Easy and Cheap Recorder Storage

In my day I’ve seen many recorder storage ideas. Everything from elaborate hand-made storage to bins to recorders standing upright on spokes. But today I would like to share my personal favorite for if you are dealing with large numbers of recorders. It’s easy, cheap, holds LOTS of recorders, and keeps them all super organized.

Cardboard Mailbox

This is the mailbox that I used for my recorders. I bought mine at Staples for a reasonable price and it stores 75 recorders! This brand is called the “Adir Office File Organizer” – but you can just google cardboard mailbox and you should be able to find some good options.

It is really easy to put together and pretty sturdy too. I actually store stuff like scarves and boxes of notecards for activities on top of the mailboxes and it doesn’t slump or tilt. Here it is in action:

Sticker Dots

You might notice that the recorders have little colored stickers on the bags. This is my system for keeping track of all recorders. Each child will be assigned a number, and that will be their specific recorder for the year. This way, each child has their OWN recorder – even if it is one on loan from the teacher. No worries about spreading germs and no constant cleaning of recorders during the year! I am so looking forward to seeing this system in action this year!

More Recorder Fun

Once you’ve got your recorders organized and ready to go, here are some other useful recorder resources:

Recorder Karate Resource Wall

I love my Recorder Karate resource wall. I can store all the music and fingering charts and other resources my students need all in one tidy spot.

How To Use Recorder Karate In Your Class

This is the exact kit I use each year in my own classroom to teach recorders. It starts with simple BAG songs and works its way up to advanced songs using the entire scale. Read this post to learn all about my system for differentiated recorder instruction.

Recorder Flashcards

Quick easy recorder graphics that you can display around your room or use as flashcards at the beginning of your lesson.