2008 and CYRE is a small, intimate group of players - 8 in number, and preparing for a first for the Ensemble - to enter for the Secondary Schools Chamber contest playing Glenn Marillier's Lorne Concerto featuring Merry Chinnery on Sopranino, and Louise Renwick on Treble.
Other works explored this year include, Gaston Saux's Quartet in G major, Ukrainian Folk Songs by Lance Eccles and Scott Joplin's Ragtime Pieces.
Recruiting new members and re-enrollong former members remains an urgent priority. Many factors contribute to the relatively low numbers, not the least being a move away from recorder as preferred instrument for teaching children the basics of music. A rather aggressive promotion of ukelele (which often includes denigrating statements about recorder) has had some effect. Commercial interests seem to be behind this biased campaign, and unfortunately a number of educators have been taken in by the drive to promote ukelele.
While we regret the negative impression conveyed, we accept that ukelele may well suit some children but there must be many different instruments suited to the different talents and interests of children. Recorder still remains one of the best introductions to woodwind playing. We need to continue producing a balance of wind, brass, string, percussion, strummed, classical and popular instrumentalists