Putting the 3D-printed one-handed recorder to the test with Sarah Jeffery

Our 3D-printed one-handed recorders were put to the test recently when Sarah Jeffery, one of the world’s foremost promoters of the instrument who performs in festivals and on stages across the world, accepted our invitation to play the instrument.
 
Sarah is an advocate for sharing her passion and expertise for the instrument, and posts weekly instructional tutorials on her YouTube channel, Team Recorder, which is followed by an audience of some 190,000 subscribers. After receiving an introduction to both the left- and right-handed recorders from OHMI General Manager Rachel Wolffsohn, and OHMI trustee and clarinet teacher, Clare Salters, Sarah dedicated one of her online tutorials to demonstrating the instrument.
 
Her walk-through included the explanation that, on a one-handed instrument, the lower fingerings from C to G are the same, as are the higher octave keys from E to G.  A system of keys is deployed to reach the higher notes, with the accidentals being a combination of the holes in keys.
 
The 3D-printed one-handed recorder has been made possible through a collaboration between OHMI and musical instrument creator, Peter Worrell, with funding granted by Arts Council England.
 
It is not the first time Sarah has played one of Peter’s one-handed recorders. She had the opportunity to play the wooden version with gold keys. Whilst she considered the instrument to be wholly beautiful, the plastic 3D-printed version is significantly more affordable.
 
The one-handed wooden descant recorder retails at around £740 compared to £220 for the 3D-printed version. Both versions are available from OHMI for a rental fee from £50 per year, excluding shipping.
 
Creating a more affordable version will allow more musicians to be reached, young and old.
 
As Sarah points out,
 
“One aspect I think is REALLY important is making sure all children have access to, and are included in, music education. So, if you are a record teacher, for example teaching whole class groups and you know that one of your children will benefit from a one-handed recorder, then do enquire about renting one from OHMI to make sure that child is included. It’s really rubbish that your whole class goes and does something and you have to wait it out, or you’re given something different to do. You want to be included right from the start."
 
“It also keeps music accessible for those who may have had an injury, a stroke, arthritis, or something else that affects their mobility.”
 
We’d like to extend our thanks to Sarah for taking the time to produce her tutorial, and for including the recorder journeys of other members of the OHMI recorder community, including Rowan who is an OHMI Music-Maker, stroke survivor Gareth Churchill and OHMI trustee, Dr Matthew Wright.
 
You can watch Sarah’s demonstration of the one-handed recorder here:
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_RJmqWNxr6o