Aquila Strings.   click here for PDF/a>