Music Notes
Dear Parents and Students,
This year Bauder Music will be offering 4th and 5th grade students the opportunity to learn
to play the recorder.
What is the recorder?
The recorder is a woodwind musical instrument that is mouth blown. It has seven finger
holes and a thumb hole which are used in combination to produce separate pitches. The
recorder was popular in medieval times and enjoyed regained interest in the 20th century.
Purcell, Bach, Teleman, and Vivaldi used the recorder to suggest shepherds and birds in
their music, a theme that has continued in 20th century music. It is ideally suited to
elementary music education because of its simplicity. Also, the recorder’s sound is
remarkably sweet and clear.
Why take recorder?
Recorder is fun, interesting and challenging. Also, it is a great way to prepare for band
and orchestra. Students will learn to read music – a skill needed to play any instrument
in middle school, high school, and beyond. Students will play in a group and create cool
music together.
When is class?
Class will be every Thursday at students’ regularly scheduled Encore time. This class
will run the first and second trimesters. The second trimester ends March 8th, 2010. After
that, we will assess the students’ interest and determine whether to continue recorder
the third trimester or join with the other Encore subjects for spring enrichment activities.
Students may not join recorder at a later date or drop out and rejoin recorder.
What is the cost?
The cost of a recorder is $6. Students will keep their recorder. They will need to practice
music at home and remember to bring their recorder on Thursdays. I will provide
students with music but they will need a folder or binder of their choice to keep their
recorder music in.
Do we have to buy a recorder or may we use one we already have?
We will be using Peripole Angel recorders. I would like for everyone to have the same
brand of recorder so that we will sound like an ensemble. Many recorders available in
dollar stores, etc. are intended as toys, not instruments and their sound will not be
compatible with the group. If necessary, students may use Yamaha brand recorders.
How do I sign up?
Students who would like to join this adventure should simply return the attached form
indicating their interest. Please bring your form tomorrow so that I will know how
many recorders to order. Students should then bring $6 for their recorder by Thursday,
August 27 so that we can get started. Thanks for your interest in recorder!
Other questions?
Please feel free to contact me at dfrankli@[Link] or 488-4150.
Recorder Registration Form
Student’s Name:
_________________________________________________________
Grade: _________________ Classroom Teacher:
_______________________________
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Parent/Student Understanding
I understand that Recorder Class is a commitment for the first 2
trimesters, ending March 8, 2010. I understand that students may not
drop out and rejoin the recorder class. I understand that class rolls will
be set at the beginning of the year and students will be expected to
honor their commitment to the class.
Parent’s name: ______________________ Parent’s signature:
____________________
Student’s name: ____________________ Student’s signature:
____________________