Courses

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An hour of Basic Orff Schulwerk, of Movement, and of Recorder will be offered each week.

1. Basic Orff Schulwerk – Introduction (Level 1); Philosophy, Process and Synthesis (Levels 2 and 3) Instructor: Judith Thomas Level 1 will introduce students to the philosophy of the Orff Schulwerk process and Levels 2 and 3 will deepen it. All will embrace the elements of music and movement and will apply the appropriate pedagogy from pre-school through middle school. Materials from the Music for Children (Orff Schulwerk Volumes) plus folk and electric sources will be used as departures for development. Students will acquire facility in the sequencing of rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic concepts appropriate to each course level, and in playing tonal percussion and improvising in all areas, creating simple to complex orchestrations.
2. Movement / Dance (Levels 1, 2, 3) Instructor: Danai Gagné Movement is a component central to the Orff Schulwerk. In Level 1 participants will have the opportunity to explore musical concepts through variety of movement and dance experiences. Movement / dance improvisation, which stands at the core of the Orff Schulwerk process, will be the vehicle for deeper understanding of the music / dance connection. In Level 2, the interrelationship of the elements of dance and music will be introduced. We will explore a variety of dance styles and will continue with drum technique and movement / dance on an intermediate level. In Level 3, movement / dance studies will continue on an advanced level. A movement / dance bibliography and dance discography will be available to the students of all levels.
3. Recorder (Levels 1, 2, 3) Instructor: Laura Koulish Recorder playing is an integral part of the Orff Schulwerk learning process, and it enriches the elemental ensemble playing associated with the Schulwerk. It involves suitable posture, hand position, tonguing articulation, and phrasing techniques. Students will become familiar with a wide variety of songs and recorder literature and will develop their own facility with the recorder. They will also gain a wealth of ideas and material for the teaching of elementary-aged students. Level 2 and 3 Recorder includes the continued study of soprano begun in Level 1 and introduction to alto and ensemble work incorporating tenor and bass recorders. Improvisational skills and pedagogy for middle and upper elementary grades will also be incorporated.