For Franciscan Sisters who enjoy music, a summer recorder class provided some light-hearted moments of relaxation and some new skills. Sister Mary Carol Kopecky directed the sessions at our Motherhouse.
“I accepted the time to teach recorders to our Sisters who might be interested. What a surprise at the end of the second day to hear how well they sounded. It was pure happiness for me to be doing something I love. I have not had a recorder class since 1999 when I moved from classroom teaching to the Conservatory. I used the book I wrote for future classroom teachers when I taught at Silver Lake College. We began with rote learning of the basic 3 notes and a folk song. In these classes I taught as I did with the school children. No one must know notation which seemed to be a relief for the Sisters.
A huge congratulations to the Sisters who participated. I have music ready for those who wish to continue on their own. Folk Songs is the best way to proceed because our age group learned many of these in Elementary school. ”
Here are comments from some members of her recorder band.
“I enjoyed the recorder class. Sister Mary Carol was fun to be with and very encouraging.” -Sister June Smith
“Sister Mary Carol was an excellent instructor. She presented the history of the Recorder and then guided us through the playing of the Recorder. She also taught us how to properly care for the Recorder. It will take consistent practice to be an efficient and good Recorder player, but I was given a great start.” -Sister Mary Kaye Winkler
“Concerning Recorder Session: Sister Mary Carol-patient, excellent teacher; a challenge to get correct finger placement and position; gentle blowing avoided squeaking; laudable efforts by everyone to get the same note at the same time; FUN. -Sister Ann Carla Baumann
