Following the successful Exhibition in October 2009, a number of members expressed an interest in learning to play the recorder. Consequently this group was set up and we got underway in February 2010. Some members were revisiting the descant recorder from childhood, others had not played at all, some had a modicum of musical knowledge generally, some very little.
With this range of ability we are trying to progress so that no one feels left behind, and others do not feel held back, but our main aim is to enjoy learning to play together, to get to know one another and to spend an enjoyable afternoon around a common interest in making music.
The group is now at a manageable size and is not able to accommodate any new applicants.
We started out three years ago as six complete beginners, not only to recorders, but also to music playing and reading. Unfortunately three of our number dropped out for various reasons and after our teacher retired the future looked bleak. We needed someone to keep the beat! Salvation came in the shape of an experienced tenor player willing and able to keep us in time. We were then lucky enough to recruit an experienced treble player. Carnegie Hall beckons (well in our dreams at least). Our next signing was a descant player, somewhat rusty, but willing to practice. Our final member is a retired teacher of music – so we now have a Director and Assistant Director of Music.
The Fortnightly practice sessions are friendly, fun, instructive and social. The whips come out only very occasionally, but it is now possible to recognise the pieces of music we are playing. All agree that we can play our parts beautifully at home alone, but there is much more skill and enjoyment in playing as a group.
As we meet in a member’s house, the numbers have to be small, but there is room for one further member if anyone is interested. You would need to be able to play to at least Grade II standard.The new recorder group got off to a fine start on 18th January 2011. Four inexperienced players gathered with a recorder tutor, and were very soon playing duets together. There is room for up to three more members; alright, it might be a bit of a squash, but why not? We shall be meeting twice a month, dates by arrangement, but roughly 2nd & 4th, from 2pm till 4pm, with a break for tea and chat in the middle. See the U3A in Bath newsletter for contact details.