Pictures/video from Orffestrations camp

Here two additional photos, and another video from the 

Orffestrations camp at Berry College.

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The video is a speech ensemble.  A poem is about spaghetti, followed by ostinato patterns about slurping and garlic bread, then all three parts are together.  The children really enjoyed this activity, especially the boys as they "slurped".  The children experience different parts simultaneously.  This type of activity is a prelude for 2 and 3 part singing. 

Orff with children

My last post was about Orff-Schulwerk and my training.  I enjoyed two weeks with other music teachers learning more about how to create arrangements for Orff instruments.  This past week I implemented what I learned as I led an Orffestrations camp for children.  This class met for 2 hours each day at Berry College, and included 11 children, ages 7 - 10.

 Most of these children have prior music experience:  Kindermusik, piano or children's choir at church.   We had a wonderful time making music together.  The children enjoyed being together, singing, moving, playing instruments, and were eager to do their best each day.  As I pondered our accomplishments during the week I came up with the following:

1.  cooperation - working together is an important part of making music & a life skill.

2.  listening & critiquing  - was it too loud? did we hear the singing? was it expressive? did we maintain a steady beat? what did we like?

3.  time & space - as we moved through the room we had to be aware of our friends so that we did not bump.   The same concept is needed in the grocery aisle with a buggy!

4. identifying patterns in music - rhythmic and melodic patterns were presented after singing, moving and playing them!  

5.  steady beat - pulse is most important!!

6.  parts - the children were able to layer up to 3 parts.  We did this in speech and playing instruments too.  The children could play a part on their instrument and sing at the same time.

7. vocal expression - we always wanted to use an interesting voice, as if we were telling a story.

Here is a video that will allow you a glimpse of our class.  I'll post another one later.

What is Orff?

I am taking my level 2 Orff-Schulwerk Certification. I drive to Cobb County every day for two weeks, and meet with over 50 other music educators. It is the highlight of my summer! Why? Because the classes stretch me, and encourage me as a musician, teacher and person. But what is it? Here is a synopsis:

Orff Schulwerk is a "philosophy" of teaching music. It is not a method. It is a way of teaching the entire child, the cognitive as well as the affective domains.

1. Movement is always first.

2. Body percussion. (snap, pat, pat, and stamp)

3. Rhythm instruments and recorders.

4. Pitched percussion instruments are added and integrated into what we know today as Orff Schulwerk.

5. Improvisation and composition are included in an Orff class.

Orff (named for Carl Orff) Schulwerk (German for School work) takes teachers and students into deeper levels of teaching and learning. Going beyond knowledge and comprehension, students apply their knowledge, often independent of the teacher, through composition and improvisation.

Being exposed to this type of learning, and then applying this new information to my teaching is exhilarting. Helping children express themselves through music and movement is why I continue my education through Orff classes.

There is an Orffestrations class for children ages 7 - 10, at Berry College. The class meets June 22 - 26, and there is still space available!

Summer activities for everyone

Looking for family friendly activities close to home? Then check out Oak Hill at Berry College.

There are movies in the meadows - $10 a carload! You can take a historic bike ride, complete with a guide. There are classes for the children, that include painting flower pots, building a birdhouse, or learning about horticulture. Do you have family coming to town, then take them to the museum at Oak Hill and learn more about Martha Berry. There is so much to do and see at Berry College, and it's right in our own backyard! While your thinking about Berry, check out the Kindermusik classes that are offered this summer too.

Double Dip - music & swimming

The Holland Sentinel reports, "there are many similarities between sports and music. Athletes and musicians practice their craft diligently to perform their best in front of the crowd. Both entertain and are highly competitive. "

When I go to the pool to pick up my swimmer from Three Rivers Swim Club, I see that many of the swimmers are former Kindermusik students. In addition to swimming, they have continued their music study with piano, orchestra, chorus and band. My personal theory is that there is a certain rhythm involved in swimming...counting your strokes, kicks, knowing how far to the wall, etc... And of course, music is all about rhythm and the pulse. I tell students, without a pulse, you die and so does your music!

This past weekend, TRSC participated in a fun meet, and a relay team found four Kindermusik grads swimming the 200 Free Relay and winning. So, this summer enjoy the rhythm of music and the pool!

Music Benefits

All around the world, people love music. Americans are hooked on American Idol. In the UK, it's Britain's Got Talent. Click here to see their talent!

Kids gravitate to music...they dance to music on TV, love a marching band, and hop up on Grandma's piano bench to make their own music. Music is a multi-million dollar business: iTunes, rock concerts, symphony orchestras, country music, Broadway show, and the list goes on. But, what are the benefits of music? I'm glad you asked!


Childrensmusicworkshop.com just had an article outlining the 12 benefits of music education. Here is a summary of 4 of the benefits.



1. Early musical training helps develop brain areas involved in language and reasoning.


2. Students of the arts learn to think creatively and solve problems by imagining various solutions.


3. Music study enhances teamwork skills and discipline.


4. Music provides children with a means of self-expression, of which self-esteem is a by-product.




Give your child a benefit that will last a lifetime: music!

Musical Storytime

Today was our last Maymester Musical Storytime. This has been a lot of fun...three weeks of themed Kindermusik style classes in a multi-age setting. We have had dads, mom, grandmas, and nannies attend. Many families have come for the very first time to experience Kindermusik. It has been wonderful because the LONG TIME attenders are such good examples.

Singing, moving to music, playing instruments, and spending quality time with families - that is what we do in our classes. It's fun, but read this article to find out why listening to music can be a real "heart-opener". No, literally. http://tinyurl.com/p38dvg.