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Play the Recorder Month fills the air with music every March. This annual observance honors the woodwind instrument with a rich history, particularly popular during the Renaissance. Pick up a recorder, learn a new tune, and share your musical journey with others this month.
Want to sponsor Play the Recorder Month? Learn how
Expected Play the Recorder Month Deals
Throughout Play the Recorder Month, expect music retailers and online lesson providers to offer enticing promotions. While we await official 2027 promotions, history shows that brands like Sweetwater and Thomann often feature discounts on student recorders, sheet music, and accessories. Online platforms such as Fender Play or Simply Piano might introduce special trial offers for recorder lessons. Local music shops, including independent stores, frequently host workshops or offer bundles for beginners. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as March approaches.
Platform Guide for Play the Recorder Month
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #PlayTheRecorderMonth. Film short tutorials, cover popular songs, or showcase your recorder collection.
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #PlayTheRecorderMonth. Share aesthetically pleasing photos of your instrument or short clips of your practice sessions.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #PlayTheRecorderMonth. Join or create local recorder groups to share music and organize virtual jam sessions.
Play the Recorder Month Hero
Arnold Dolmetsch
History of Play the Recorder Month
Play the Recorder Month is a month-long celebration of the recorder that is held in March every year since 1993. The event is organized by the American Recorder Society (A.R.S.) The month is characterized by many activities organized and hosted by the A.R.S. as well as local chapters of the Society in various states.
The main highlight of Play the Recorder Month is Play the Recorder Day which is celebrated on the third Saturday of March every year.
The celebrations are aimed to build a sense of enthusiasm and excitement among members of the A.R.S., as well as welcome new members who may have just picked up the instrument.
The recorder, a woodwind instrument, first made an appearance during the 1300s in Europe. It was very popular during the Renaissance but fell out of favor during the Classical and Romantic periods. In the 1900s, interest in the recorder was revived. Originally used in orchestras with other instruments, the recorder was eventually redesigned to be used as a solo instrument.
The A.R.S. was founded to promote the recorder and support its members in finding music, community, and information related to the instrument. It has members of all kinds — from professional recorder players to students and teachers of the recorder. The organization also has several vendors and donors who aren’t members of the organization.
Play the Recorder Month timeline
A fruitwood instrument is the first recorder of medieval times, and it is found in a castle in Germany.
Recorders are first depicted in a painting called “The Mocking of Christ” in a church in Macedonia, attributed to Pedro Serra.
During the Renaissance, the recorder is used extensively, and the music, structure, and performance of the recorder are well documented.
During the Classical, Romantic, and Baroque periods, recorders weren’t used at all, until the instrument is revived as part of the 20th-century interest in early music.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Play the Recorder Month
Local music stores can celebrate Play the Recorder Month by hosting free introductory workshops or offering discounts on recorder starter kits. Schools and community centers might organize student recitals or open mic nights for recorder players. Music lesson providers can launch special ‘March Recorder Challenge’ packages, encouraging new students to pick up the instrument and offering incentives for progress. Collaborating with local schools to provide instruments or lessons can also foster community engagement.
Play the Recorder Month FAQs
When is Play the Recorder Month?
In 2027, Play the Recorder Month is observed across the entire month of March, inviting enthusiasts and newcomers alike to engage with the instrument. The focus is on embracing its unique sound and heritage.
What is the history of the recorder?
Tracing its origins, the recorder evolved from medieval whistle flutes, becoming a sophisticated instrument by the 16th century. Its distinctive sound defined much of the early European musical landscape, with composers like Bach and Telemann writing extensively for it.
How many types of recorders are there?
The recorder family is quite diverse, ranging from the tiny garklein to the large great bass. The most commonly encountered in schools are the soprano and alto, providing a foundation for learning before exploring the broader range of the instrument.
Is the recorder easy to learn?
Learning the recorder can be quite straightforward for initial melodies, making it an ideal entry point into musical education. While basic playing is easy, mastering its nuances and achieving expressive performance requires dedicated practice and technique.
Play the Recorder Month Activities
Start playing the recorder
We think that a great way of celebrating the recorder is to try and play it. Who knows, you may discover a new hobby or even a new profession.
Go to a recorder concert
Going to a recorder concert lets you support musicians. Find a local A.R.S. chapter near you and join in the Play the Recorder Month festivities.
Donate to the A.R.S.
The A.R.S. relies on the donations of independent donors to keep working to promote recorders and their music. Set some money aside so they can continue their good work.
5 Interesting Facts About Recorders That Will Surprise You
Recorders were important instruments of the Renaissance
Recorders were considered to be the most important instrument of the Renaissance period and were used in orchestras and solos.
They’re mentioned in famous literature
Recorders were mentioned by Shakespeare in “Hamlet,” and by John Milton in “Paradise Lost.”
There a different types of recorders
The types of recorders correspond with different vocal ranges.
The Brussels Conservatoire revived recorders
Musicians at the Brussels Conservatoire, including Arnold Dolmetsch, are associated with the revival of recorders in the 20th century.
Recorder players reached the B.B.C. Y.M.o.Y. finals
Twice, recorder players have been finalists in the B.B.C. Young Musician of the Year.
Why We Love Play the Recorder Month
We love learning about interesting instruments
Different instruments have different ways of channeling music. Play the Recorder Month is an opportunity to learn about wind instruments and what inspires musical arrangements.
We love the enthusiasm
The community of recorder players is tight-knit, welcoming, and very enthusiastic. We love to watch how they celebrate this month.
We love the music
We love listening to the compositions written for the recorder come to life. We love the clarity and harmony of sound that it produces.
Social Media Tips for Play the Recorder Month
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