Starting a recorder club is a fantastic way to give upper elementary and middle school students a fresh, hands-on ensemble experience. A recorder ensemble helps students build independence on their parts, develop blending and balancing skills, and explore harmony in a fun and engaging format. Recorder consorts also open the door to deeper discussions about historical musical styles—from Medieval to Baroque—through active music-making.
When starting a recorder club, begin with easy two- or three-part arrangements helps students feel successful right away. As their skills grow, more advanced recorder consort pieces offer meaningful challenge and creativity. Whether you choose Renaissance dances, folk melodies, or modern compositions, recorder ensembles foster confidence, collaboration, and musical curiosity.
Below are some of the best recorder ensemble resources for this age group—from beginning soprano recorder ensembles to mixed-voice SATB recorder consorts.
Recommended Resources
- The Recorder Consort, Vol. I–IV — Steven Rosenberg
A foundational collection for young and developing recorder players. These volumes feature Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque repertoire specifically arranged for beginner to intermediate recorder consorts. Each book includes 40–47 carefully chosen pieces that are accessible for students while supporting growth in ensemble skills.
- The Beatin’ Path Recorder Consort Collection, Vol. I–II — Brent Holl & Michael R. Nichols
Two excellent SATB recorder collections used successfully with both student and adult ensembles. These books progress from easy to intermediate and include American folk songs, Celtic tunes, original works, and carols. The variety makes them ideal for expanding a school recorder club or recorder ensemble program.
- Recorder Frolics — Robert A. Amchin
A beginner-friendly recorder ensemble book designed for soprano recorders, with optional tenor recorder and light percussion parts. Suitable for grades 4 through adult, this resource motivates new players with tuneful, approachable arrangements. The companion PACD recording includes play-along and performance tracks in Orff Schulwerk style, making rehearsal and instruction easier.
- Country Dances — John Playford (arr. Gunild Keetman & Minna Ronnefeld)
Easy settings for two soprano recorders, one alto recorder, and percussion. These pieces may be played or sung and lend themselves well to creative instrumentation, poems, and movement extensions. A great fit for teachers incorporating Dalcroze, Orff, or folk dance elements.
- Joyful Tidings — Arranged by William Hettrick
Seventeen sacred and secular carols arranged for SATB recorder quartet. The lower voices are featured prominently, making this an appealing option for schools that have access to tenor and bass recorders. Excellent for holiday performances or winter concerts.
- Trios International — Arranged by Paul Clark
A collection of ten folk tunes from around the world arranged for soprano, alto, and tenor recorders. All three parts are equally engaging, and the intermediate difficulty level makes this a strong addition to any growing recorder trio repertoire. Titles include:
- Summer Tramping Song (Dutch)
- Party-Time (Japanese)
- Henry, My Son (American)
- The Rommel-Pot (Belgian)
- The Reaper (German)
- Through My Window (Hungarian)
- Forward, Grenadiers (Louisianian)
- White Rose of My Heart (Welsh)
- My Sweetie (Tyrolean)
- Adoration (Dominican)
These resources provide accessible arrangements, stylistic variety, and strong pedagogy to help you launch or expand a recorder club or recorder consort ensemble. They’ll support your students as they learn to play together, gain confidence in an ensemble setting, and make meaningful musical connections through harmony and historical repertoire.