Recorder players from across North America celebrate March as Play-the-Recorder Month. Many ARS chapters plan special concerts and presentations to illustrate the versatility and beauty of this wonderful instrument.
Plan your 2012 celebration of "Play-the-Recorder-Month". See our Timeline (PDF) for planning your events. May we suggest a Press Release (PDF) to the local media and the use of a Public Service Announcement (PDF) to publicize your events?
Recorder Day!
The third Saturday in March, 3/17/2012, is designated Recorder Day!, when individuals and chapters around the world are encouraged to play David and Mark Fischer's original composition Reverie (click here for pdf version).
The composition appears in the January issue of American Recorder magazine.
You can also listen to a midi version here. (click arrow to play)
or download here: MP3 .
Play-the-Recorder Month Contest
Chapters and consorts should submit a Play-the-Recorder Month Contest Entry Form (PDF) on their activities to be eligible for prizes for the "Most Creative Event" contest. The deadline for the contest is April 15th.
Play-the-Recorder Month Membership Special
ARS holds a Membership Special during "Play-the-Recorder-Month". New members, or members that have lapsed for more than 2 years, may join the ARS for $35. That's a 25% savings off the normal price of $45. Join online or send your Membership Special Application (PDF) to the ARS office by March 31st.
Reverie
For Play the Recorder Month
By Mark W.F. Fischer
Arranged for recorders by ARS member, David W. Fischer, Kalamazoo, MI
"This piece was composed by my son Mark sometime in the 1990's. It was conceived originally as an untitled piano piece; it was not written out, but was something he simply enjoyed playing whenever he sat down at a piano. The piece acquired its current form when I re-imagined the piece for recorder ensemble and requested it be written down. From that version, I adapted the piece to suit a recorder quartet, and gave it the present title.
A steady tempo is required throughout most of the piece, as well as a steady breath pressure. This is a good exercise in tuning, especially for some of the more unusual chords. For example, the “chords” in measure 7 and 8 are DEFG followed by ABCD — essentially expanded tone clusters. Play them with confidence!
The commas indicate the larger phrasings, and should be observed in all parts. Within the larger units, phrasing should be worked out to suit the flow of each part and the breath capability of the player. Some changes in tempo (faster, then slower) may be used in measures 15–19 and measures 20–27. The three lower parts need to be prepared for the accidentals in two places.
Thanks to the ARS for selecting Reverie as this year’s Play-the Recorder Month piece. I hope it will find a place in the repertoire for chapters and ensembles."
