Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Recorders, Oh My!

Students in the 4th grade are THRILLED to begin learning to play the recorder. Very soon the music room will be filled with the first sqeaks and sqwaks of students learning to master this historic instrument. At first, it will sound like noise. With some practice, we will begin to make beautiful music together.

Part of mastering this instrument is the ability to practice at home in a quiet space. While students are able to practice at school, often times it is difficult to hear yourself individually when playing in a large group in the music room. Those beginning weeks are a crucial time for experimentation and practice on one's own. Recorders are also part of the music curriculum in 5th and 6th grade, so students are learning skills that will carry them through the remainder of their time at Bluffsview.

There are recorders in the music room that students may borrow during class, which are then washed and disinfected for future use. If you would like your child to have the opportunity to practice the recorder at home, your child will need their own instrument. Orders for recorders can be placed until Friday, September 30th, 2011. Recorders are $5.00, which covers the cost of tax and shipping as well. Instruments come with their own carrying case and a special neck strap called a "halo."

If you are the parent of a 5th or 6th grader and your child needs a recorder for any reason, you may also place an order at this time. If you would like to place an order for a recorder, please send $5.00 cash or check (payable to the Bluffsview PTA) in an envelope marked with your child's name and homeroom teacher to Ms. Hogan by September 30th, 2011.