| Information | | We usually start with rhythm exercises and scales before launching into our extensive repertoire over 130 pieces of music. Most sessions also include one piece of new music with a view to improving our sight reading.
Our music ranges over a great variety of styles, eras and rhythms including; classical (mostly renaissance and baroque), folk, ragtime and jazz, popular songs and hits from the musicals. Sometimes we supplement the Recorder Band with other instruments, e.g. cello, trombone, percussion, or the piano, and sometimes some of the group sing.
We all get a real buzz out of playing together in a friendly atmosphere. There is a real sense of achievement when a new, rather demanding piece of music is finally conquered, with every part entering at the right time,-- and nobody playing in the rests!
The group plays mostly for its own enjoyment, but we do occasionally perform for an audience, and have done some joint performances with the U3A Choir. We also have occasional joint playing sessions with U3A Recorder groups from neighbouring U3As.
The Group is not really suitable for beginners.
If you already play another musical instrument and are a reasonably competent music reader, it would not take too long to teach yourself the basics of recorder playing such that you could join the group. The tenor recorder, rather than the descant, is recommended as the best starter instrument. |
