I did not take your initial post to mean that ukulele is a bad instrument, and if my reply implied that it was not my intent. 10,000 recorders was an attempt at light hearted banter that apparently didn't translate well. It's a rather old joke in these parts of the country. As I said I agree with the breathing comments you made, but I just don't believe recorder is the best tool for that job. I base this on years of experience playing winds instruments in both band and orchestra. Perhaps (thinking as a type) something like a melodion would be a better fit for that purpose. The benefits of breath support with the familiarity of a keyboard.

I think we can agree in principle that we desire the same results in our music programs. I got the impression that you are arguing recorder is great because it prepares kids for band, and my reply is that I'm not just preparing kids for band. I don't really much care if they are karaoke stars or not. My point is that everyone should have the ability to perform or participate musically in everyday life. It's not about competition it's about enjoyment and enrichment. A clinician I heard once said they're dream is that "parents of the future will sing lullabies to their babies".

The percentages come from NafME (actually form the MENC days) which suggest 20% of middle and high school students participate in performing arts programs, and that 80% do not. In the quest to provide 100% of students fine arts education we have to look at the ways in which the common person interacts with music. That is through keyboard, percussion, and non-orchestral strings. Think guitar and campfire. Given the amount of time that I have to prepare my students I think a keyboard or string program is going to have the longer lasting effect and better success than telling fourth graders to keep their left hand on top. Just my two cents.