Closing the END HOLE of your recorder! How? Why? | Team Recorder

There is no convenient title for this video - hey ho, here we go! How to close the end hole, or the hole in the bottom, or the bell, or 'hole 8'. And whyyy? Well, it enables you to play lots of notes muuuch higher and lower, extending the range of your recorder! As well as achieving dynamics, and multiphonics...
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**** KZbin LIVE STREAM! ****
Join me for a live stream, THIS SUNDAY 19 february at 8pm Amsterdam time! Just go to my youtube channel, and click on the live stream there. Then you can type any of your recorder questions into the chat box, and I will attempt to answer them all in real time. Can't wait to talk to you all!
(For my viewers to the east of my time zone - I haven't forgotten you! I will do another livestream soon at an earlier time :)
In this video I play on:
Yamaha 440 soprano
Yoav Ran 440 alto
Yamaha 440 tenor
Yamaha 440 basset
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Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to my channel for weekly videos on all aspects of recorder playing! I love to hear from you guys too, so leave me a comment, and tell me if you have a request for a video...
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Website: www.sarahjeffery.com
Twitter/Instagram @sockmyshoe
Go #teamrecorder!

[@eplumer]

I love the enthusiasm of Sarah hitting 4k subscribers … seen from a few years later as the channel is closing in on 200k subscribers. Awesome for our instrument!

[@davidmdyer838]

I have an extra bell joint for one of my recorders with a bell key. It expands the capabilities of the instrument SO MUCH it's a shame that more makers don't offer it as an option. If you're lucky you can find a copy of Daniel Waitzman's "The Art of Playing the Recorder" which describes the advantages of it. He gets another octave out of his instruments plus a huge amount of alternate, trill, and dynamic fingerings. If some key-maker were willing to provide the keywork I would buy an extra foot joint for all my instruments. Waitzman's technique was entirely built around using the bell-key and as I had many lessons with him I was absolutely convinced. In fact, he should get credit for the recent efforts at modernizing the recorder as he was pleading with recorder makers in the 1960s and 70s to build an instrument like the Helder modern recorder, an instrument he had imagined decades ago. The bell key was the closest he could get at the time, but he was far ahead of his time in envisioning a truly modern instrument and switched to playing the flute almost exclusively out of frustration. The book is still a good one but his ideas were not in line with the historical-only vision of the instrument that held sway for decades. Waitzman was an award-winninng highly regarded performer, a student of Kranis who far surpassed his teacher, and more recorder player should know about this pioneering musician who was too far ahead of his time to be appreciated.

[@luckybarrel7829]

This red outfit goes really well with your hair and also the yellow wall

[@luckybarrel7829]

And also the brown recorder. It's all a theme!

[@Team_Recorder]

Aw thanks! The yellow wall did not last- viewers complained of headaches!

[@luckybarrel7829]

@@Team_Recorder What I like how bright and uplifting it is, 'tis a shame, blue is good as well

[@btat16]

3:26 for the excerpts. Beautiful playing and I think I’ve found a new love in contemporary recorder music

[@btat16]

If it’s not too much trouble, do you mind telling me the opus of the CPE? I’m having trouble finding it.

[@AndromedaCripps]

I'm really glad you mentioned the idea of adding dynamics by covering (or uncovering for that matter) holes without changing pitch!Been doing this for years on ocarina. It's especially hard for me as a singer and choral composer to fiddle with instruments whose pitch is altered with dynamics, so I had to workshop a solution. I guess it was actually legitimate!

[@AndromedaCripps]

Almost to ten thousand!!! Love your channel. You've inspired this musician to dig up her old school recorders, and now I've got a more professional grade Alto in post!

[@andreacareless4141]

Wow...perfect timing, for me!!! Thanks -- I've been wondering about that covering the bell thing.

[@aldolopez9564]

this works for the bell hole of the baroque oboe as well. it's a lot of fun to see me colleagues faces when I play the low B with my knee.

[@Team_Recorder]

Really! There are other instruments that do this too!!!!

[@GerardvanR]

Yes, with my chalumeau it works also. But only with a not completely closed end hole. In case of a completely closed end hole there is no possibility for the air to escape, because all holes of the instrument are closed. The chalumeau has no labium (may we call that "the escape hole"?). Therefore, on the chalumeau I can lower the lowest note only partly, the rest I do with my embouchure.

[@skytower1662]

Oh wow I was not expecting the reed breakage terror that this comment instilled in me. I haven't played oboe in two years :( I miss it.

[@anna.g]

If anyone can do this on a baroque flute, I’ll be seriously impressed ...

[@theemeraldruby]

@@anna.g if in an ensemble, use the shoulder of your right hand colleague 😆

[@Ratwoman5000]

I was immediately put in mind of the 3rd and 4th Libramentes in Music For A Bird. The first time I encountered some HOW?! high notes! Thank you!

[@hectoraguilar770]

Hi Sarah! How are you? Thank you to show us the way to play some other high sounds. Well that It is the way I play too. I found 38 total sounds, maybe there are some more...greetings from Tijuana!

[@pureishatsu]

Thanks a lot! After all those years trying to find a fingering for that super high C#, this video finally taught me how to do it.

[@Doministry]

I actually think we should push makers to installthe bell key on recorders. Dancing with one leg up and kicking our own teeth is a nonsense. Seriously.

[@GerardvanR]

If makers install keys on recorders they make a sort of "clarinet" of it.

[@blokfluitpiano1462]

What is the problem if a bell key makes the recorder better? A bell key on a recorder does not change the sound of a recorder if I understand it well. It only makes usage of the eight hole more easy. Therefore, the risk on errors is smaller, is not it? So what is the problem? I would go even further than just a bell key. I agree with Karel van Steenhovens view in this video on modern recorders: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iqGbon6GlrqZic0 For modern music, modern recorders are very useful. They are developed for our modern taste. The neobaroque recorders we mostly use, are not purely developed purely with this mindset. Therefore I think that neobaroque recorders will not be the best choice for our modern expectations of a music instrument.

[@Clarionetist]

I completely agree with your comment. It is not hard to make your own bell key, which I did and show in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hHzMfaJplMtqabc

[@aumelb]

@@GerardvanR recorders do have keys. All basses do, many tenors and even some alto recorders. It is the reeds that makes oboes and clarinets what the are, not just keys.

[@matthewhopkins7042]

Why not make it yourself? It's literally a piece of turned wood with some holes drilled in it, the simplest of instruments. The key would be easy enough to install with a pin hinge.

[@scroxydrums]

So glad someone does videos about recorder on youchube.

[@Team_Recorder]

😊😊

[@tcurtis2]

Great Video! I'm interested in techniques for tenor, but I found useful information here. Would love hear more about multitonics.

[@glennmorton277]

Love it Sarah! Thanks!

[@kimhughes9732]

Brilliant, and so helpful-thank you!

[@paulsonap6]

Darn darn! I will be traveling home from....wait for it....a recorder workshop(!) during the time of your live stream. My biggest question is, what lipstick(s) do you wear when performing on the recorder! Thank you so much for your wonderful videos and for sharing your musical life with us!

[@cathy7382]

I have been involved with 2 Recorder Societies never heard anyone do this technique

[@susannekalejaiye4351]

I've read about this, wondered, may have tried it (and if I recall got no sound - but perhaps that was when I was doing something else) but this is very useful to know! Thank you

[@russellreising4294]

Thank you so much, Sarah!!! REally helped me.

[@LXRDUNKNXWN]

I did this once and knocked out a tooth :,(

[@matthewhopkins7042]

Head banging with a recorder in the playground, huh?

[@outstandinganime1790]

How 😥 sad

[@outstandinganime1790]

How 😥 sad

[@rolitastewart731]

One question how do you unblock the bit of the recorder you blow into

[@Terrendum]

An alternative fingering I found for the high g (or d for soprano) is / 1 - 3 - - - 8, which makes fast f# g (c# d) transitions much easier. I've never seen it written any where though.

[@Team_Recorder]

ahhh good tip!

[@GlenShannon]

I have also found that removing the right hand completely from high F# with 8 still closed, slurs up to G without too much movement. Useful in some situations.

[@davidburry2472]

I think it is important to mention that in most cases the desired note can be achieved with a very gentle, not necessarily even complete, covering of the end hole. Thus the movement does not need to be that forceful or carefully controlled.

[@edwierdo227]

excited for the live stream

[@olly344]

oh god! I didn't even know, that it had an eight hole!!! this is so cool

[@cindylo8505]

Orlando Serpa Me too!! I'm using it without realising it.

[@theqql7497]

there is 9 not 8 1. back thumb hole 2.front first hole 3.front second hole 4. front third hole 5. front fourth hole 6.front fifth hole 7. front sixth double hole 8. front seventh double hole 9. big knee end hole

[@yeahboiii5828]

@@theqql7497 no. You are wrong. The thumb is 0 and it goes on to 8.

[@asukalangleysoryu6695]

@@yeahboiii5828 Bruh. There's nine holes. Sure, we call it hole "zero" but that's not how we count things in everyday life. Nine holes.

[@yeahboiii5828]

@@asukalangleysoryu6695 oh. I get what you are trying to say. Thanks for clarifying. But that guy is referring to the 9th hole as hole no. "9", which isn't true.

[@angelapianomusicstudio3816]

Great timing for me. Just started the Telemann a minor fantasia.

[@GayleMaurer]

Your videos are always very entertaining, Sarah! I learned something new. I had no idea you could close the end hole like any other. Your demonstrations were hilarious! I especially like the ones on what NOT to do.

[@RAH1861]

I just thought I would mention that you can get a very useful octave 3 F# (alto) with this fingering: / --- 45-- (i.e. play a regular high E or F and then lift all the fingers of your left hand). BUT, this F# only works if you SLUR from E (or F) to F# - no tonguing! And the notes must be going upward (not down from say high G). Plus, it seems to only work on some recorders, and it is hard to get the thumb pinch amount correct to get it to speak. But it can be useful in the Brandenburg Concerto #4, where there is an upward fast passage of 16th notes from high b thru g, including the F#. The fingering above works great there, and no broken teeth!

[@travisjohnson7202]

Didn't previously think of the relatively obvious, if physically challenging, solution of closing the hole of the tenor recorder with the lower leg. Cheers.

[@pablosorbara2280]

10:32 I was thinking that if you installed a key it would be on the right thumb

[@filharmonix]

Wow, you can actually play lower than a c in soprano recorder?

[@rhymeswithyetiv2331]

Yes by either pulling out the parts of the recorder to the point of becoming A=415 or by blowing softly with the C fingerings

[@oferzilberman5049]

Is there any way to do it without the knee? For example if I play something fast and I have to quickly seal the bottom with my knee, I would either not make it, Or if I'm fast enough to make it I'll still probably break a tooth or something.

[@hanzabass]

LOL!.... at 4:29 your hilarious!

[@erichhall5078]

Hi Sarah, really enjoy your videos. Would you know of a free on-line site for baroque ans renaissance music?

[@Team_Recorder]

+Erich Hall yes- www.imslp.org !

[@filharmonix]

I trield playing the low b on the soprano recorder. I got it, though i noticed that the eighth hole is supposed to be partially covered to a certain degree. Is this the lowest note on the soprano recorder?

[@Team_Recorder]

Cover all the holes, inclusing the eighth, and blow pretty softly, and you can hit the undertone of the low low F ;)

[@filharmonix]

@@Team_Recorder Cool! I'll try it out.

[@willemkossen]

I regularly need to use this technique, but i dont like it. If i can get around it with alternate fingering or even another recorder that works better with alternates, i do that. Some older recorders make this a lot easier but some have other tuning issues. (Example, i like the vanderveen altos for this even though they are over 60 years old now)

[@bruceday8464]

Looks like you're going slightly Jethro Tull.

[@paulohenriquebatistadossan3034]

could you please, teach us how to play Czardas with the soprano recorder?

[@MarcBaggiani]

Awesome!

[@lauriojala4438]

CAN U MAKE IMPRO CHALLEGE PART 2 Plz

[@Must_not_say_that]

What about a pad on the stand? Or pad worn by strap or cord around the neck at the appropriate length to just dip the recorder into it?

[@idraote]

This was interesting and fun. I usually practice when sitting so I would probably be sitting when playing a piece that require the eighth hole. This has also to do with the fact that with the recorder I see myself in a dense wood, playing by a stream, very much elf-like and sitting cross-legged is probably more in tune with that image... I'm digressing...

[@padswaggle]

10:45 You promised to put a link to "Philip's Website" in the description?

[@iijace9138]

2:12 I found how to play that note with no fingers pressed and very intense blowing, try it on your instrument and see if it works

[@gordonlampert2780]

what is your views of the Garklien Recorder

[@Team_Recorder]

+Gordon Lampert Love it!!! I dont play it thaaaat much, but my students love it- for some reason much more than the big impressive basses!

[@sofiyah9552]

you could put a cushion on the floor to play the cantrabass and sit down to play it.

[@davidmaximilianrothe1496]

What you think abour Meyer recorders

[@J0514H_K]

Workshop really caught me off guard, I would never imagine being able to play that

[@astridposey]

you could use the floor for the basset

[@luckybarrel7829]

Can you do a video on multiphonics? How do you get it to work?

[@Team_Recorder]

I did!

[@luckybarrel7829]

@@Team_Recorder Jeez you've thought of everything!

[@tom_something]

I wonder if that unintentional lip grip you're talking about might be a reflex to protect your teeth.

[@wilflauto5029]

Debate I personally prefer the Key 'cause it looks way better and fancy AF. But I think playing with your leg on a chair it"s FRIGGIN AWESOME TO HELL WITH THIS!!! I'm not even a recorder player I'm just a music nerd guy who plays flute. Key wins by 40% Leg wins by 7% Just watching wins by 53%

[@Team_Recorder]

Hahaa

[@watching1786]

I bought my first recorder today wish me luck 🤞

[@Team_Recorder]

+Polly (Lady polly) good luck!

[@LeelastMardina]

How about the sopranino?

[@diegotorrescampos5502]

Sarah, please make a video of why some flute players play with their inflatable cheeks. What is the reason they play record with the inflated cheeks?

[@Timbyte]

10000 subs? Aim higher. gr8 vid

[@Team_Recorder]

+Timbyte haha thanks!

[@redcowcat8705]

You said that you'll put a link below... I don't see it...

[@indigos290]

That "Soft and beautiful Bb" sounded like F to me in relative pitch to the C. 🤔

[@maagic2031]

live stream when

[@myrona.gilmorejr.]

I play the soprano recorder

[@AndreyOkhrimets]

What happened to color on video??

[@Team_Recorder]

Ugh. I know. It's crap. I have a new camera and I'm still very new at the technical side of this- learning as I go along!

[@jaylonsanders8402]

Idk if my old recorder was broken or i discovered a new fingering for a high A-flat(7) and a high A(7)(the 7s are there to represent which octave they're in). If anyone could use a tuner and their soprano recorder in C and try the following fingerings, that would be great to see. The fingerings are: A-flat(7): (1/2) of 0|1-3|45(1/2) of 6-|8 and A(7): (1/2) of 0|1-3|45(1/2) of 6-|- Thanks in advance!

[@zuditaka]

What is the physics explanation for when two recorder players sitting closely beside each other hit certain notes and it feels like blowing an eardrum? Very painful! Anyone just sitting nearby may be affected too! :/

[@hanzabass]

upper harmonics colliding. especially two sopranos can kill

[@zuditaka]

hanzabass One sopranino can kill! lol ;D The cats run out of the room just when I play descant! lol

[@Team_Recorder]

+zuditaka This is SUCH an interesting topic! Its called 'difference tones', and I will definitely do a video on it :)))

[@zuditaka]

Sarah Jeffery / Team Recorder It sure is painful when it happens! :/

[@thpeti]

@@Team_Recorder Try to tune the upper octave of a mixture stop of a pipe organ, if several pipes were mistuned by someone who cannot hear high pitch tones. In Hungary, there were many instruments in a very bad condition, and sometimes I have to retune them... Challenging! (The mixture stop has octaves and fifths, e.g. if you strike the lowest C key, you hear a a g1, c2, g2, c3 in a 4-rank mixture. This happens until the highest note reaches the limits of the human hearing, then repeats down a fifth or an octave...) So if You want to properly tune this stop, you have to cover the pipes, and uncover them one by one during the tune process. Tuning the full stop is like a meditation. m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/ammTdYl7Zq9_jpo

[@bsharpmajorscale]

Picard: There are NINE HOLES!

[@haniye5187]

can you play descant recorder Marche military

[@phyllischan3696]

Have u ever hurt yourself when u closing the end hole? 😓 I did.

[@Team_Recorder]

+Phyllis Chan oh no!

[@おだのぶなが-w8k]

5:11 learn some karate or taekwondo now you can bring you knee to your fast realy realy fast :D

[@davidmdyer838]

Be careful you aren't suddenly a more porous than usual lower garment for the concert because it will not seal the hole properly and will not work.

[@louiseguy8253]

Sent my Dolmetsch treble (40 years old) back to Dolmetsch for service and fitting of a bell key last year. They do not do the keys themselves but send them to Peter Worrell. It works well enough but I find I still tend to prefer "fudging" at times. It might be because I have quite a small pinkie.www.peterworrell.co.uk

[@TresnaSahabakti]

No offense, but I always hate this technique, I prefer using keys like the Mollenhauer Modern Recorder

[@TommyLikeTom]

no idea why I didn't think of using my knee

[@Little.Froggie]

HELP MY RECORDER DOENT HAVE THE HOLE ON THE BACK IT INLY HAS THE HLOES ON THE TOP

[@EchoHeo]

if your fat you can just use your belly fat

[@andreainzaghi7373]

I have seen on line a brand of recorder which can play two octave and a half, it reads ""without troubling leg techniques", now do you know how LOW can you play on a very expensive high quality TENOR ???? can you go LOWER THAN do-c on a tenor without leg techniques?

[@Team_Recorder]

due to physics... no