March 25, 2022
Welcome to the inaugural issue of ARS NEWS, a members-only e-newsletter that will take the place of our printed quarterly ARS Newsletter. In here, you will find all the same news that's featured in the paper version, but with the addition of clickable links. This will allow you to learn more and also sign up for events that interest you. Please make sure to scroll to the bottom to see all the events happening in the recorder world. Enjoy! Click here to view email as a Webpage
The 2022 ARS Election Begins April 1
It's nearly time to choose candidates for the Board of Directors, as well as decide on some proposed bylaw changes. Members will receive an email on April 1 -- the 83rd birthday of ARS! The election is open until June 1. (Members without email will receive a paper ballot.) View the ARS 2022 Election Page
A Unique Chapter Brings Diversity to ARS
“The idea is still a little strange.”
Rachel Begley, who has been the Music Director for the Recorder Society of Long Island (RSLI) since 1994, and now leads the North American Virtual Recorder Society (NAVRS) as well, is still getting used to her latest venture. To read more, click here
Play-the-Recorder Day 2022
ARS celebrated Play-the-Recorder Day by hosting an online event. ARS President David Podeschi interviewed Erik Pearson, composer of the Play-the-Recorder Month piece. This was followed by a group play-along of the piece, Fanfare: returning. We will post a video of the event on our Play-the-Recorder Month page shortly.
Pictured: ARS member Harald Poelchau introduces his grandchildren to the joys of the recorder on Play-the-Recorder Day.
Recorders at the Met!
Rachel Begley and Nina Stern played recorders at the Metropolitan Opera in New York in the March 2022 production of Handel’s Rodelinda, with Harry Bicket conducting. Read more
Photo (taken by Wendy Powers): Nina Stern (left) and Rachel Begley practicing an aria together in the pit of the Metropolitan Opera, ahead of the dress rehearsal.
What's New Online?
The ARS Online Music Libraries have recently been receiving a number of contributions of “Easy” and “Very Easy” compositions—music that may appeal to early-level students. Many of these also have play-along parts. (When searching the whole library, use “Recorded Accompaniment” in the Style search field.) Many of these less difficult pieces, though not all, fall into three categories:
  • Easy Renaissance pieces with performed or synthesized “music minus one” recordings
  • Compositions based on folksongs or familiar melodies, often with variations
  • Compositions in a “pop” genre
In Memoriam
Two members from the Westchester (NY) chapter, Sybil Barten and Kay Sinclair, passed away recently.
A Great Member Benefit: Publicize your Event on the ARS Calendar
Did you know you can also post your concert, chapter meeting or workshop details on the ARS website calendar?
Checking in with CCROs
Chapters, Consorts, Recorder Orchestras
Post Quarantine Renaissance
Lucie McNeill of the British Columbia Recorder Society finds that many of our recorder societies are emerging from the pandemic and getting ready to embrace the new normal.
Chapter Grants also open to Recorder Orchestras - deadline May 15
Has your group wanted to offer an exciting event, but lacks the funds to make it happen? ARS Chapter / Recorder Orchestra Grants can make your wish come true! In the past, chapters who availed themselves of the opportunity enjoyed growth in membership plus an enriching group experience as a result—and this benefit has been extended to recorder orchestras.

Invite a recorder professional to lead a workshop, put on a program designed to attract new players, or participate in a community event, and the ARS will help! You can see all the criteria on our web site: your chapter or orchestra must have 10 or more ARS members, and the event should be geared for membership development purposes. You may also call the office at 844-509-1422 if you need a paper applica­tion, or e-mail for an e-mailed PDF version.
Apply by May 15 to be considered.
A Brief Reminder of ARS Deadlines
Weeklong scholarship applications: August 31
Weekend Workshop Applications: two months before funding is needed
Virtual events are eligible for funding from Grants and Scholarships, as long as the amounts do not exceed stated limits.
Chapter/Recorder Orchestra Grant applications: May 15
These grants support projects that will make your chapter or recorder orchestra stronger, and allow it to provide better playing and educational opportunities for your members; may include virtual sessions.
Educational Outreach Grant applications: May 1-June 15
Professional Development Grant applications: September 15
Want to Share Your News?
To submit your news using an online form, please go to https://americanrecorder.org/newsform. You may also email an article and photos. We love to hear stories of how the recorder community is still going strong. Send any of the types of news items you have seen in the paper newsletter. Digital photos are welcome, as are digital videos for YouTube (DropBox suggested). Send either your event basics or articles/photos to newsletter@americanrecorder.org.

Newsletter editors and publicity officers for Chapters, Consorts & Recorder Orchestras should make sure that your regular communications like e-newsletters are sent to the ARS office, newsletter@americanrecorder.org.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Check the ARS Calendar of Events for many more events not listed here.
Early Music Workshops & Festivals
Don’t miss out on the joy of spring and summer workshops and festivals! Some are returning to in-person opportunities. Check out the ARS Workshops & Festivals page featuring our Partner members and advertisers to see some wonderful possibilities.
The Berkeley Festival & Exhibition will happen in June 2022
The Berkeley (CA) Festival and Exhibition (BFX), which had to be canceled in 2020, is being held in person this summer.
Playing It Safe (Virtual) Events
Boston Early Music Festival
Offering FREE Recorder Events
Saturday, April 9, 12pm (EDT)

Saturday, May 21 at 12pm
Everything Recorder with Erik Bosgraaf

Special Presentation:
Saturday, June 4, 12pm
Recorders Beyond Borders with Nina Stern

Virtual Classes
Turn On, Tune In, Drop Out:
Recorder Music and Arrangements from the 1960's
with Glen Shannon
sponsored by the South Bay Recorder Society
March 26, 2022
On Zoom 10:45am-2pm (Pacific)

The late 1960’s were an experimental time for nearly everything, including recorder composers. The bass recorder was still a rare and exotic beast, tenor recorders only had one key, historical performance of Renaissance and Baroque music was in its infancy, and the ensemble music reflected the free-wheeling culture of the times. In this workshop we will explore some of the more iconic recorder compositions composed during the decade 1960-1970, by Arnold Cooke, Ferdinand Bruckmann, Andrew Charlton, The Beatles, and others. Click to learn more
Spring Consort Classes with the Oregon Renaissance Band Trio (Laura Kuhlman, Phil Neuman, Gayle Neuman)
 
Attend advanced classes starting on Saturday, March 26th at 10:00am for 10 weeks - Wednesdays at 7pm are also an option. Each week, the Wednesday and Saturday sessions will be the same repertoire, so you can attend either one or both if you like. Music by Brumel, Sammartini, Ghibeli, Gamble, Satie, and Piazzolla to name a few. 
Multiple Class Options
with Marea Chernoff
 
The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra School of Music is offering online recorder classes for the Spring term. Included are multiple technique classes, a French Sonata Class, and a recorder masterclass series for performers (and auditors). 
 
Classes begin March 28th and run through mid June. Email Marea with questions
Soprano Recorder, Step 3
with Jody Miller

Wednesday evenings,
March 30 – April 27
7:30–8:30 p.m. ET

Take your soprano playing past the beginning level by expanding your range in the high register as well as learning some exercises to help develop good technique.  Four-week session is $60.
Swedish Fiddle Tunes Workshop for soprano and alto recorder 
with Debby Greenblatt

Tuesday, April 19
7 - 8 pm, CT and
Wednesday, April 20
10 - 11 am, CT

During these workshops we will play and discuss tunes from the Greenblatt & Seay publication, “Swedish Fiddle Tunes for Two.”
Wednesday Webinar: Double Tonguing Boot Camp
with Anne Timberlake

Wednesday 5/11/2022 
at 7:00pm CT (US)

Learning to double tongue is an essential part of becoming a more advanced recorder player. We’ll review why, where, and how to double tongue in this live, one-hour Zoom webinar. 
Special Spring Short Course: Four Weeks to Better Tone
with Anne Timberlake

Tuesdays 4/26, 5/3, 5/10, and 5/17
at 3:00pm CT (US)

Do you struggle to control your tone? Do you wish your sound was richer, more resonant, and more alive? Tone is the heart and soul of the recorder, yet we seldom set aside time to focus on it. 
Getting the Most from Rooda’s Dexterity Exercises
with Jody Miller
Tuesday evenings, April 19–May 31: 6:00–7:00 p.m. ET

The Rooda 95 Dexterity Exercises and Dances is among the most commonly-used recorder technique books. This six-week class will be much more than just a group practice session, though. No session May 3. Six-week session is $90.
Alto Recorder, Step 3: Taming the High Register with Jody Miller
Tuesday evenings, April 19–May 17: 7:30–8:30 p.m. ET

For emerging alto recorder players who have gained some facility with the lower octave of the instrument, this 4-week session will give tips and tricks for playing the higher register with ease. The tunes-based approach will have lots of pedagogy so you understand the “why” and “how” behind the techniques. No session May 3. Four-week session is $60.
How to submit event information to ARS:

Virtual Chapter Events
When: Saturday, March 26, 1:30 - 3:30 PM, EST
Cost: NAVRS Membership is $20 and each playing session is $15; membership is not required for your first meeting but there is a charge of $15.
 
Please join us with guest music leader Rainer Beckmann of the Philadelphia Recorder Society. He will lead you through an afternoon of positive and hopeful music generally associated with the arrival of spring. To RSVP, please visit www.navrs.org
ARS offers a webpage with all the chapters offering virtual meetings. There are several chapters with a worldwide membership, led by world-class music directors, thanks to the wonders of Zoom.
(Is your group offering virtual meetings but not on the list? Email us!)

New ARS Beginner Classes
ARS Beginners' Course:
Learn to Read Music (Alto Recorder) 
with Larry Zukof
 
Sunday, March 20, 8pm EDT (5pm PDT)
Sunday, March 27, 8pm EDT
Sunday, April 3, 8pm EDT
Sunday, April 10, 8pm EDT
 
To learn more and register for this free course, please click HERE.
ARS Beginners' Course:
Learn Soprano/Tenor Recorder
with Miyo Aoki 

Monday, May 2, 12:30 p.m. EDT (9:30 am PDT)
Thursday, May 5, 12:30 p.m. EDT
Monday, May 9, 12:30 p.m. EDT
Thursday, May 12, 12:30 p.m. EDT

To learn more and register for this free course, please click HERE.
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