Submitted by Denise, Ormond Beach, Florida
Idea posted September 12, 2008
My students are so motivated with the recorder, I had difficulty keeping them challenged. I've added the Black Belt Club and take it to a 9th degree black belt.
2nd degree = OH, SUSANNA
3rd degree = MARINE'S HYMN
4th degree = CAN CAN
5th degree = GIFT TO BE SIMPLE
6th degree = JOHNNY COMES MARCHING HOME
7th degree = SCARBOROUGH FAIR
8th degree = HANDKERCHIEF SONG
9th degree = THE STAR-SPANGLED BANNER
After completing 9th degree black belt, the students have an opportunity to achieve Recorder Master status. They must compose a 16-measure song using the notes and rhythms from the Recorder Karate program. (This must be done on staff paper.) Then, students must perform their song in front of the class.
Currently 112 of 460 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders at my school are in the Black Belt Club - but only six have achieved "Master" status.