Students have the opportunity to learn a little bit about the soprano recorder in 4th grade! Why??? It's a fun and engaging way to to learn the basics of reading music. So you already play piano? Great! The added challenge of the fingerings will improve your coordination and musicianship. Learning to play an instrument can be an effective gateway to developing the goal setting, self-confidence, discipline, and grit to get through the hurdles of life!
Does the school provide an instrument? Every student will have their own recorder in the music room, provided by the school. These instruments will not be allowed home in order to ensure they're available during instruction.
How are the recorders kept sanitized? At the end of the year, the instruments are sanitized in the school cafeteria dishwasher. The temperatures are up to governmental standards for food preparation - thanks to our wonderful staff in the lunch room! The recorders are stored in individual pouches that hang from my closet doors.There are no cases, so the instruments can air dry without risk of bacteria. I have a spray sanitizer that a student can use at any point. We will take the time to spray our recorders with disinfectant every few classes. Students do NOT share recorders.
Do I need to purchase a recorder? You might not have to - there MIGHT be an extra one laying around at home! Although this is not a requirement it is EXTREMELY beneficial. Our time is very limited. As with any skill, the experience becomes much more fun and interesting with improvement. Please do not purchase any cheap instrument you find. Believe it or not, there's a difference between various plastic tubes :) If you are unable to purchase a recorder, and your child is super excited about practicing, please contact me. I will make sure that every child who wants an instrument at home has one!!!
For purchase on AMAZON:
$6.99 Soprano Recorder or a higher quality one: Yamaha YRS-23Y
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If you prefer to shop locally: Check out THE MUSIC SHOPPE in Champaign