One of the best instruments to introduce young students to music in a classroom is the recorder. The recorder is a woodwind musical instrument very similar to flutes; that is, a flute with a whistle mouthpiece. Since its finger spacing is relatively small, it is often used in music education for children first learning to play an instrument.
This week, a fifth grade class at Glen Park Academy (GPA) in Gary received a generous donation of soprano recorders from community member Vanessa Welty. When GPA music teacher Daria Depa learned of the donation she invited Welty, who is a colleague, to make the presentation in person.
“I wanted the students to meet the person behind the generosity and give them the opportunity to thank her,” said Depa.
While visiting the class, Welty was able to witness what the students would be learning on their instruments and was touched by their excitement. The class presented Welty with a thank you card, played a song for her and taught her to play “Hot Cross Buns” on the recorder.
“This gift is from my heart, and I know that the children will benefit from the recorders while hopefully sparking a greater interest in music,” said a teary-eyed Welty.
The class will perform on their recorders at Glen Park Academy’s Christmas Program in December.
