Are you looking for something new to try with your general music class this year? Have you already taught your students recorders and want to keep the momentum going with instruments? Consider trying Nuvo instruments with your students! Nuvo instruments are designed to be fun and easy to learn! In addition, they provide a “bridge” to band instruments or other individual studies on traditional instruments. They are lightweight and washable with soap and water. Because they are similar to recorders, they are durable and able to be used by a classroom of kids without breaking. If you want to know more about the specific Nuvo instruments, visit our “What are Nuvo Instruments?” blog for more information.
It’s All About WindStars!
This specific blog is all about the new curriculum that Nuvo has come out with called WindStars. The WindStars materials started as online supplemental materials but has expanded to include printed teachers manuals and student books to use in a more traditional classroom setting.
The WindStars curriculum brakes down into three levels:
Level 1 – Available Now!
It begins with Level 1, which introduces basic playing skills including breathing and finger dexterity. Iconic notation is used instead of traditional notation. Therefore it allows students to focus on learning fingerings and proper technique while still playing tunes.
This brief video was created by two of the three authors of the WindStars curriculum and explains the methodology behind the approach:
The WindStars approach is a whole-child approach to teaching music. Because of this it simply uses the instruments as another way to express musical thoughts. The video shows excellent examples of the additional aspects of the curriculum, such as movement and composition. Therefore it make WindStars an excellent bridge between general music classroom activities and more traditional instrumental training. The supplemental online materials included with the curriculum also provide a modern, easy approach to finding additional songs, recordings, and videos to share with students and parents.
The WindStars 1 Teacher Book is spiral-bound with 91 full-color pages (#868391 / $39.99). The book brakes down into three sections:
- Base Curriculum: iconic notation recognition, steady beat, pitch, melody, breathing, assembling and holding the Dood or Toot, making the first sound, articulation, 4/4 and 2/4 time signatures, repeat sign, how to read fingering charts, and notes B, A, and G.
- Extension 1: Notes C, F, E, D, low C, and eighth notes,
- Extension 2: 6/8 time signature and duets
A printable completion certificate is included for each section. Bonus: suggestions for movement and performance are included in the back of the book.
The Student Book for WindStars 1 contains 42 full-color pages and is a recommended supplement for student and parent use (#868392 / $9.99).
Levels 2 and 3 – Coming Soon!
Level 2 introduces students to the next level of instruments (jSax, jFlute, Clarineo, and jHorn – coming soon). Level 2 also transitions the student from the iconic notation of level 1 to traditional notation. Finally, Level 3 takes students one step farther and introduces small ensembles and group playing. This level prepares students for a more structured band / large ensemble experience if they decide to transition to traditional instrumental ensembles later.
Level 1 is available and in stock now. Level 2 is available starting October 2019, and Level 3 will be coming soon.
Andrea Pelloquin was a Education Consultant specializing in print materials, recorders, Nuvo instruments, and puppets at West Music. She formerly was a public school music teacher and spent the last 15 years in the world of music publishing and retail. She has also maintained a private flute and piano studio for over 20 years.
