Class Selections 2011-2012

During the 2011-2012 season, we are offering the following classes:

First Hour Classes

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 one. 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. 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: SATB, knowledge of C-clefs essential.

Music will come primarily from the 15th century, with occasional excursions into the 14th and 16th centuries. We will begin the year with music from large, legible facsimiles such as Casanatense 2856 and “Margaret of Austria”. Moderately interesting puzzles, but no really, really difficult rhythms. 

Second Hour Classes

BEYOND BAROQUE III

Neil Seely

Requirements: SATB

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.

LOW PITCH LEAGUE PLAYS MADRIGALS

Marian Henry and Pat Hanley

Requirements: Participants must play both F and C fingering. Recorders tenor and larger.

Bring your big recorders and enjoy the sound of madrigals in the octave they were composed for. At eight-foot pitch -- contratenor recorder sings bass, great bass sings tenor, etc. -– we will be playing these madrigals in the same range as the human voice. Music from various countries and centuries will be made available from the collections of the leaders. Contributions from class members are always welcome. Recorders tenor and larger.

SACRED MUSIC

Jessica Brennan and Regina Memole

Enjoy a wide range of beautiful liturgical pieces. Open to all.

DANCE MUSIC OF ALL AGES WITH PERCUSSION

Liz Seely and John Heyer

Have a ball! Play lively multipart dance music. Try your hand at percussion using a variety of instruments. Open to all.

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.