Play the Recorder Month

The Denver Chapter celebrated National Play the Recorder Month with several activities this year. The Recorder Faire, our usual activity, was held at the Tattered Cover on Colfax Avenue and again we played in the old orchestra pit. Though cramped, we managed the Chapter Renaissance Band, 20 children from Alsup Elementary School and several other smaller ensembles, including child and adult students of Miriam Rosenblum and student ensembles from the Denver Waldorf School under the tutelage of Carla Sciaky. Our professional group this year was Semplice playing on recorder, violin and theorbo.

A highlight of the Faire was the presentation to Carl Rix, leader of the Alsup Elementary School recorder ensemble, 20 new (gently used) music stands which Carl badly needed as his were worn out. The Board donated the stands as part of the Chapter's community outreach efforts.

In addition to the Faire, StopTime, the chapter's jazz recorder band, performed at Belleview and Columbine Elementary schools and the Tattered Cover at Highlands Ranch and Barnes & Noble Denver Pavillion store. StopTime managed to expose recorder playing to over 900 children and 100 adults -- a good showing , indeed.

Thanks to everyone who made the Faire a success from Renaissance Band members, Susy Wilcox for providing a rehearsal venue, Dick Munz and the Board for the gift of the music stands, and chapter members whose ensembles performed.

See all the photos here.