This seminar class explores the rich textures and vibrant rhythms of Spanish Renaissance music, as it delves into Epiphany-themed works by three of Spain’s most celebrated composers. Experience the intricate polyphony of Tomás Luis de Victoria, the luminous melodies of Francisco Guerrero, and the heartfelt expressions of Cristóbal de Morales, all adapted for recorders of multiple sizes. Celebrate the journey of the Magi and the festive spirit of the season through playing music that blends devotional depth with lively charm.

All are welcome! SATB Recorders, A=440hz

Prerequisites:

• At least rudimentary knowledge of the following music terms and associated symbols:  staff, clef sign, whole note, half note, quarter note
• At least rudimentary experience playing either recorder or another musical instrument

Not too long ago, it was rare to find a bass recorder among a group of recorder players.  With the common availability of sizes that are even larger than the bass, it has become almost as commonplace as the other sizes.  For smaller hands, the bass is generally easier to play than a tenor recorder.  Jody will take class participants through the beginning stages of playing bass recorder, focusing on correct posture and instrument position, tips for improving breath control and tone production, exercises in reading in bass clef, and information about the use of the bass recorder as a solo instrument and as an ensemble instrument.  We’ll also learn to properly care for the instrument so you can keep it in tip top shape.  Sessions will be presented through Zoom.  A computer with good speakers or high quality headphones are suggested.

Required materials:  A bass recorder in F, a music stand, a neck strap, a pencil

All other class materials will be provided in PDF format a few days before the start of class.  Participants should either print the materials or download them to a tablet that is separate from the device used for connection to Zoom.  Class participants will also be provided with some audio playalong files.

Some recommended resin (plastic) recorders:

• Yamaha YRB-302B
• Aulos A533 B
• Aulos A521B

There are also many good wooden instruments.  For instrument inquiries, you are encouraged to contact one of the ARS Business Members.  These vendors will have the knowledge to assist and are able to answer recorder-specific questions.

Join our dance band for the day! Learn how the character of the steps, tempo, and rhythm

of a particular dance influence your approach to playing an instrumental dance

composition or even the accompaniment of dance performance. Our distinguished faculty

will make all clear – Baroque Dancer Caroline Copeland will demonstrate selected

dances and comment about their important aspects. Anne Timberlake will lead the

orchestra in translating these dance principles into sparkling instrumental performance.

The workshop is open to upper intermediate, and advanced players of baroque

instruments. We’ll welcome a wealth of instruments into our orchestra – recorders, flutes,

violins, violas, viols, lutes, guitars and the like.

Join us for a series of Consort Studio Workshops in central New Jersey, monthly sessions in ensemble playing for intermediate to advanced level recorder players to learn to play with one another and other instruments under a skilled conductor, with professional accompaniment.

These events will be led by conductor, recorder player, and harpsichordist, Steven Russell (see below). It is an opportunity to play a variety of Baroque literature for small ensembles, through rehearsal, instruction, and demonstration, in a supportive environment, with a focus on ensemble playing, and end with the option to play the lead alto part with a professional ensemble. We will have opportunities to warm up on Renaissance music with SATB recorders, so bring all sizes. Register early to receive the music well in advance. Auditors welcome to attend. Sessions culminate in a performance.

Dates: One Saturday of the month, 1:00 – 5:00 P.M. w/ a 15-min. break       

Nov. 8, 2025  Open for General Registration. A Taste of Things to Come       

Jan. 10, 2026           Feb. 28, 2026        March 14, 2026        April 25, 2026

May 9, 2026  Workshop-Rehearsal     June 13      Oct. 10      Nov. 14, 2026

Location: Reformed Church of Highland Park, 19-21 South Second Avenue, Highland Park, NJ. There is plenty of parking at the location, which is a 30-minute walk or 5-minute taxi ride from the New Brunswick NJT train station.

To register, Visit https://hprecorder.org/events/2026-consort-studio/. For more information contact recorderdonna@gmail.com 

Enjoy the costumed splendor of French courtly baroque dance! Renowned dancers

Caroline Copeland and Julian Donahue perform selections from Rameau’s

Dardanus and Nais, with live accompaniment by the CEM Dance Band. The

program also features solos by the virtuoso recorder player Anne Timberlake,

bringing French Baroque Dance music vividly to life.

Prerequisites: Either participation in the Beginning Bass class or the ability to play recorder at least one octave while reading bass clef.

Many think that the bass lines are the easiest to play.  After all, the bass line can often be less technically demanding and might even have more rests than the other lines.  Experienced ensemble players know that a weak bass player can really hold back the progress of an ensemble.  The bass line is truly the foundation upon which a piece is written, defining the chord structure, the rhythmic backbone, and even the core sound of the group.  In this class, participants will learn to analyze and play idiomatic bass lines that set up an ensemble for success.  We’ll also learn a bit about the inconsistencies of publishers and how to play music written in treble clef and how the bass recorder might sometimes function as the alto or tenor voice within the ensemble.  Sessions will be presented through Zoom.  A computer with good speakers or high quality headphones are suggested.

Required materials:  A bass recorder in F, a music stand, a neck strap, a pencil

All other class materials will be provided in PDF format a few days before the start of class.  Participants should either print the materials or download them to a tablet that is separate from the device used for connection to Zoom.

Some recommended resin (plastic) recorders:

Yamaha YRB-302B
Aulos A533 B
Aulos A521B
There are also many good wooden instruments.  For instrument inquiries, you are encouraged to contact one of the ARS Business Members.  These vendors will have the knowledge to assist and are able to answer recorder-specific questions.

Johann Sebastian Bach's two-part inventions and three-part sinfonias provide recorder players and other non-keyboard instrumentalists) with a wonderful collection of pieces to play. Over these five weeks we'll work on three of the two-part inventions on our bass recorders.  Part of our work will involve making decisions on how to deal with parts that go out of our range, learning how to make changes that retain the beauty of the line. We'll also exercise our skills on switching from bass clef to treble clef by playing both parts of the inventions. Along the way we'll continue to work on good bass technique.

For bass recorder players.

Led by Tish Berlin

French Baroque music can often seem like a foreign language – you've practiced Handel and Bach, and learned a few trill fingerings along the way, but maybe you've wondered about the suites by French composers and the art of ornamenting them. Boismortier, Hotteterre, Dieupart, and others who were composing and performing in French aristocratic circles in the 18^th century offer a wealth of beautiful music for us to discover.  We'll learn about and practice some of the French agréments - trills, the port de voix, battement, flattement, tour de chant, and tour de gosier - in context so they become second nature.  We'll listen to recordings to hear the music that charmed Louis XIV and XV and their courts. We'll learn how to adorn movements from suites by Boismortier with beautiful ornaments! For alto recorder players. 

Payment: $25 per individual class, or $125 for all five. Please email tishberlin@sbcglobal.net with classes desired and I'll send you payment information.