Next Meeting: April 19th, 2009

Two versions of the newsletter are available: web and printable pdf version.

You will need the free Adobe Acrobat reader to download the newsletter (most computers already have it installed, but if not, you can get it here.)

Printable Renewal Form

NEW - ROCKY VIII Registration Materials available for download:

Registration
Schedule

Looking for a small group to play with? Click here for a list of local groups.

Find information about the free lesson here.

Read memories of a local recorder teacher here.

Local Recorder Teacher List

Who we are!

We are the Greater Denver (Colorado) Chapter of the ARS, a national network of recorder enthusiasts. We promote the playing of the recorder among amateurs and professionals, and also encourage the playing of all early instruments such as viols, capped and open reeds, historical flute, lute and harpsichord. Each month we have a meeting with a guest conductor who brings music, usually with a specific theme.

What's a recorder?

An inexpensive early wind instrument, which is versatile enough to play medieval to modern music. Recorders are portable -- you can carry them in your backpack, and it's easy to get started with folk tunes and dances. The instrument has unlimited potential, and is played by professional recording artists as well as amateur musicians. Four sizes are in common use: Soprano, Alto, Tenor and Bass, but larger and smaller sizes are also sometimes used.

Have fun!

Playing the recorder is fun for both beginners and experienced players. Beginners will quickly be enjoying folk tunes and renaissance dances. A rich repertoire of works was composed in baroque times, and other music composed or adapted for recorder provides a lifetime of pleasure. Solo playing is rewarding, and the opportunities for group playing are greatly enhanced by the variety of published music.

Try something new and rewarding!

Develop skills you never knew you had! Enjoy playing music on the recorder and make new friends. Learn history when you work on older music.

Beginner’s Corner

By Janet Handmaker
Past Chapter President

1. For your first recorder, purchase a high quality plastic recorder rather than a low cost wooden one. Plastic recorders are relatively inexpensive, responsive, pleasing to the ear and will serve as good backup instruments when you are ready to purchase the more expensive wooden instruments.

2. Many teachers recommend the higher priced Yamaha brand instruments as the best choice for a beginners’ plastic instrument. Aulos and Dolmetsch also make good plastic instruments. If price is still an issue, there are many lower priced plastic recorders that are adequate.

Beginners Tip: When first learning to play the recorder, use baroque fingerings. The movement patterns of the alternative German fingerings may be slightly easier, but they produce a tone that is very out of tune and strident.

Beginners are always welcome!

Denver Chapter Program for the 2008-09 Season 

Sep. 21 Nancy Ekberg: Renaissance Dances from England and Italy
Oct. 19 William Adams: From the Back of the Fridge
Nov 16 Steve Winograd: Music of Shakespeare's Time
Dec 21 A Holiday Celebration
Jan 18 Connie Primus: Happy Anniversary!
Feb 15 Janet Handmaker: Mood Music of the Baroque
Mar 29 Play-The-Recorder month "concert"
Mar 15 Karl Reque: Pipes 'n' Keys
Apr 19 Boulder Renaissance Consort: Getting Your Act Together
May 29-31 Rocky VIII Estes Park

The following members have expressed interest in performing at schools or other venues:

1. Elaine Granata: Solo or Recorder Ensemble
Geographical Areas: East, North, Central and Near-West Denver; Commerce City; Western Aurora
Contact Information: elainegranata@peoplepc.com

2. Paul Brunson: Recorder Ensemble
Geographical Areas: Metro Denver
Contact Information: pbruns1@comcast.net

3. Nancy Fey: Recorder Ensemble available weekends or evenings
Geographical Areas: Unspecified
Contact Information: 303-455-3437

4. Janet Handmaker: Solo or Recorder Ensemble
Geographical Area: East, South, near-West and near-North Denver; Englewood
Contact Information: 303-221-6066 or recorderteacher@comcast.net

5. Dick Munz: Recorder Jazz Ensemble
Geographic Area: Metro Denver
Contact information: 303-286-7909 or idmunz@gmail.com

This month's chapter newsletter

Events Calendar

Contact Us on the Internet

Chapter Music Library:

The Regis University Dayton Memorial Library has an extensive collection of recorder music, including some that came from the Denver Chapter ARS. A complete listing of all pieces available from Regis is shown on this web site.

Many of these pieces may be taken out on loan through your local library.

American Recorder Society (National)