Reinvigorate the Recorder: Making the Recorder Fun, Fresh, and Meaningful for Upper Elementary
Saturday, January 24, 2026
2:00 PM - 2:45 PM
Description
Join us for "Reinvigorate the Recorder", where we’ll explore exciting ways to breathe new life into this classic instrument! This session is designed for K-5 music educators looking to engage 4th and 5th graders with dynamic, hands-on approaches to recorder playing.
We'll cover a variety of strategies to keep students motivated and excited, and you’ll leave with fresh ideas to transform your recorder lessons into a fun and meaningful experience. We'll also cover ways to incorporate technology, composition, and improvisation into your lessons, making the recorder relevant and engaging for today's learners.
Whether you’re a seasoned recorder teacher or just starting, this session will equip you with practical tools and inspiration to make recorder time something your students look forward to. Let’s make the recorder not just a gateway to band and orchestra instruments, but a source of joy, self-expression, and musical discovery!
Speakers
David Lurie
Learning Objective 1
Session attendees will learn techniques for beginning students on the recorder, including proper use of air, articulation, and hand/finger position.
Learning Objective 2
Session attendees will play through a repertoire of melodies for recorder, starting with 3-note songs, and stretching the range of the instrument into songs that span an octave. They'll be presented with pop songs that can easily be played on the recorder, as a way of making the recorder a fun instrument to play for elementary students.
Learning Objective 3
Session attendees will engage in activites that focus on creativity and improvisation on the recorder.
Session Level
Elementary