RECORDER KARATE - 4th GRADE STUDENTS ONLY
Here is a link which will take you to a Google Drive
where you can watch videos of Mrs. Rothra
playing each of your levels for Recorder Karate.
Click here for videos.
Click here for the written music.
Here is a link which will take you to a Google Drive
where you can watch videos of Mrs. Rothra
playing each of your levels for Recorder Karate.
Click here for videos.
Click here for the written music.
What is Recorder Karate?
Recorder Karate (RK) is a fun way for fourth grade students to learn skills on the recorder. In Karate, students work on various physical skills at different levels and earn belts. In Recorder Karate, you learn musical skills and songs, test for those levels, and earn belts.
Do we earn belts in Recorder Karate?
Recorder Karate belts are different than in regular karate. RK Belts are different colored beads that fit on your recorder neck strap. If you don’t have your own neck strap, I have a key chain type of holder for your belts. The keychains are only for those who don’t have a neck strap type of recorder, not for everyone (so don’t lose your neck strap!).
Does Recorder Karate cost anything?
The only cost for RK is the cost of your recorder and some time and effort. Every student must have their own recorder. ($7.00 from Mrs. Rothra).
Is this a competition?
Yes and no. You are not competing as individuals, but each 4th grade class is a team competing against each other. Your challenge is to learn and test for every level and earn as many points as you can for your class. The class with the most points at the end of the quarter wins a party!
How can I earn points for my class?
- Bring your recorder every day to class to earn 100 points per person.
- Test for and pass as many Recorder Karate levels as you can.
- Participate in all assignments/activities you are asked to do in class.
- Clean up! Music, markers, write-on plastic protectors, used recorders, music stands, etc., all need to be put back where they go. Not cleaning up will cost your team 100 points for each item Mrs. Rothra has to clean up.
- Practice tickets (see below).
Do I have to practice at home?
Yes and no. Practicing at home is not required, but it does make you a much better recorder player, which makes RK more fun. Practice tickets can be turned in if they are signed by a parent. Each practice ticket is worth 500 points for your class. Don’t cheat. Mrs. Rothra is very smart and knows when signatures are fake.
What songs do I play for each belt?
- WHITE BELT: Merrily We Roll Along (1000 Points)
- YELLOW BELT: Down At The Station (2000 Points)
- GREEN BELT: The Grand Old Duke of York (3000 Points)
- BLUE BELT: Old MacDonald Had A Farm (4000 Points)
- RED BELT: Sounds of Autumn (5000 Points)
- BLACK BELT: Red River Valley (10,000 Points)
- GOLD BELT: The North Carolina State Song (20,000 Points)
Will this count toward my grade in Music?
This IS your grade in Music and you are expected to participate. The YELLOW, WHITE, and GREEN BELTS ARE REQUIRED AND ARE YOUR FIRST THREE GRADES FOR THE QUARTER. Participation is graded daily. Behavior effects participation. Lack of participation and poor conduct will not only count against your grade, but will count against your team points as well. That means points will be subtracted from your team for those who are being lazy, not participating, or goofing off.
This IS your grade in Music and you are expected to participate. The YELLOW, WHITE, and GREEN BELTS ARE REQUIRED AND ARE YOUR FIRST THREE GRADES FOR THE QUARTER. Participation is graded daily. Behavior effects participation. Lack of participation and poor conduct will not only count against your grade, but will count against your team points as well. That means points will be subtracted from your team for those who are being lazy, not participating, or goofing off.
What is testing?
- TESTING is when you play the various songs in class for Mrs. Rothra so that you earn belts and move to the next level. You may test on a song as many times as you need to in order to pass. Right hand on top = automatic failure.
- You must test in order that songs are listed, one test per week.
- Testing is done in alphabetical order by last name, picking up where we left off last week.
- Testing needs to happen QUICKLY so that every person has a chance each week.
- You may test with another person or small group, but ONLY if you have practiced together.
- You may write in the note names on practice sheets, but you may NOT have the notes written on the piece of music you are using to test.
- During the time in class when others are testing, you will be practicing songs or doing activities to help you get ready to test for whatever level you are working on.
Students who pass the
Black and Gold levels
may ring the GONG in class!
(once for black, once for gold, as loud as you want!)
Black and Gold levels
may ring the GONG in class!
(once for black, once for gold, as loud as you want!)