Struggle no more!! Each week BCRS features a recorder soloist on ensemble by posting a live performance video to our YouTube channel. We strive to provide an interesting mix of styles from musicians all over the world. A new performance is uploaded every Sunday. And it's FREE!
This amazing course is 12 weeks long and registration is now open!
Second Level Beginners' Class with Marea Chernoff: Continuing Technique (alto recorder) with a focus on low and high notes
Building upon the foundational techniques introduced in the beginners’ course, this 4-part series will focus on producing confident and consistent low and high notes, while reinforcing the basics and helping further develop your technique on alto recorder. The classes will address the challenges of technical issues we encounter in the lowest and higher registers. Classes will use the Sweet Pipes Method Book One, supplemented with materials from the teacher.
This class is available at no charge to ARS members, only.
Requirements:
Alto recorder
Basic ability to read music
Comfortable with basic fingerings
Materials:
This course will use the following method book: Sweet Pipes Recorder Book: A method for adults and older beginners, Book One for Alto Recorder (see purchase info below)
Supplementary material will be provided by the instructor.
Dates:
Wednesday, Nov 5, 1:00pm PST (4:00pm EST, 3:00pm CST, 2:00pm MST)
Wednesday, Nov 12, 1:00pm PST (4:00pm EST, 3:00pm CST, 2:00pm MST)
Wednesday, Nov 19, 1:00pm PST (4:00pm EST, 3:00pm CST, 2:00pm MST)
Wednesday, Nov 26, 1:00pm PST (4:00pm EST, 3:00pm CST, 2:00pm MST)
For this course, you will need the Sweet Pipes Recorder Book. Consider purchasing this from one of our business partners, and please allow ample time for mail delivery! If you have purchased the Sweet Pipes Recorder book online but are concerned that you may not receive it in time for your first class, we can provide you with a "temporary" copy for download. Instructions will be in your emailed registration confirmation notice.
Von Huene Workshop (The Early Music Shop of New England), Boston, MA: (617) 277-8690
Sweet Pipes Recorder Book 1 Alto
Honeysuckle Music, St. Paul, MN: (651) 644-8545
Sweet Pipes Recorder Book 1 Alto
This class is available at no charge to ARS members, only. When registering, use the email address associated with your ARS membership. If you are not an ARS member, you may click HERE to join. These classes are limited in size to allow for more interaction between the teacher and students. If you have already taken two or more of our Second Level classes, please wait until one week prior to the start of class to sign up, in order to allow a larger number of people to take advantage of these opportunities.
Basstopia! The Wonderful World of the Bass Recorder
November 18, 25, December 2, 9
10:00 am – 11:15 am PT/11:00 am – 12:15 pm MT/12:00 pm – 1:15 pm CT/1:00 pm – 2:15 pm ET
Each session starts with a 15-minute warm-up to work on tone, fingers, and tongue. Then, we’ll work on a selection of my favorite solos and duets, using Eric Haas’ publications (Duets for Basses Volume II, and Bass Recorder Solo Book) and works from other sources. Eric’s books can be ordered from the Von Huene Early Music Shop at https://www.vonhuene.com/search.aspx?searchterm=haas) We’ll also work on the aria “Bestelle dein Haus” from J. S. Bach’s Cantata 106. Pitch: a=440.
$100 for all four classes. Classes will be recorded and available to stream for one month. To learn how to register, please write to Tish at tishberlin@sbcglobal.net. Music will be sent as PDFs one week before first class.
An All-Zoom Practice Challenge: A Brief Survey of Repertoire for the Recorder Player, Part II
November 18, 25, December 2, 9
1:15 pm- 2:30 pm PT/2:15 pm – 3:30 pm MT/3:15 pm – 4:30 pm CT/4:15 pm – 5:30 pm ET (note the 15 minute earlier time than usual!)
In this 4-session class we’ll start each session on a technique warm-up, then each week we’ll work on sections of a new piece, making a brief survey of repertoire for the recorder player. We’ll focus on effective practice methods for all pieces. For intermediate and up alto and soprano (or tenor) recorder players. Pitch: a=440.
Repertoire ~ Medieval: a Landini duet; mid-16th century: Ortiz’ diminutions on Sandrin’s chanson Doulce memoire; 17th century: La Bergamasca by Uccellini; Hotteterre, a suite from the second book in Opus 2.
$100 for all four classes. Classes will be recorded and available to stream for one month. To learn how to register, please write to Tish at tishberlin@sbcglobal.net
Enjoy Alkemie’s new concert film, Saltwinds & Spice with Rose of the Compass from the comfort of your own home! A viewing link will be sent to you upon purchase, and will be available to view until December 31, 2025.
In SALTWINDS & SPICE Alkemie joins forces with Rose of the Compass, featuring recorder superstar Nina Stern and Armenian-American oud-player and beloved composer Ara Dinkjian. Together, we explore the world of medieval Cyprus, offering a window into a multiethnic entrepot. Hear musical tales of rose-scented fountains, shrines famous for both holy relics and snake-hunting cats, and monarchies founded by mermaids. Featuring French ars subtilior music from the Cyprus Codex (MS. J.II.9) alongside Armenian and Greek folk music.
All are welcome to take part in this free, fun, and silly evening of games and music. For details on how to take part, read the tongue-in-cheek directions below. We look forward to seeing you!
Bring any size of soprano, alto, tenor, or bass recorder that you have. You will have a chance to explore more than one part of each piece. Both plastic and wooden instruments are welcome. Pitch is A=440.
Please bring a music stand. We recommend that you bring a stand light to supplement the ceiling light.
More info: https://www.nyrg.org/
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The Church of Saint Mary the Virgin at 145 West 46th Street, between Sixth and Seventh Avenues in Manhattan. Meetings are held in St. Joseph’s Hall, a side chapel of St. Mary's. Located in a brick building to the left of the main church, the entranceway is distinguished by the street number 145 displayed on the door.
1:30-3:30 PM. Doors open at 1PM.
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Meeting Fees:
$20 per meeting for members
$30 per meeting for non-members
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FULL SEASON PREPAYMENT OPTION: $180. Includes annual membership dues and meeting fees for the entire 2025-26 season.
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Send payment using Zelle to NYRG treasurer Judith Wink at jwink@nyc.rr.com. Please put your email address in the Notes field. Alternatively, send checks to New York Recorder Guild, 145 West 93rd Street, Apt. 2, New York, NY 10025.
Essences of Expression: Exploring Baroque melody, with music by Telemann, Corelli and Händel.
A PRAETORIUS CHRISTMASWelcome the Holiday Season with music by four German composers from around 1600, all named Praetorius! Some of them were related, others were not. But all four followed a certain fashion in 16th and 17th century Germany. Two-, three-, four-, and eight-part settings of Advent and Christmas hymns in the Lutheran tradition are going to be framed by two instrumental pieces a 5.
We are excited to announce the continuation of Medieval Mondays taught by NAVRS music director Annette Bauer - thank you for your continued interest in medieval music!The Medieval Mondays Fall Edition 2025 runs from September to December in four sessions.
Each class will focus on a particular medieval topic, composer, or musical source. A brief overview of the historical context is followed by a selection of music to discover and play together. Scores will be available for registered participants a week ahead of each class. Play-along files will be created on recorders.
Medieval Mondays will take place on zoom on the following dates, always from 12:30-2pm Eastern:
- September 8: Medieval Rounds and Grounds
- October 27: Medieval Bestiary
- November 17: La Spagna
- December 15: Early 15th century English Carols
Each class will focus on a particular medieval topic, composer, or musical source. A brief overview of the historical context is followed by a selection of music to discover and play together. Scores will be available for registered participants a week ahead of each class. Play-along files will be created on recorders.
Medieval Mondays will take place on zoom on the following dates, always from 12:30-2pm Eastern:
--September 8: Medieval rounds and grounds
--October 27: Medieval Bestiary
--November 17: La Spagna
--December 15: Early 15th century English Carols
Each Zoom meeting will be recorded and will stay viewable on demand until one full month after the final session of the series. Come join in on this musical time-travel on Mondays from 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm Eastern time. The course fee of $80 includes all 4 live sessions and the recordings.