I actually have tried dollar store ones, which I'm only going to use for
school use for those who need them. I don't like them either, but when
budget is an issue, sometimes you do what you have to. It comes out of my
own pocket, once the extras I purchased with my Peripole order are gone or
bought. I'm very pleased that quite a few kids end up buying totally cleaned
used Yamahas and Peripoles that were left at school, which is why my stash
is lower! I still have a few of the good recorders, so hopefully, every day,
things can cycle around. And, I agree with you. Recorder should be treated
as a serious instrument. (I myself have performed in public on recorder,
belong to the American Recorder Society, and have a recorder consort and
tell the kids this at the beginning and throughout the whole unit). Recorder
is my ultimate unit.

My school doesn't have the budget to purchase recorders. Personally, I go
with Peripole and have for years. Great sound, and the customer service is
awesome! Every year, I have one great big order session and emphasize the
need to purchase personal recorders. I even ask parents to donate money for
those kids on free and reduced lunches (and that number is HIGH this year)
and we use United Way funds for this, but unfortunately, I can't force a
parent to buy one. I also find parents who buy the dollar tree or book fair
ones, despite my warnings to the contrary that you get what you pay for. I
can strongly suggest to parents how to wisely spend that money, but I can't
force them.

One good thing about making them use dollar tree recorders: in the past,
when I bought them for my stash or if a kid owned one, the kids would get so
frustrated, they'd end up coming in the next music day with a Yamaha from
the local music store! (Yamaha being my second most favorite brand). So,
ultimately, the KIDS are teaching their parents and are learning from me and
using their own ears.

I guess I sound defensive, and I am. I would never defend cheap recorders
per se and would have stashes of Peripoles in a perfect world.
Unfortunately, my school world and financial situation isn't perfect.
Sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do in order to make sure the kids
aren't doing fingerings on rhythm sticks. Luckily for me, I only have to
purchase maybe 2 dollar tree recorders to round out my stash.
Karen Stafford
----- Original Message -----
From: "Heather McLaughlin"
To: "Recorder_Classroom"
Sent: Saturday, October 31, 2009 11:43 PM
Subject: Re: [RECL]disinfecting recorder mouthpieces


>I had my principal purchase Macie Publishing (
>http://www.maciepublishing.com/
> ) recorders with sturdy zipper cases for (2) grade levels: 100 blue
> for my 4th graders, and 100 black (with cool black cases). Each child
> has his/her own recorder to use for the year which is kept in a case
> in a designated box. The students are encouraged to purchase recorders
> for home practice. I tell them they can only purchase the same brand,
> Kingsley Kolors, (in yellow, orange, green, red or fuscia) if they
> want to play them in the concerts. I don't allow any other brand of
> recorder to be played in class because I am interested in clear and
> accurate intonation when my kids play.
>
> With regards to Dollar Store recorders, go try one yourself before you
> recommend them. Because they come apart (sometimes in 6 pieces!), they
> are a choking hazard for toddlers. These cheaper recorders aren't
> molded correctly and the sound/intonation is horrible. You wouldn't
> want a student to play this type of recorder in your classroom.
> Lastly, these cheaper recorders are not made of molded plastic. If you
> "whack" on of these recorders against a solid object, it will crack
> and you'll see powder.
>
> I take all of my recorders home at the end of the year and thoroughly
> disinfect them, wash them in the dishwasher, wash the cases in the
> sink and then in the washing machine.
>
> If you're thinking about having school recorders, it is worth checking
> out many different brands of recorders, and always try out 2 or 3.
> What you should be looking for is consistent high quality, consistent
> equal tone, one piece construction (yes, no tuning problems that
> way!), and unbreakable plastic. A sturdy case is a must. (BTW, I
> always have my students half zip their cases closed in order to let
> some air circulate during the hotter days in Spring early Summer.)
>
> Sorry for such a lengthy letter, I'm just passionate about treating/
> using recorders as serious instruments.
> Thanks for reading. And thank you, Plank Road Publishing, for making
> recorder fun for us musicians!
> Heather
>
>> I have used recorders to loan my students. I put mine in my home
>> dishwasher. I took them to school and told the kids how I cleaned
>> it but if they wanted they could purchase one for $5 for a
>> Peripole. But seriously with today's economy, I think I am going to
>> go with Canto which will be even cheaper. Anyone know a good source
>> for them? We have dollar stores but I need something less than $5.
>> After reading this thread, I bring those washed in the dishwasher
>> and now place them in clorox and let them sit in the sun.
>> Ellie
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>>
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------
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