Bella's Blues

Who is Bella? Well, for the sake of this song, we're not entirely sure. Is he or she a werewolf? Or a vampire? (And would a vampire have trouble playing the recorder with those pointy teeth? Always something to ponder...) What we do know is that Bella is a bit spooky, and Bella has the blues.

The song itself is a big band blues with a bit more fun thrown in. It starts and ends with an orchestral nod to J. S. Bach's "Toccata" though it's just a hint to lead us into an A minor blues in two choruses. The ensemble playing it is a fairly traditional big band of saxes, trumpets, trombones, and full rhythm, though occasionally, the strings from the orchestral opening sneak into the mix with effects appropriate to a spooky night.

There are two recorder parts that work separately or together, one featuring G, A, B, and C, while the other features just A and C, a real bonus for teachers who like to start with these two notes. But the tune is also great for combining groups of players a year apart. If you'd like to see the piano/recorder score that goes with this, you can download it for free at MusicK8.com (See details in the box on page 77.)

As a separate learning option, consider using the tracks as a chance to let your players improvise, using the two choruses of the tune to improvise on the notes they play in the song. More advanced players may also add other appropriate notes including low D and E, and/or high D.