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
