Recorders + Parent Help

The music room is a hot bed of activity from 7:15 am until 8:00 am every morning!  Averaging 20 tests per am time, students are working very hard to achieve their black belt status.  How can you miss?  Your name in lights, apparently bonus money in your check books, and a party celebrating your achievement!  Yet, alas, some students are trailing in the dust!  Certainly, this music specialist hopes all students are practicing hard over the next few weeks to get their belt requirements in on time!  All 5th grade students must pass 2 belts this quarter! 
Playing recorder involves several key areas of the brain which we do not typically use all at the same time....eye/hand coordination, decoding symbols, physical activity of breathing, emotions... wow, students use the left brain, right brain, and brain stem all at the same time!  What other educational activity is like that? 
Our 4th graders are engaged in creating a piece with boom whackers.  Third graders are working on creating a class composition.  Second, First, and Kindergarten students are creating an orff piece based on the idea that April Showers do indeed bring May flowers. 
We wish everyone the best of luck with the CRCT next week.  During our abbreviated schedule, students will be exploring the concepts of texture and style in music.