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This edition of ARS News is dedicated to the virtual class options happening in early 2026. Take advantage of those New Year Resolutions and focus on your recorder skills and musicianship in 2026. Happy New Year to you all!
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ARS MASTERCLASS: Have you ever been interested in composing or arranging recorder music for your local chapter or other groups to play? This spring, the ARS is providing a special opportunity to gain some first-hand knowledge about the process from our 2026 Play-the-Recorder-Month commissioned composer, David Hurd! Best of all, it's free!
When: Feb 5 and April 9 at 2:30 PM, ET
Click to read more and register
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ARS Chapter Representative Roundtable Dates 2026
The ARS Chapter Rep Roundtable is back! Gather on Zoom with Phil Hollar and have a chat with your fellow leaders about what's happening in your chapter.
· January 10, 2026, 2 - 3:30 PM, ET
· May 16, 2026, 2 - 3:30 PM, ET
If you have a topic suggestion or haven’t been receiving announcements about the roundtables, please contact Phil Hollar.
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Beginners' Level Class for BASS Recorder
with Jody Miller
Professional recorder player/teacher Jody Miller will take class participants through the beginning stages of playing bass recorder, focusing on correct posture and instrument position, tips for improving breath control and tone production, exercises in reading in bass clef, and information about the use of the bass recorder as a solo instrument and as an ensemble instrument.
Dates: January 6, 8, 13, and 15 at 7 PM, ET
Register HERE! Beginners' classes are free for everyone.
2nd-Level Class for BASS Recorder
with Jody Miller
The bass line is truly the foundation upon which a piece is written, defining the chord structure, the rhythmic backbone, and even the core sound of the group. In this class, participants will learn to analyze and play idiomatic bass lines that set up an ensemble for success. We’ll also learn a bit about the inconsistencies of publishers and how to play music written in treble clef and how the bass recorder might sometimes function as the alto or tenor voice within the ensemble.
Dates: January 20, 22, 27, and 29 at 7 PM, ET
Register HERE! 2nd-Level classes are free and open to ARS members only.
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Beginner's Level Class for SOP/TEN Recorder
with Laura Kuhlman
Join us for ARS's next Free Online Beginners' Course for Soprano/Tenor Recorder! This is the perfect opportunity to dive into the basics of this versatile and expressive instrument. Professional performer and teacher Laura Kuhlman will lead you through engaging lessons that will help you develop practical musical skills.
Dates: January 13, 15, 20, and 22 at 7 PM, ET
Register HERE! Beginners' classes are free for everyone.
2nd-Level Class for SOP/TEN Recorder
with Laura Kuhlman
The soprano (and tenor) recorder gets a bad reputation for sounding shrill and squeaky! But it is capable of being a beautiful solo instrument as well as an ensemble companion. Join professional performer/teacher Laura Kuhlman for this class focused on sound/tone production, all while continuing to better understand the fundamentals of recorder technique. Conquer your fears and learn how expressive the recorder can be!
Dates: February 10, 12, 17, and 19 at 7 PM, ET
Register HERE! 2nd-Level classes are free and open to ARS members only.
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Crooked Tunes Workshop
with Debby Greenblatt
Tuesday, January 6 at 7 PM, CT
Wednesday, January 7 at 7 PM, CT
Friday, January 9 at 7 PM, CT
During these workshops we will play and discuss tunes from the "Crooked Tunes for Two" Series. For the most part different tunes will be played at each session.
Cost: $15 with the optional cost of purchasing the book for an additional $15.
For more information and to register, click HERE.
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Mindful Practicing
with Jennifer Carpenter
Tuesdays, Jan 13, 20, 27, and Feb 3
at 7:30 PM, ET
Do you recall the definition of insanity - doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results? How effective is the "repeat it until I get it right" method for your in your practicing? Start the new year out with confidence by learning successful practice techniques backed by the psychology and neuroscience of effective practice skills! In this 4-part series, we will break down and practice efficient techniques that work with our busy lives and help us reach our goals with consistency. It's time to change how we approach practicing!
*All classes will be recorded, so you are able to take this class asynchronously if the time doesn't work for you.
Cost: $100 for all 4 classes. Register on my website.
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Wednesday Webinar: Fabulous Flow!
with Anne Timberlake
Recorder playing is a challenging activity that should feel fluid and easy. The exquisite flow of air through the instrument is part of what makes good recorder playing so captivating, and yet, it is difficult to achieve. We'll talk strategies for cultivating and experiencing more flow in your playing.
Cost: $20. Register on my website.
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North American Virtual Recorder Society presents their January Playing Meeting
with the Glen Shannon
When: Saturday, January 24, 2 - 3:30 PM, ET
Cost: NAVRS Membership is $20 and each playing session is $15.
Your first playing meeting is free and membership is not required.
High Fives: Celebrating NAVRS' Fifth Anniversary! In this session we will celebrate this wonderful milestone in an exciting and unique way, including the original 1893 version of "Happy Birthday" by Patti and Mildred Hill, freshly out of copyright restrictions; and a fun birthday madrigal by John Holmes published in Thomas Morley’s 1601 The Triumphes of Oriana.
For more information and to register, visit the NAVRS website.
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Highland Park Recorder Society's Online Seminars
A Renaissance Three Kings Day Celebration: Spanish Motets and Villancicos
with Rainer Beckmann
January 5 at 7:30 PM, ET
This seminar class explores the rich textures and vibrant rhythms of Spanish Renaissance music, as it delves into Epiphany-themed works by three of Spain’s most celebrated composers. Experience the intricate polyphony of Tomás Luis de Victoria, the luminous melodies of Francisco Guerrero, and the heartfelt expressions of Cristóbal de Morales, all adapted for recorders of multiple sizes. Celebrate the journey of the Magi and the festive spirit of the season through playing music that blends devotional depth with lively charm.
Seminars are $30. For more information and to register please visit the HPRS website.
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Want to Share Your News?
The deadline for this e-newsletter is the 20th of each month. To submit your news using an online form, please go to https://americanrecorder.org/newsform. You may also email an article and photos. We love to hear stories of how the recorder community is still going strong. Send any of the types of news items you have seen in the paper newsletter or past ARS NEWS emails. Digital photos are welcome, as are digital videos for YouTube (DropBox or Google Drive suggested). Send your articles/photos to newsletter@americanrecorder.org.
Want to Share Your Upcoming Events?
Virtual events can be publicized by emailing Jennifer Carpenter. In-person events can be publicized using our online Event Calendar submission form (only ARS members may submit). Event info will appear in the calendar on the ARS homepage.
The deadline for ARS NEWS (this publication) is the 20th of the month. Send news to Susan Burns and event information to Jennifer Carpenter. ARS NEWS is emailed the last Tuesday of every month, with occasional exceptions.
Newsletter editors and publicity officers for Chapters, Consorts & Recorder Orchestras should make sure that your regular communications like e-newsletters are sent to the ARS office.
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