EXPLORING OUR ROOTS, EXPANDING OUR FUTURE Volume 4: Lessons 1-4

Hans Poser, in his 1970 article, "The New Children's Song," called for an educational approach to music that would be a place "where the child's personality would find room to grow in creative and independent work." Musical experiences created by children provide a rich context of learning where the elements of music combine with social and emotional development. These songs are not only created by children, but become performance material for an audience that is primarily children.

Drumming, speech, compositions, and xylophones provide the students with material needed for concrete music learning and creating. Synthesizing these materials will provide an aesthetic experience that is joyful and meaningful to teacher and students while the fundamentals of music are utilized. These fundamentals are presented in new and varied forms through the media of movement, choral speech work, instruments, and song. As with any experiences with the Schulwerk, the possibilities are fueled by the imaginations of the teacher and the students.

TEACHER TALK
Brian Crisp interviews Sarah Richardson

Crisp: What was your first introduction to the Orff-Schulwerk and what aspects attracted you?

Richardson: I was first introduced to Orff-Schulwerk as a child. My elementary school music teacher happened to be Judy Bond (nationally known teacher trainer), so I grew up thinking that this was how every child learned music! As an adult, I came to the Schulwerk on request of the school where I taught—I was moving from being a Montessori classroom teacher to a music teacher. After my first day of level one, I knew I had found a home. The child-centered nature of the work appealed to the Montessorian in me, and I was blown away by the variety of media being used and the commitment to high artistic standards.

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ORFF CONNECTIONS

Thanks for a great year of growth for our Orff Connections readership! We'll be back again in the fall with more teaching tips and tools. Need help over the summer? Our staff is available by phone or email throughout the year. Best wishes for a great summer from all of us at MMB.

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