Class Selections 2012-2013

During the 2012-2013 season, we are offering the following classes:

First Hour Classes

Use these guidelines from our chapter to help determine what class level fits your needs the best. If you have any questions, please contact the instructors.

BEGINNERS

Frank Amato

Do you know someone who might enjoy the pleasure of learning how to play the recorder? It can be very rewarding to embark on this new musical adventure. For those persons who do not read music we can help them start from step 1. It also helps the Chapter build our membership. Bring a friend!

BEGINNERS CLASS FOR PLAYERS OF WIND INSTRUMENTS

Neil Seely

A class for adults who have enjoyed music-making but are seeking a new musical experience with a new instrument.

The recorder has an extensive musical repertory spanning seven centuries, including solos, small ensemble pieces, and arrangements of 20th century popular music, all suitable for the amateur player. The class will focus on the special requirements needed for achieving a proficient recorder technique and sound.

INTERMEDIATE

Liz Seely

Our goal in this class is to become more comfortable with our recorders and gain more enjoyment from playing. By working on technical exercises we will improve fingering fluency and tone production as well as rhythmic confidence. Playing 3- and 4-part ensemble music will help us learn to listen to ourselves and others as we make music together. Switching instruments will provide a chance to become more proficient on the second fingering or to develop skill on a third/fourth instrument.

HIGH INTERMEDIATE

Pat Hanley

Requirements: Participants in this class must play and bring SATB recorders. On the bass, you must know the fingerings from low F to high D. You are expected to do some practicing outside of class.

Players must be comfortable with duple and triple meters, dotted rhythms, and be willing to switch lines. In class, participants must be willing to learn alto up and tenor in the bass clef.

We will be working on 3-, 4-, and 5-part music to develop increased facility on all recorders as well as the ability to play syncopations and suspensions without losing the beat or your place in the music.

There will be exercises in reading bass clef using alto, tenor and bass recorders. Bass parts may be easier than the others. Lower recorders (great bass, etc.) are also welcome.

ADVANCED

David Tilley

Requirements: For this class playing SATB instruments at an advanced level is required. Switching instruments from one piece to the next is expected, as well the ability to sight read, double tongue, play alto up, and use alternate fingering.

We will utilize multi-part music to develop ensemble skills with emphasis on complex articulations, phrasing, and rhythms.

NOTATION CLASS

Marian Henry

Requirements: SATB, knowledge of C-clefs essential.

We will play lovely music of the 14th, 15th, and 16th centuries from a wide variety of sources. All of us will be eligible to wear the T-shirt that says "I play music by composers you've never heard of." Some images will come from less-than-pristine codices. There may be interesting puzzle canons. Facility with C-clefs and simple triple mensuration patterns essential. Practice outside of class is expected.

Second Hour Classes

BEYOND BAROQUE IV

Neil Seely

This season we will focus on the music Andrew Charlton has written or arranged. His pieces are interesting and fun as well as challenging to play. Other 'modern' music will be introduced for a change of pace. There is the possibility of meeting every week if the class desires. SATB required. Plan to meet an extra 2 hours/month (time to be determined).

THE LOW PITCH LEAGUE

Marian Henry, Pat Hanley

Next season the Low Pitch League will widen our focus to include music from the 14th to the 21st centuries. We plan to have at least one piece from each century covering as many different styles as possible. Participants are encouraged to bring in music they think would sound good at eight-foot pitch. Anything goes! You’ll want to have tenor and bass or lower instruments.

KLEZMIRTH

Paul Breese-Garelick

Fun with Klezmer & Folk Music. Based on traditions from Eastern Europe. Music of the people – think gypsy dances or a Jewish Wedding. Music ranges from slow ballads in modal keys to bouncy tunes with a swinging feel. Bring your soul and learn to swing eighth notes. The main book is SAT with bass doubling tenor part, nothing too difficult.

DANCE MUSIC

Regina Memole, Jessica Brennan

They’re looking through their libraries for a variety of dance tunes. Great music and fun to play!!

Additional Playing Opportunities

SIGHT READING CLASS

Pat Hanley

We will be offering Sight Reading Class on the first and third Tuesdays of the month, opposite the regular chapter meetings on the second and fourth Tuesdays. Note that there is no Sight Reading class on fifth Tuesdays unless otherwise notified.