We're having a great time learning both the soprano and alto recorder in the SLR Recorder Ensemble. Training ourselves to shift between each recorder, several times during each session, has been cause for much laughter and fun. It takes a while to get those "little grey cells" working on a new way of thinking.

John Morgan is doing a great job of motivating us and keeping each session enjoyable. Much thanks to you John. All of us really appreciate your leadership.

Alto Recorder Players

SLR Recorder Consort

Wanted – Alto Recorder Players

The SLR has a recorder group that meets on a regular basis to play a variety of music and musical styles. In the group we have mostly soprano recorders, with one tenor recorder and a bass recorder.  We are currently working our way through the Basic recorder technique volume 2 by Hugh Orr to improve our playing.

We need to add some alto recorders to the group and as a result we are offering a class this fall for this instrument. No previous musical playing prior is required, but learning to play the recorder well is a challenge for all. The class will start at the beginning and progression will depend on the players. No deadlines will be set, but the idea is to have fun making music.The aim is to have the alto players join the SLR Consort as they feel confident after the classes are completed. (A second set may be possible in the winter.) It should be noted that most of the existing players all started in the beginner’s class offered by the SLR.

The recorder is an instrument with a long history. It was the original wind instrument for the baroque period orchestras and over time, has evolved into the oboe, flute, bassoon and clarinet.  There was a lot of beautiful music written for the instrument and much is available today.In addition, a number of folk musician have used the recorder in the modern era, and there is no limit on the type of music that can be played. As the instrument is pitched in C, it is quite possible to read popular music written for the piano and voice directly.

The top picture shows the tenor, alto and soprano recorders and the bottom picture shows the bass recorder. The alto and bass are F based instruments and the soprano and tenor are C based instruments. Once the fingerings for the alto are learned, the same fingerings are applicable to the bass. This also applies to the soprano and tenor.

Here is a chance to learn to play an instrument, meet a great group of people and most important, and have fun doing it.

John Morgan