Recorder time

As many of you may have heard :), we have begun recorder study in 3/4 and 5/6 classes. 3/4 students are thrilled to have a musical instrument in their hot little hands, while 5/6 students have begun work with the larger, deeper-toned alto recorder. We first spent some time exploring the possibilities of the recorder through creating a "rainforest:" students were invited to investigate the different sounds they could get out of their recorders. They took their recorders apart, hummed and sang into them, blew through the fingerholes, found out what happened when different parts of the recorder were blocked. They made a wide variety of sounds--from frogs and birds to wind, water, and trees.

We have also been reviewing the basics of tone production and note-reading and will continue our belt program for soprano recorders. In the belt program, students can learn a series of songs of increasing difficulty to earn differently-colored “belts” to hang on their recorders, much like karate belts. We will be working as a class to help every student earn their first few belts, though some have already chosen to work on their own to earn them ahead of time. Once students have earned their black belt, they can earn further belts by helping other students earn belts.

The recorder is a true musical instrument (not just a toy for kids) with a rich historical tradition. If you’re interested in further listening, I’d recommend starting with the Pro Arte Recorder Ensemble, Marion Verbruggen, or Michaela Petri.

Parents: thank you for listening. Though first sounds from beginners can be less than sonorous, the recorder can indeed make beautiful music - even in the hands of students!