Aaay!

Some teachers have told us that they like to start their beginning recorders on just one note (either A or B) to get them used to holding and playing the instrument. That being the case, we thought you might appreciate this mellow retro rock tune that features only the note A. The recorder part has rhythms that are simple and redundant so players can focus more easily. However, there is an element of fun to this tune.

Several times in the piece, when kids are not playing, they get to say, "Aaay!" It's pronounced like the word, "hey" without the h. Which actually makes it sound like the letter "a." They can say it plainly, with attitude, with an accent, or however you like. Our studio kids extended it slightly and put a long e sound at the end: ay-yee. (It might even feel reminiscent of a certain TV character from a '50s era sitcom based in Milwaukee, if that inspires.) If the spoken part is difficult or distracting, divide the students into players and "Aaay"-ers (so to speak). Or just leave the spoken part out entirely.

The piano/recorder/vocal score can be found online at our web site.