We’re getting through some music,’ Janet was heard to say and that’s what we did! The Beginners and Those Who are a Little Further Along the Recorder Track tackled “La Mourisque” with the added bonus of learning some fine Latin terms.

We were there with “London’s Burning” played as a round while “Horseshoe” saw some good sight reading, not an easy skill when one is still learning the notes and how to play them. “We went out” sounded great and introduced us to dotted notes. “Minni Amor” was played in three parts, and didn’t the tenor and alto recorders sound great with the descant?

The round, “Turn the Glasses Over” had us counting beats and giving us a crash course in fractions. Who knew that Music and Maths were so closely related? We’ll be practising “Winds through the olive tree” for homework, along with our growing song pile.

It is rumoured that someone in the waiting class said, “They’re sounding good, aren’t they?”

I think we are.
​
Pat Treleaven
 
Note – The Recorder Group will not be held Wednesday 25th April  (Anzac Day Holiday). 

For the next session, 4th Wednesday, beginners will take the 10-11 time slot and the more experienced players, 11 -12.

We will all keep practising and for motivation we might watch FM’s video via Seldom Sene - A Vivaldi concerto played on plastic recorders and a 1980s Casio keyboard. Fantastic!


Pat Treleaven

Note:  Just a reminder that the starting time for the combined practice session on the 4th Wednesday is now 12 midday, with a prompt finish at 1 pm.  

Find out more about the Woodpecker Quartet here.

Watch and listen to more of their music here.

Fnd out more about Seldom Sene (we play music which is seldom seen, seldom heard) here.

Watch and listen to more of their music here.

At our first meeting the following arrangements were made for the longer sessions commencing on the 4th Wednesday - 28th February - from 10* am to 12 midday:

10 to 11 am           Beginners & those who can't read music
11 to 12 midday    Intermediate/+ and can read music

*Please note - on some timetables the starting time for the 4th Tuesday is 9.30 am.  The time was confirmed as 10 am at our first meeting.

​‘I wish I hadn’t given up  learning …music, the violin. piano, recorder, guitar…’  Our new Recorder Group convenor Janet Douglas says she would be very wealthy if she received $1 every time she heard an older person say this!  Janet believes it’s never too late to learn music or to learn a musical instrument and considers the recorder a good choice as it is such an accessible instrument.   A group for beginners to intermediate, there will also be scope for more proficient users of the recorder to play together and to help to mentor others.   Unlike most U3A courses, there will be homework.  You will need to practise--there’s no other way to learn and improve!  

Background

The program committee has for some years  identified a gap in our program in the ‘enjoy and learn music together’ category a la the ‘ukelele’  and ‘bell ringing’ groups offered by some U3A groups.  Their ears pricked up when someone suggested having a recorder group. The quest for a person  interested in teaching the group has happily resulted in local music teacher and violin player in local chamber music and other groups, Janet Douglas, agreeing to take the group. Janet is passionate about music and  considers this recorder group will also offer participants side benefits including improved immune systems and mental wellbeing.

Course information

• A course for people keen to learn or resume learning a musical instrument – in this case the recorder, an accessible instrument for beginners and from which skills can be transferred to other instruments over time.
• The group will be run as a mixed level group, with beginners, intermediate and more advanced users gaining the opportunity to improve their skills and to play together. More advanced players of the recorder may informally help others and take on roles as mentors/practice leaders. 
• A two hour time slot has been scheduled once a month (4th Wednesday 10 - 12), with a shorter lunchtime practice session also scheduled once a month (1st Wednesday 12.15 - 1.15 pm).  If more practice sessions are required (eg. before an end of year performance together) and the U3A meeting room is unavailable, use of an alternative location will be pursued.
• As music is a performing art, there will be at least one chance to perform with others and in front of others during the year. 

Additional costs/Equipment 

Members will need to bring their own recorder - some members may need to purchase a recorder if they don’t already have one.  Janet will provide advice about sources.

Prerequisite knowledge/skills:

None required, just an interest in learning to play the recorder and willingness to practice.  The group will also cater for those who have prior knowledge (even in the distant past) and provide the chance to improve for people who currently enjoy playing.       

Days  and times.      

Introduction to the Course and Practice Sessions during the year - U3A Meeting Room - 1st Wednesday 12.15-1.15pm commencing Wednesday February 7, 12.15 - 1.15 pm, U3A Meeting Room. 
Main Session in U3A Meeting Room - 4th Wednesday 10am-12 noon commencing  Wednesday February 28 10 am to 12 midday.  (Janet may schedule smaller sessions within this timeslot).