Information about Recorders at Ralya!
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Dear Parents,
It’s the day we’ve all been waiting for...recorders are coming home from school! We’ve been practicing diligently in music class and we already know three notes: B, A, and G. We’ve also been working on reading notes on the musical staff, making the best sound possible, and playing together as a class. Your students already sound great and we can’t wait to get better day by day! I wanted to share a few reminders and thoughts with you. Students are bringing their recorders home so that they can practice and improve. While the recorder is a lot of fun, it is an instrument and not a toy. We have talked quite a bit about how to make a good tone (the sound the recorder makes) and when it is and is not appropriate to explore the sounds that the instrument can make. Please encourage good, thoughtful playing and practice instead of extended periods of exploration. In other words, practice makes perfect and messing around just to make sounds encourages bad habits. :D Students know a few techniques to make their sound better. If the recorder squeaks the students know to look for “squeakers or leakers,” (squeaking usually comes from blowing too hard and leaking is when the finger holes aren’t covered completely). If they play the wrong notes in a song, students know that they should look at the music and use their clues to figure out the correct notes (example: B and G are line notes and A is the only space note so far. B’s usually have a stem pointing down and G’s usually have a stem pointing up). We really have learned a lot! One more quick thing I want to share. Students know that they are supposed to practice at home and we have talked about where/when that is appropriate. Students are allowed to play in the music room at Ralya and at home in their designated practice spot. I would encourage you to have a conversation with your kiddo about where they can practice and what time of day might be best. This encourages good practice habits and also defines when/where recorders can be played... so that you don't wake up in the middle of the night to the sound of “Hot Cross Buns” coming from down the hall. Kids also know that “recorders live in backpacks.” If a recorder comes out for practice then it goes right back in the backpack afterwards. That way kids always have their recorder at school on music days! I hope you are excited to hear your students playing their new recorder! I’m sending home a cheat sheet with practice strategies and also a paper with music for the songs that we have played in class. Your students should know at least 3 of the songs already! If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask. I’m not always at Ralya after school (since I also teach a few classes at Wilkshire) but I am always happy to meet and chat. Feel free to reach out to me through my email as well, MrRow@SchoolDistrict.k12.mi.us. All the best, David Row |
Recorders come in many different sizes and shapes! This year we will be using soprano recorders.
Click here to learn about how we use "Recorder Karate" in the music room! |
One exciting addition that comes in fourth grade is the introduction of a wind instrument, the recorder. All 4th and 5th graders will be playing a Yamaha YRS 20 Series - baroque style Recorder throughout the year. It is very important that we all use the same brand and model of recorder, as tuning and sound quality varies greatly between brands and models. In the past students at Ralya have purchased a different brand of recorder. This year we are making the switch to Yamaha as they tune more easily, have a better tone quality, and are less likely to squeak! If you have questions about this change, email me to learn more.
Students are encouraged to purchase their own recorder. I think you will find that your student will be highly motivated to practice and play at home. Yamaha recorders are known to be a high-quality instrument at an inexpensive price. This brand and model of recorder sells at local music stores for between $8 and $10. I can order these at a discounted price of $6, which includes a neck strap, case and the cost of shipping, if ordered in bulk. I will be placing the order for new recorders on Thursday, October 13, 2016.
Notes about the recorder and order forms went home with students on the week of Oct 3.
Need a new order form? You can download one by clicking HERE.
Students are encouraged to purchase their own recorder. I think you will find that your student will be highly motivated to practice and play at home. Yamaha recorders are known to be a high-quality instrument at an inexpensive price. This brand and model of recorder sells at local music stores for between $8 and $10. I can order these at a discounted price of $6, which includes a neck strap, case and the cost of shipping, if ordered in bulk. I will be placing the order for new recorders on Thursday, October 13, 2016.
Notes about the recorder and order forms went home with students on the week of Oct 3.
Need a new order form? You can download one by clicking HERE.
Choose your recorder!
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Yamaha has combined quality and durability to bring you their 20 Series Recorders. Made of ABS resin, these lightweight recorders feature precise, uniform intonation, making them perfect for beginners. Each recorder comes with a case and neck strap.
Specifications:
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This year we are offering recorders in four different colors: white, green, pink, or blue. Click the pictures below to get a better view of the recorder.
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