Shark CAGE

We think that young players will enjoy this driving rock tune, but don't let the edgy rock style scare you off. It will provide a great way for young players to open up and express themselves, especially boys who may not usually get excited about some beginning recorder music.

Most important, this piece provides another chance for your players to improvise. We have had many requests for this type of tune, and this open-ended modal tune is a great place to start. As written and performed, players get a chance to "trade twos" (alternate two-bar phrases of improvisation) with a wailing guitar, played by the amazing Sandy Williams. Randy Melson on bass and Dane Clark on drums are pretty amazing on this as well.

As with all opportunities to improvise, make it a place for your players to build confidence and self-esteem. There are no bad solos (no matter what you may think privately). It is good to start with just the CAGE notes, but if they want to use others, OK, too. You may wish to add a group improvisation to the very ending as the low strings trail off on eighth notes.