5th Grade Recorder Ensemble

The 5th Grade Recorder Ensemble was formed by Mr. McDade in the 2001-02 school year in order to give students who wanted additional musical challenges an opportunity to play and perform challenging music in an ensemble setting. The focus of the Ensemble is learning to play the alto recorder, which is larger than the soprano recorder that all Independence students learn in 4th grade. Other recorders are sometimes added to the ensemble, such as the soprano and the very small sopranino. The Recorder Ensemble plays folk songs, well known themes from classical music (such as Beethoven's "Ode To Joy"), and popular songs such as "Jingle bells." The ensemble plays music in two-part, three-part and sometimes four-part harmony. The Recorder Ensemble practices once a week, and usually performs at the Spring Concert. Sometimes other performances are arranged.

The Recorder Ensemble is restricted to 5th Grade students, and students must audition for the group. The audition consists of a test on musical note reading and terms, and a playing test performed on the soprano recorder. The group usually consists of 12- 20 students. Students may either purchase their own alto recorder, or borrow one of the school's alto recorders, returning it at the end of the year. Auditions will be sometime in early August, see this page soon for information, or look for information coming home from Mr. McDade about auditions.

This year our Recorder Ensemble will practice during 5th Grade lunch recess on "Day 3" of the building schedule. This will be from 2:10 - 2:30 pm (on "Day 3" only).

If you have any questions about the 5th Grade Recorder Ensemble, please contact Mr. McDade at: bill_mcdade@fhsd.k12.mo.us , or call school at 636-477-3010.

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