ARS Online Beginners’ Classes in Soprano/Tenor Recorder with Lewis Baratz

ARS introduces our next Free Online Beginner’s course in Soprano and/or Tenor Recorder. An ideal instrument for people looking forward to the social experience of playing with others, the recorder is also a flexible instrument for playing music from the Middle Ages to the present day.  Most people can learn the basics and start playing in a relatively short time.

Lewis Baratz’s classes will be held:

Monday, June 16, 2025 at 7:00 PM Eastern Time (ET) (6:00 CT, 5:00 MT, 4:00 PT)
Monday, June 23, 2025 at 7:00 PM ET (6:00 CT, 5:00 MT, 4:00 PT)
Monday, June 30, 2025 at 7:00 PM ET (6:00 CT, 5:00 MT, 4:00 PT)
Monday, July 7, 2025 at 7:00 PM ET (6:00 CT, 5:00 MT, 4:00 PT)

Lewis will provide materials in PDF derived from a variety of sources as well as original material.  And if you don’t already read music, no problem, as basic music-reading skills will be discussed as well. This course will guide you through basic sound production, hand position, finger technique, and tonguings, and give you the opportunity to see what the recorder can do and personally experience its appeal. The course is geared to students of all ages, but children 12 and under should be joined by an adult during the class.

If you don’t already own a “C” soprano or tenor recorder consider starting out with a plastic recorder such as  the Aulos “Haka” soprano model or the Yamaha "Rottenburgh" or “Ecodear” plastic sopranos.  These instruments are often easier to play and last longer than inexpensive wooden models. Plastic tenor recorders are also available.

You can inquire or purchase recorders at:

Von Huene Workshop (The Early Music Shop of New England), Boston, MA: (617) 277-8690

Honeysuckle Music, St. Paul, MN: (651) 644-8545

Lazar's Early Music, Carson City, NV: (866) 511-2981

The Highland Park Recorder Society is offering a Consort Studio in central New Jersey, monthly sessions in ensemble playing for intermediate and above recorder players to play with one another and other instruments under a skilled conductor, with professional accompaniment.

Music Director Steven Russell will lead a “Consort Studio” ensemble of recorder players in an exploration of Baroque Trio Sonatas through rehearsal, instruction and demonstration and end with the players opportunity to play solo alto with a professional ensemble of harpsichord and violin, flute, or oboe depending on the music. Focusing on ensemble skills, this will take place in a welcoming, intimate environment that encourages people to feel comfortable to get up and play. We will have opportunities to warm up on Renaissance music with SATB recorders, so bring all sizes.
 

January 11, 2025

Giuseppe Sammartini Sonata II in F for 2 Alto Recorders and Continuo

Meredyth Coleman, oboe

Ruth Ochs, cello

Second part played by oboe

February 22, 2025

Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach Trio in F Major for Bass Recorder, Viola, and Continuo

Tina Wagner, viola

Ruth Ochs, cello

We will play the recorder part on alto first, then anyone who wants can play on bass

Both treble clef and bass clef parts are available

March 22, 2025

Georg Friedrich Handel Sonata II in F for Alto Recorder and Violin (Op. 2 No. 4)

Alexei Yavtuhovich, Violin

Ruth Ochs, cello

April 26, 2025

Georg Philipp Telemann Trio Sonata in A Minor (42:a6) for alto recorder and oboe.

Nick Gatto, oboe

Ruth Ochs, cello

May 24, 2025

Georg Philipp Telemann Trio Sonata in F (42:F6) for alto recorder and violin.

Alexei Yavtuhovich, Violin

Ruth Ochs, cello

June 28, 2025

Georg Philipp Telemann Trio 8 in B Flat Major for alto recorder and solo harpsichord.

Steven Russell, harpsichord

TBA, cello