Class Selections 2009-2010

During the 2009-2010 season, we are pleased to be offering the following classes:

First Hour Classes

BEGINNERS

Frank Amato

If you know someone who would like to learn, now is the time to encourage her/him to start out on a musical adventure with us. Help us 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 musical experience with a new instrument, new friends, and an opportunity to revive a pleasurable pastime.

The recorder has an extensive musical repertory spanning seven centuries, including solos and small ensemble pieces all suitable for the amateur player. The class will focus on the issues of the crossover to proficient recorder technique.

INTERMEDIATE

DeeDee Heyer

Working on technical exercises will improve fingering fluency and tone production as well as rhythmic confidence on your recorders. If you feel unsure of the second fingering, this is your chance to become more proficient or to develop skill on a third/fourth instrument. 3-part and some 4-part ensemble music will be used to become comfortable with switching instruments and learning the various roles of each part.

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.

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.

The goal is to play a fair amount of challenging recorder music, and play it well!

EARLY NOTATION

Marian Henry

Requirements: Knowledge of bass clef and SATB required. Knowledge of alto clef advantageous but not necessary. Practice between class meetings is essential.

In the fall, music will be primarily from printed (i.e., typeset rather than handwritten) sources in order to concentrate on learning the C clefs.

In the spring, ligatures will be introduced along with handwritten sources.

Second Hour Classes

FIFTEENTH CENTURY SECULAR MUSIC

Marian Henry

Requirements: Participants must play both F and C fingering. SAT recorders required. Lower voices desirable.

Secular music of the fifteenth century by composers such as Guillaume Dufay, Heinrich Isaac, Loyset Compere, and Anonymous.

“ONE” (OR-MORE)-ON-A-PART CONSORT(S)

Pat Hanley

Level: High Intermediate to Advanced

Minimum 5, maximum 10 participants

Audition or approval of leader required.

Participants must play and bring SATB (higher and lower recorders welcome). You must also be comfortable with and willing to play alto up, tenor in bass clef, and bass in treble clef.

We will be using challenging multi-part music. All will be switching lines; no one will play only soprano or only bass.

Outside practice time (on your own or with others in the class) is expected. You must be committed to participating the whole year.

POTPOURRI

Liz Seely

For participants at any level. Please indicate when you register the type of music (era, style, etc.) you would most enjoy. I’ll try to please plus offer a few of my favorites.

POST-BAROQUE THRU CONTEMPORARY MUSIC

Neil Seely

Requirements: SATB recorders

Original and arranged music for recorder consort

Music arranged for recorder can be very satisfying, but some styles, as well as contemporary pieces, pose challenges requiring new techniques. These will be discussed as needed.