KTBA Funds Recorder Karate Program
PHOENIX, AZ – Thanks to your donations, Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation funded a Recorder Karate program for students at Liberty Traditional Charter School in Phoenix, AZ!
About the Students
Liberty Traditional Charter School used to have a music program at their school years ago. “I often see the 3rd and 4th graders dancing around singing their own songs and thought of a great program that we could do before or after school every day,” Mrs. Hernandez says.
In an effort to revive the music program they once had, Mrs. Hernandez researched different plug-and-play types of music programs that would educate students on basic music theory and breath support.
I have seen the Recorder Karate program before, and it really is motivating to students as they learn how to play a musical instrument.
More than 3/4 of students attending Liberty Traditional Charter come from from low income households.
About the Project
“The belt reward system (similar to martial arts) is very rewarding to students and build his or her self-confidence. It’s also just plain fun!” Mrs. Hernandez says.
What are some positive effects of learning the recorder? Here are a few from thatmusicteacher.com:
1. Reading and Aural Skills
Learning an instrument teaches students many different skills, including how to read music (if focusing on staff notation) and how to hear music. Part of our standards for teaching elementary music include developing aural skills. Teaching recorder is yet another tool to add to a student’s aural skills toolbox. They have to be able to hear the music before they play it so they know if they played it correctly or not. Playing the recorder helps build up their inner hearing, which will help them in other aspects of music class!
2. Hand-Eye Coordination
This skill set ties in with the reading skills from the first point. If you are using staff notation, or any other way of visually showing students what notes they’re playing, the student has to read the note and remember what fingering to use for that note. They have to do this multiple times in a song, so they’re giving their brain a huge workout by continuously making those connections.
3. Dedication and Discipline
Real talk: Learning an instrument is HARD. Many elementary schools start teaching recorder somewhere around fourth grade. Kids at this age are still learning how to suspend gratification, so learning an instrument can be immensely frustrating. Learning the recorder along with their classmates teaches them how to put their mind to something in order to improve. By working toward the specific goal of learning a song, students learn perseverance, discipline and dedication to a task, which are all skills that will serve them throughout their lives!
4. Live Performance Opportunity
When students learn an instrument, it’s a built-in way to incorporate live performances in the classroom. After students are somewhat comfortable with their instruments, imagine how much fun you could have setting up mini recitals with them! It is super important for students to learn how to perform in front of others, but also how to be a kind, respectful audience. What better way to cover both of those skills than with the recorder?
5. Budget Friendly
One of the biggest perks of using recorders is how inexpensive they are. While most schools are likely not able to purchase band or orchestra instruments for every student, many schools and/or families are able to spare a few bucks per student to provide each child with their own recorder. For students who learn best with hands-on activities or are more motivated by instruments, having an instrument of their own can be so valuable! Article Link Here!
Thanks to the generous donations from music lovers like YOU, KTBA was able to fully fund Mrs. Hernandez’ music project and the recorders and books will be shipped to the school this week!
About Us
Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation is a 501c3 organization that makes a donation to a school in need of music instruments, supplies, sheet music, and more every week! Your donation helps us to keep music in schools, while preserving blues heritage. Without your support, we would not be able to reach as many students around the country. We are grateful for your generosity.
If you would like to help us fund next week’s project, click here to make a donation! Under CAMPAIGN, select “General Support” which funds the Music Education General Fund for our music projects. All donations are fully tax-deductible!
Thank you for keeping music education in schools!
