Descant Recorder

19 Grade 6 Creative Arts & Sports questions on Descant Recorder, with worked marking schemes. 19 questions are available on this topic in full.

1. Question 1

   1 mark

   When holding the descant recorder correctly, which hand is placed on the upper holes?

   A. Either hand can be on top

   B. The right hand

   C. Both hands on the same holes

   D. The left hand

   (1 mark)

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2. Question 2

   1 mark

   On the descant recorder, which finger is used to cover the hole at the back of the instrument?

   A. No finger is used

   B. The little finger of the right hand

   C. The thumb of the right hand

   D. The thumb of the left hand

   (1 mark)

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3. Question 3

   4 marks

   A learner's recorder keeps producing squeaky, unclear sounds. Give two possible causes and suggest how each can be corrected.

   (4 marks)

   Marking scheme

   2 marks each (cause 1 + correction 1). Accept: blowing too hard – blow gently/steadily; holes not fully covered – press fingers firmly to seal holes; saliva blocking the windway – clean/blow out the recorder; incorrect fingering – check and correct the fingering.

4. Question 4

   1 mark

   For a class to play a tune together on recorders neatly, learners should mostly focus on:

   A. Blowing at different speeds

   B. Covering random holes

   C. Playing the loudest

   D. Starting and stopping together in time

   (1 mark)

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5. Question 5

   3 marks

   State three ways of caring for a descant recorder so that it stays in good condition.

   (3 marks)

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6. Question 6

   1 mark

   When playing the descant recorder, the part you blow into is called the:

   A. Finger hole

   B. Thumb rest

   C. Foot joint

   D. Mouthpiece (head joint)

   (1 mark)

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7. Question 7

   4 marks

   Kerubo wants to play a simple melody on the recorder in front of the class.

   (a) State two things she should do to prepare.

   (b) Give one reason why tonguing is important when playing.

   (4 marks)

   Marking scheme

   (a) 1 mark each: practise the notes/melody beforehand; check her fingering; warm up/test her breath; ensure the recorder is clean. (b) 2 marks: tonguing gives each note a clear/clean start and separates the notes so the melody is neat/clear.

8. Question 8

   1 mark

   To produce a soft, clear tone on the recorder, a learner should:

   A. Not cover any holes

   B. Blow in short violent bursts

   C. Blow as hard as possible

   D. Blow gently and steadily

   (1 mark)

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9. Question 9

   1 mark

   Which family of musical instruments does the descant recorder belong to?

   A. Wind instruments

   B. String instruments

   C. Electronic instruments

   D. Percussion instruments

   (1 mark)

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10. Question 10

    1 mark

    A learner blows too hard and the recorder produces a shrill, squeaky sound. What should she do to correct this?

    A. Cover the mouthpiece completely

    B. Blow even harder

    C. Blow more gently with steady breath

    D. Remove all her fingers

    (1 mark)

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11. Question 11

    4 marks

    Explain how covering and uncovering the finger holes of a recorder changes the notes produced.

    (4 marks)

    Marking scheme

    4 marks: Covering more holes lengthens the air column inside the recorder (1-2) producing lower notes (1); uncovering holes shortens the air column (1) producing higher notes (1). Accept clear explanation linking holes covered to pitch.

12. Question 12

    4 marks

    Explain two reasons why the descant recorder is a suitable instrument for teaching music to Grade 6 learners.

    (4 marks)

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13. Question 13

    1 mark

    Why is it important to clean a recorder after use?

    A. To make it heavier

    B. To remove saliva and keep it hygienic

    C. To reduce the number of holes

    D. To change its colour

    (1 mark)

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14. Question 14

    5 marks

    A Grade 6 learner is holding a descant recorder for the first time.

    (a) State the correct hand position on the recorder.

    (b) Explain two things she should do to produce a good tone.

    (5 marks)

    Marking scheme

    (a) 1 mark: left hand on the upper holes, right hand on the lower holes (thumb of left hand covering the back hole). (b) 2 marks each (any two): blow gently/steadily with controlled breath; cover the holes fully/firmly so no air leaks; use tonguing (say 'too') to start each note cleanly.

15. Question 15

    1 mark

    Musa covers more finger holes on his recorder while blowing. What is the likely effect on the note produced?

    A. No note is produced

    B. The recorder breaks

    C. It produces a higher note

    D. It produces a lower note

    (1 mark)

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16. Question 16

    1 mark

    Which of the following notes is usually among the first taught to beginners on the descant recorder?

    A. B

    B. High C sharp

    C. Low F sharp

    D. High E

    (1 mark)

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17. Question 17

    1 mark

    The descant recorder is a musical instrument that is played by:

    A. Shaking it up and down

    B. Striking it with a stick

    C. Plucking strings with the fingers

    D. Blowing air into the mouthpiece and covering holes with the fingers

    (1 mark)

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18. Question 18

    1 mark

    The technique of gently saying 'too' or 'doo' when starting a note on the recorder is called:

    A. Shaking

    B. Strumming

    C. Tonguing

    D. Bowing

    (1 mark)

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19. Question 19

    4 marks

    Compare the way a descant recorder and a nyatiti produce sound. State one similarity and one difference.

    (4 marks)

    Marking scheme

    2 marks similarity: both produce musical sound / both are melodic instruments / both use vibration to make sound. 2 marks difference: recorder produces sound from vibrating air blown into it (wind), while the nyatiti produces sound from plucked vibrating strings (string).

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