Recorder Information

Students with their own recorders can practice at home to perfect their playing skills. The recorder has the ability to be an instrument of pleasure or an instrument of torture. The instrument of pleasure is built through diligent practice and listening skills. 

How to Clean Your Recorder Take-home Letter
This sheet (printed on blue paper) is made available to all students who purchased a recorder in February/March. Please feel free to open it and print a copy for yourself if you cannot locate yours.

Recorder Torture
These visuals may help when you are practicing.
Good Sound Flow vs Bad Sound Flow

Interactive Recorder Fingering Chart
This website is helpful if you find it difficult to read the standard fingering charts.

How to Buy a Recorder

Ms. Van Eaton sells a student model recorder that is a good fit for beginning players. They are $7.00 and come with a vinyl zippered case, cleaning wand, joint grease, and a thumb spot. 
​Read the letter that went home about the sale. 

1. Collect the money required and place it in an envelope or a plastic bag with the order sheet sealed inside.
2. Deliver the envelope to Ms. Van Eaton before school, after school, or during Music class to room 23 (the Music Room). Do not give money to classroom teachers or substitutes.
3. Recorders are usually delivered to the teacher's mailbox within 24-48 hours.

Other brands of recorders can also be purchased at a local music store or with an online music company. You will likely pay more than $7.00.
​An excellent alternative to the student model that Ms. Van Eaton sells is the Nuvo + Recorder with keys. They are $15.00, come in different colors, and have keys that cover the holes for those students who have trouble with getting a good seal with their finger while playing.
Please, do not buy dollar or toy recorders because they are cheaper. There is a reason they are less expensive -- they are toys! They don't sound the same, they play different notes, and it causes more frustration than good.  

Practice at Home
Always remember....
1. Exhale slow warm air.
2. Left hand on top forget me not.
3. Use two hands recorder fans.
4. TNT - Teeth Never Touch! You are not a beaver.
5. A tupperware seal is always ideal. Cover the holes completely.
6. To play rhythms use your tongue, or beautiful music you'll have none!
7. The more fingers you add the less air you need.

Fourth grade:

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Fifth grade: