Recorder

The recorder is an inexpensive yet rewarding musical instrument with a history spanning many centuries. Children as young as 6 or 7 can start their instrumental learning on the descant recorder. A good quality beginner instrument can be bought for about £7 - £8. It is easy to maintain and relatively simple to learn in the early stages. There are imaginative and enjoyable solo and ensemble pieces to play that give a real sense of musical achievement right from the first lesson.

The majority of players see the instrument as the ideal precursor to instruments such as woodwind and other orchestral instruments. However, many take the instrument to higher levels, perhaps taking the graded examinations of the Associated Board or Trinity College, London and learning to play the larger treble recorder. It is an ideal ensemble instrument, with a vast repertoire to suit any number of players and making use of the whole recorder family, including the largest (and lowest) of them all – the bass recorder.

Apart from area recorder days when players of all abilities come together at a local music centre or school to enjoy ensemble playing, the Music Service brings many of the more experienced players together in the Hertfordshire Recorder Forum. Workshops, recorder orchestras and masterclasses are among the many activities in the programme. Recent tutors have included Marion Scott, Piers Adams, Colin Touchin and Ross Winters.

From these activities we are able to identify advanced players to participate in the County Recorder Ensemble which offers a real challenge, both technically and musically, to players of Grade 6-7 standard and above. The County Ensemble has performed in the regional rounds of the National Festival of Music for Youth, and, to great acclaim, at the Barbican Concert Hall.