Third and fourth graders record an early step in their musical journeys

Many parents may remember their first elementary school instrument as the "flutophone." It's been known as the recorder for a while now, but it is still an exciting highlight of many students' third and fourth grade years!

At Park Avenue Elementary School, students are learning the recorder with the guidance of music teacher Ashley Head. It is their first step toward availing themselves of the myriad performing and visual arts opportunities at Warwick Valley.  

“Students love the recorder unit. Every time we meet, they ask to play the recorder!" Ms. Head enthused. "They count down to when the recorders arrive in third grade, and then we continue the recorder unit into fourth grade so that the students have the opportunity to develop a full range of notes and skills on the instrument."

Warwick Valley students use the Recorder Karate Method, wherein they earn colored ribbons by successfully meeting criteria established for each song. The method asks students to learn traditional folk songs (many for their familiar melodies) including Hot Cross Buns, Merrily Roll Along, and other classic tunes. 

In third grade, students are just beginning their introduction to Recorder Karate songs. By the fourth grade, they are working diligently toward their ribbons. Some of the goals that students can meet to earn a ribbon include: 

• proper playing posture
• proper hand position
• the quality of their tone
• playing with accurate pitch
• playing with accurate rhythm
• applying dynamics
• careful listening (to fellow performers)
• careful watching (of the conductor)
• learning new notes

"For example, the fourth grade students are working toward their green ribbons," said Ms. Head. "They'll earn that ribbon by learning the song It’s Raining, which includes a brand new low note for them."

Learning recorder exemplifies a number of the skills outlined in the district's Portrait of a Graduate, especially those of being a creator and a collaborator. Students work individually and together to advance their skills and move up to each new level. In the spring of their third grade year, musically-interested students may sign up for a wind or string instrument that they will begin playing during fourth grade.

Music education encompasses everything from applying literacy and math skills to fostering self-expression and developing discipline. Educational resources across the board highlight the critical function that music education plays in boosting cognitive skills and supporting emotional intelligence and social-emotional learning. The benefits are endless, particularly during the primary years, when the young students' enthusiasm helps those lessons make deep roots.

"Starting the recorder in third grade and continuing it in fourth grade helps build the foundation for music skills the students will use to play band and orchestra instruments going forward," explained Ms. Head. "It's fun to watch the students get motivated to apply all of their recorder skills to playing an instrument at the next level."

_{Pictured below is a gallery of students from Amanda Kowalczyk's fourth grade class working with Ms. Head on It's Raining.}