A Message from Ms. Ankuda and 4th Grade Music
Posted on 11/07/2014
Fourth Graders are busy learning to play the recorder in music class! We play recorders in most classes, weaving this new instrument into our music learning. The recorder functions as an extension of the singing voice and the xylophones already being played. It is the gateway to “absolute pitch names” (A, B, C) from solfege (do, re, mi). Its timbre matches the child’s vocal range and compliments singing nicely. Although recorders can be cheaply bought, they are real instruments that flourished during the Renaissance and Baroque eras:
“I will lose no time giving testimonials to the recorder. I will content myself saying in its favor, that of all musical instruments, it is the easiest to learn, the handiest to carry, and that there is no other instrument whose tone is more agreeable....”
-Etienne Loulie, ca. 1700
To facilitate an enjoyable experience all, each student uses two recorders: A home recorder and a school recorder. Students do not take recorders back and forth between school and home (ie: No recorders on the school bus). I will provide each student with a home recorder. The home recorder should be kept in a safe place, and only be played by your Fourth Grade student. In addition, the district provides a new recorder for each student which we keep in the music room. The music room recorders will be brand new and stored individually in pouches. They will never be shared.
I will expect students to practice their recorders as the year progresses, so if your home recorder should break or be lost, please contact me. Students are taught to play with a soft, light tone, and you can feel free to remind them of this at home too! As always, please contact me with any questions about music learning in Grades 3-5.