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
Article Comments:
Sr. Pam Biehl 06/25/2026 @ 6:59 am
I loved reading about our sisters’ recorder lessons. I could just feel the joy and enjoyment of learning about the recorder from both the teacher and the students. I wonder if we will ever hear these sisters playing in the convent hallways!
Susan Farmer-Tiefenthaler 06/25/2026 @ 8:32 pm
Sister Mary Carol , Great to see you are still making music with all the joy it brings to those who know you! Thoughts of you bring back many dear memories.
I, too, are blessed with health enough to teach painting and drawing to the locals – mostly older people who are eager to learn.
What a joy to hear of you and your teaching.
Sister Mary Carol Kopecky 06/26/2026 @ 10:23 am
Susan,
Will we forget the year we lived at St. Paul’s? I think of you often and am delighted to hear you are spreading the pluses of learning about and doing art. I miss the Humanities team; we had such fun. I am pleased that many of our great grandchildren are interested in the arts. Many majored and are teaching music, most of the family loves to read so we pass around titles or get the books from The Peninsula Boookman in Fish Creek. (a nephew, graduate from SNC). Ben Sloma, former social studies at Homestead High School for 20 years after graduating from SLC) took some art classes in his later years. He had an exhibit at Mequon Library. Most of his work is large, like you often did; plus he collects art pieces about the Milwaukee area or any place in WI.
It was good to hear from you and you are making a difference in the WORLD through ART! God bless you!