Meetings
BRS monthly meetings are playing sessions.
Recorder ensembles focus on recorders, of course, but are also
open to other "soft" instruments, such as viola da gamba, baroque cello,
or early flute -- any early instruments that blend nicely with the recorder.
The recorder ensemble will have a professional coach every month.
The BRS Loud Band focuses on early brass and reed instruments such as
cornetto, sackbut, dulcian, crumhorn, serpent, and shawms that are not
too loud. The Loud Band is also open to string players (e.g. violin).
As in previous years, the Loud Band will work with a mix of professional
coaching and self-coaching.
Playing abilities range from low intermediate through advanced.
Ensemble playing requires the ability to sight-read simple music,
play in tune, and play in rhythm. But don't worry if you can't do all
those things perfectly yet -- playing in a coached ensemble is
a great way to hone your skills.
Players just starting on the recorder -- and experienced players
wishing to improve their skills -- may wish to take lessons
from one of our many wonderful local
recorder teachers.
Meetings are held in the basement of Lesley University's University Hall
in Porter Square, Cambridge (directions).
Each meeting consists of two playing sessions with a short break in between
for refreshments, announcements, and socializing.
Coaches may -- at their discretion -- share PDF files of music in advance
so you can practice, print the music at home, or upload it to a tablet.
Check the
Music Folder
a few days before a meeting.
There you will find a folder for the upcoming meeting. Double click a folder to open it.
Inside each meeting folder you'll find subfolders for Recorder Ensemble and Loud Band music.
If a folder is empty it means the coach has not (yet) shared any music for the meeting.
Meeting details can be found in our
monthly newsletter,
which also includes concert announcements
and news of interest to recorder players.
You do not need to be a member of BRS to get the newsletter.
You can sign up for the newsletter
on the contact page.