Image of students playing recorder. Image by M. Grayburn.
Welcome to the Recorder Karate Support Site! You may use this site to support you in your journey through Recorder Karate. The following modules will guide you throughout the process.
- Module 1
- - Note Durations and Reading Rhythms
- - The Music Staff and Note Reading
- - Recorder Playing Technique and Fingering
- - History of the Recorder
- - About Your Instructors
- Module 2
- - Hot Cross Buns
- - Gently Sleep
- - Merrily We Roll Along
- Module 3
- - It's Raining, It's Pouring
- - Old McDonald Had A Farm
- - When the Saints go Marching In
- Module 4
- - Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star
- - Amazing Grace
- - Ode to Joy
- - Songs for Degrees of Black Belt
This video will give you an overview of how the Recorder Karate Program works. Video title is "Hi-YA!!! Recorder Karate: What's it All About?" Video created by M. Grayburn. |
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Module 1 provides you with the basic background knowledge you need in order to play recorder. Below, you will also find Frequently Asked Questions about recorder participation and the National Standards for Music. Enjoy!
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Below, you will find frequently asked questions about Recorder Karate.
- What is Recorder Karate?
- How does a student test for Recorder Karate?
- Will Recorder Karate testing happen all year?
- Do all fifth grade students have to participate in Recorder Karate?
- Can students go beyond the black belt?
- Where can we get a recorder?
- How will I know how my child is progressing in Recorder Karate?
- How will my child's participation in Recorder Karate be used for his report card grade in music?
- If my child is struggling with learning to play a song in Recorder Karate, how can he get help?
- What is Recorder Ensemble?
- How does my child get into the Recorder Ensemble?
- When does the Recorder Ensemble meet?
Recorder Karate is a program that moves a student through a series of songs, introducing new music concepts and notes as it moves along. Students move through this program at their own pace, testing for each song when they are ready. They can move as fast as they want. When they are successful in testing for a song, they receive a "belt" (which is a bead) of a certain color, moving from white up to black, and hang it on their recorder.
How does a student test for Recorder Karate?
In the first semester (first and second quarters), Monday-Thursday mornings, 7:25-7:50 is set aside for testing. To test, a student must receive a permission from their homeroom teacher that morning, then come to the music room to test. If you would prefer to test from home, you may submit a test on Flipgrid. A flipgrid link is posted on each page. You must enter the account code and password to submit a test. Every student should also look at myflipgrid for emailed feedback. From time to time, certain testing dates will be designated for testing for a certain purpose, such as anyone still needing a particular color of belt as a deadline for that belt approaches, or for students trying to earn their blue belt in order to participate in the Recorder Ensemble.
Will Recorder Karate testing happen all year?
No. It will end at the end of the third quarter. After that, any student who has earned their black belt will be recognized at the end of the year as a Black Belt .
Do all fifth grade students have to participate in Recorder Karate? Yes. All fifth grade students must earn their white, yellow, and orange belts by the end of the first quarter, their green belt by the end of the second quarter, and their purple belt by the end of the third quarter. If not, it will impact their music grade. Of course students are allowed and strongly encouraged to go beyond the minimum requirements. Can students go beyond the black belt? YES! I have added degrees of black belt for those who would like to do that! I can add as many degrees as we need to satisfy the most motivated recorder players. Recorders and can be purchased from the school using a recorder order form envelope throughout the school year.
Recorders with a book are $10. You may also just purchase a recorder for $5.
. Recorders can also be purchased at a music store. If you are purchasing one from a music store, please purchase a Yamaha recorder, as they have the best pitch and tone, and are made well. A recorder from a music store will probably not have a neck strap.
. STAY AWAY FROM ALL OTHER STORES FOR PURCHASING A RECORDER, ESPECIALLY THE DOLLAR STORE. Recorders not purchased from a music store, especially the Dollar Store, are toys and are not made with accuracy of pitch and quality of tone.
How will I know how my child is progressing in Recorder Karate? Your child will have earned and received a colored belt indicating the belts that they have mastered. If your child turns in a test on flipgrid, they will receive feedback and you can note which tests are submitted and approved on myflipgrid.com. How will my child's participation in Recorder Karate be used for his report card grade in music? First Quarter: In the first quarter, each student is required to earn their white, yellow, and orange belts to complete the music reading standard. music. Earning more additional belts will bring their grade to a higher level". Second Quarter: Each student is required to earn one belt in the second quarter.
. Third Quarter: Each student is required to earn one belt in the third quarter.
. If my child is struggling with learning to play a song in Recorder Karate, how can he get help? Each of the first five belts are discussed, analyzed, and learned, to some degree, in music class. In the Recorder Karate program, each new concept, note, rhythm, etc. is introduced at the bottom of the page, offering helpful information for student learning.
If a student needs help, he needs to ask for it. Classmates are a great place to start asking for help. Many students who have already earned belts are very excited to help others. And, of course, students can, and should, ask questions during music class. If needed, I can arrange a time to meet with the student for some extra help.
- Singing, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music
- Performing on instruments, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music.
- Improvising melodies, variations, and accompaniments.
- Composing and arranging music within specified guidelines.
- Reading and notating music.
- Listening to, analyzing, and describing music.
- Evaluating music and music performances.
- Understanding relationships between music, the other arts, and disciplines outside the arts.
- Understanding music in relation to history and culture.
Image of karate black belt. Image from http://www.wpclipart.com/recreation/sports/karate/karate_belts/karate_belt_black.png.html