Descant Recorder

14 Grade 8 Creative Arts & Sports questions on Descant Recorder, with worked marking schemes. 14 questions are available on this topic in full.

1. Question 1

   1 mark

   A learner is learning to play the descant recorder in music class. To produce a clear, controlled start to each note rather than just blowing hard, which technique should the learner use?

   A. Tonguing using the syllable 'too'

   B. Tapping the keys quickly

   C. Pressing all holes at once

   D. Blowing as hard as possible

   (1 mark)

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2. Question 2

   3 marks

   Explain the term 'tonguing' as used in recorder playing and state why it is important when playing a melody.

   (3 marks)

   Marking scheme

   Tonguing = using the tongue to start each note as if saying 'too/doo', briefly interrupting the air stream (2 marks). Importance: it gives clear, separate notes / clean attack and helps articulate rhythm rather than notes running together (1 mark).

3. Question 3

   1 mark

   The part of the descant recorder that contains the mouthpiece and the fipple (whistle window) is the:

   A. Foot joint

   B. Head joint

   C. Middle body

   D. Bell

   (1 mark)

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4. Question 4

   1 mark

   To produce a clear sound on the descant recorder, a player should articulate each note using the tongue as if gently saying:

   A. 'Fff'

   B. 'Too' or 'doo'

   C. 'Hmm'

   D. 'Sss'

   (1 mark)

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5. Question 5

   4 marks

   A learner's recorder keeps producing a breathy, unclear tone.

   (a) Give two possible causes.

   (b) Suggest one way to care for the recorder to keep it in good playing condition.

   (4 marks)

   Marking scheme

   (a) Any two causes, 1 mark each: holes not fully/firmly covered so air leaks; blowing too softly or unevenly; moisture blocking the windway; incorrect finger placement. (b) 2 marks: swab/dry the inside with a cleaning rod and cloth after playing and store in its case to remove moisture; assemble and disassemble gently.

6. Question 6

   1 mark

   The descant (soprano) recorder is pitched in which key, making C its lowest fully-covered note?

   A. F

   B. C

   C. B flat

   D. G

   (1 mark)

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7. Question 7

   1 mark

   Which three notes are usually the first taught to beginners on the descant recorder because they use few fingers?

   A. C, D and E

   B. B, A and G

   C. F, E and D

   D. G, F and low C

   (1 mark)

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8. Question 8

   4 marks

   Name the three main parts of a descant recorder and state the function of the head joint.

   (4 marks)

   Marking scheme

   Three parts, 1 mark each: head joint, middle (body) joint, foot joint. Function of head joint (1 mark): it holds the mouthpiece and the fipple/whistle window where breath is blown in to produce the sound.

9. Question 9

   1 mark

   A learner is about to play the descant recorder. To produce a clear, controlled sound, how should she direct her breath into the instrument?

   A. Blow as hard as possible

   B. Use gentle, steady air supported by the breath

   C. Inhale through the recorder

   D. Cover all holes and blow sharply

   (1 mark)

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10. Question 10

    1 mark

    A learner blows too hard into the recorder and the note sounds shrill and squeaky. What is the best correction?

    A. Blow more gently with steady breath

    B. Remove the head joint

    C. Cover fewer holes

    D. Blow much harder

    (1 mark)

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11. Question 11

    1 mark

    On the descant recorder, the note B is played by covering only the:

    A. All the holes

    B. Thumb hole only

    C. Thumb hole and the first (top) finger hole

    D. Bottom two holes

    (1 mark)

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12. Question 12

    1 mark

    After playing, a learner should clean and dry the inside of the recorder to prevent moisture build-up. The tool commonly used is a:

    A. Drop of oil

    B. Cleaning rod with a cloth

    C. Wet sponge left inside

    D. Metal wire brush

    (1 mark)

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13. Question 13

    4 marks

    A Grade 8 learner is beginning to play the descant recorder.

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

    (b) Explain why the player should breathe using steady, gentle breath rather than blowing hard.

    (4 marks)

    Marking scheme

    (a) 2 marks: left hand on top (holes nearest the mouthpiece), right hand below, with the left thumb covering the back hole; fingers cover holes with the soft pads. (b) 2 marks: gentle steady breath produces a clear, in-tune tone; blowing too hard makes notes squeak / go sharp and out of tune.

14. Question 14

    1 mark

    Which hand is placed on the upper holes (nearest the mouthpiece) when playing the descant recorder correctly?

    A. The left hand

    B. Either hand, it does not matter

    C. The right hand

    D. Both hands together on the top

    (1 mark)

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