Recorder Time!
Our 3rd through 5th grades will again this year be learning to read music by playing the recorder. We will continue on with our tradition of a "belt" program similar to Karate belts. Listed below are the belt colors and the concept the children need to know before they can move to the next color.
White Belt--Beginning player.
Green Belt--Must be able to hold the recorder properly and have mastered the notes B A G and can easily read them on the staff notes only.
Red Belt-- Must have mastered C B A G and E and can easily read them on the staff with simple rhythms using quarter notes and half notes.
Blue Belt-- Must have mastered the notes D C B A G E and D and can easily read them on the staff with simple rhythms using quarter notes and eighth notes.
Brown Belt-- Must have mastered the notes D C B A G F E and D and can easily read them on the staff with simple rhythms using quarter notes, half notes, and eighth notes. Must be able to read in triple meter, duple meter and common time. This belt test not only entails sight reading, but a small written test over terminology and basic music symbols.
Black Belt-- Must have mastered the notes ED C B A G F E D and C and can easily read them on the staff with simple rhythms using quarter notes, half notes, and eighth notes. Must be able to read in triple meter, duple meter and common time. This belt test not only entails sight reading, but a written exam over music reading terminology, notation, and definitions. At this time, your child will be considered an independent music reader!
Don't forget!....Here's how you play the notes!
