‘Recorder Challenge’ Returns For Montclair Elementary School Kids

MONTCLAIR, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of Montclair Early Music. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site.

For 2022, Montclair Early Music (MEM) is sponsoring its fourth annual Recorder Program, offering six weeks of classes to Essex County elementary school students going into fourth grade. There is a $50 fee for the six weeks. Scholarships are available. Classes will be held outdoors in Essex Park in Montclair (next to the pool and skating rink) weekly on Tuesdays at 3:30 to 4:15 p.m. beginning July 12. (Time may change depending on majority of student’s schedules.) In the event of inclement weather, classes will be indoors at First Lutheran Church, 153 Park Street, Montclair.

The children are taught six songs using the Suzuki method, an internationally renowned educational system that aims to teach children how to play music with the same ease that they learn to speak. According to Julienne Pape, MEM’s founder “The emphasis is on producing beautiful music from day one.”

Those who complete the “Challenge” will have the opportunity to perform with MEM adult players in a live concert in the Fall. , Additionally, last year, several of the children performed for the Boston Early Music Festival and will do so again this year.

MEM provides opportunities for adults and children of all ages, genders, or musical abilities and from any cultural, ethnic or economic background to play music together.

Research has shown a direct correlation between music study and improved academic performance. “We believe music can have an enormous impact on learning and self confidence in all areas of life. The recorder has a rich history, an extensive repertoire and is relatively easy to learn. Our program has demonstrated success with students continuing to study the Recorder or another instrument.”

A parent’s orientation Zoom session is scheduled on Wednesday, June 1 at 7 p.m. Julienne will provide information about the Suzuki Method and about MEM’s Summer program.

To register for the Zoom session, contact info@montclairearlymusic.org.

The class is limited to ten students, first-come, first-serve.

Montclair Early Music (MEM) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization comprising amateur and professional musicians. It was established in 2010 by Julienne Pape, with the objective of raising awareness and appreciation of Medieval and Renaissance Music. Recent events include Joyeaux Noel (December 2021), A French Masque (October 2020), Christmas in Italy (December 2019), Wassail Holiday Concert (January 2019), The Musical World of William Shakespeare (October 2018), St. George & the Dragon (December 2017), and Robin Hood at the May Faire (May 2017).

Upcoming concerts include “Jubilee”(June 26, 2022 at Montclair Art Museum)” and “Music in Early America” (September 11, 2022 at Montclair History Society).

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