Submitted by Gretchen Taylor, Illinois

Idea posted June 5, 2002

I've come up with a recorder game I'm going to try with my 6th and 7th grade classes next week and thought I'd share. The intention is to review playing skills, song material, and have fun...

Divide class into two teams. Flip a coin to decide who bats first. Arrange the room with chairs for the bases (except home). Place a music stand with a copy of the recorder book or belt songs on it by home plate (this is the pitcher's mound). The team that is "up" stays behind home plate, the other team is in the outfield (scattered about the opposite side of the room, seated or standing). Everyone has their recorders in hand. Each batter will be playing a short phrase or measure of music that you select depending on the type of "hit" selected. For example: a single could require the batter to play a measure or short phrase from any white/yellow belt song material, a double = orange/green belt material, a triple = blue/purple belt material, a home run = red/brown/black belt material (or however you want to do it).

A few rules:

  1. Each player gets two tries when up to bat.
  2. The playing must be accurate in terms of notes, rhythm, and articulation to allow the player to make their "hit."
  3. Any errors when playing constitute a foul. Two fouls and you're out.
  4. After the batter plays the material, the outfielders are to echo what was played (this is mainly to keep them engaged in the game).
  5. A side is retired after three outs, or the entire team has batted that inning.
  6. A player cannot hit higher than his current belt level.
  7. No stealing is allowed. (Though I'm considering placing a student in the outfield as a ref, and if someone is caught NOT echo playing, then the runners will be allowed a steal. I may give this ref a green card to hold up when a steal is permitted. Only one base can be stolen, and no out can be made on a steal.)

You are always the pitcher. Now, when a player comes up to bat, ask him what kind of hit he wants to go for. After he chooses (single, double, etc.), then you pick a song from that belt level, indicate a measure or short phrase from that song for him to play, set the pulse, and let him play. The outfield echos. If accurate, he takes his base(s) and all base runners advance. If he messes up, that's a foul. He can try again. If successful, he takes the base. Messes up, foul #2 and out. Next batter up. And so on just like regular baseball. You may want to choose a scorekeeper too.