Hi list!
We have a 3rd grade student at my school who was born with one arm that ends
right at her elbow (with no fingers). Her other arm and fingers
are normal. It is amazing to watch her keep up with her peers doing all
sorts of things - including playing rhythm & mallet instruments. But what
do I do once we start recorders? Most adaptive recorders that I have seen
require a minimum of 6 usable digits. She only has 5. There is a Dolmetsch
adaptive recorder that can be played with one hand, but it's over $400!
I hate the thought that she'll have such a limited range while the other
students go on learning more & more fingerings. We also do Recorder Karate,
and as it stands, she'd only be able to earn her white, yellow & orange
belts. I will most likely adapt that for her, adding songs with those notes
that she is able to play, but using harder rhythms & articulation. I've
never dealt with a situation like this before and would love to hear your
suggestions! Thanks in advance!
Sunny Ahrens
Campbell, CA