By Setarreh Massihzadegan
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

This month Linden Ponds’ recorder players are getting some rare time alone in the spotlight.

For nearly three years the Linden Ponds Recorder Consort has regularly shared  its talent as an act in most of the community’s seasonal concerts and programs, like this summer’s garden promenade.

“[We are] usually just a small part of the whole program,” says Sandy Katz, the group’s current leader.

“Which means we have to adjust our own repertoire,” adds founder Mary Sochacki, referring to the group playing holiday favorites rather than the music of Bach or Vivaldi.

But on September 18 the group will take center stage at its own casual performance, featuring its forte of early classical pieces.

The recorder is a woodwind instrument made of wood or plastic that is played by blowing into the top and alternating finger placements over the instrument’s holes. The instrument was popular in medieval times and nowadays is often taught to children in elementary schools.

Improving sound
The Linden Ponds Recorder Consort debuted in late 2005 and has since  become accustomed to playing alongside groups such as the Linden Ponds Singers and the Chapel Chorale. They call themselves amateurs; but with twice-a-week practices and mounting experience under their belts, the recorder players have improved their craft, and audiences have taken note.

“Every time we perform we get the comment: ‘You’re getting better,’” Katz  says.

Previously the group had a greater number of soprano recorders, which  produce a higher pitched sound than altos, tenors, and basses. But since the group purchased a new bass recorder with a grant from the Linden Ponds Treasure Chest, audiences have noticed the group’s changing sound. In addition, the consort has a percussion accompanist, Lorraine Barrie.

“They’ve got a nice, much more mellow sound these days,” says Elaine Taber, who lives at Linden Ponds and played with the group for three years.