Recorder Expectations

In addition to the general music curriculum, and in an effort to enhance the skills taught during each general music class, all students in grades 3, 4 & 5 will play recorder during music class. Your child will need to bring their recorder, a folder, and their music to each music class in order to participate in class. Each class will be given a short homework assignment to practice. I have asked the students to practice twice a week for 10 minutes each session. Students have also been instructed to write the recorder fingerings underneath the notes on their homework assignments, so that they are more confident when playing the recorder during class. Students have received instruction as a group and/or individual on the proper way to write their fingerings. Periodically, students are assessed on their ability to play their assigned homework using the "Recorder Karate" assessment method. Students are given at least 1-2 weeks notice when an assessment will take place.

It is very important that all students are prepared with all of their materials as they only have music one day per week. If your child has lost their music or recorder fingering chart, you may print a new copy from my website (the only exception would be copyrighted music). My website also contains important information on homework, recorder lessons, assessment notices and worksheets that will assist your child in their preparation for class. My website address is web.hcpss.org/~carmstrong (no "www").