St. George’s School, Welcome Ceremony children’s performance, is an ensemble of 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students selected from the school. Director Bio:  Judy Pearson Hafso, is a composer, storyteller and visual artist and loves to use these gifts in her work with her students. She has directed choirs and taught classroom music in Alberta Canada, Washington and Iowa and for the last seven years has headed the Lower School Music program at Saint George's School in Spokane Washington.  The Orff Schulwerk approach is the undercurrent of her classroom teaching and she is looking forward to having her third, fourth and fifth graders share their “rhythms of the river” at the national conference in November.  Judy is an active member of the Inland Empire Orff Chapter.

The Coeur d’Alene Youth Marimbas is a performing group of marimba students, ages 9 – 14, who love to play and perform on marimbas.  They are from four different schools in the Coeur d’Alene School District and came together about a year and a half ago in order to perform at Zimfest in Boulder, Colorado. Director Bio: Sally Eilering-Sorenson has taught music both privately and publicly for over 30 years. Tina Gospodnetich has been volunteering her time and expertise with four separate school marimba programs. Both Tina and Sally play with the Coeur d’Alene marimba band, Coeurimba, and have introduced marimba ensembles in three elementary schools in the Coeur d’Alene school district. They will perform at the AOSA Business meeting Friday morning.

Nza is a dynamic, 15-member group of 4th, 5th and 6th graders who delight and surprise audiences everywhere they play. They love the challenge and energy of African-inspired music. These dedicated kids rehearse twice a week before school, from September through June, in preparation for performances both for their school and the local community of Kent. "Nza" is a Swahili word that means "little bird", and these kids can certainly fly! Director Bio:  Matthew Kelly received his Masters degree in music education from Eastern New Mexico University, and his BA and teaching credential from California State University in Sacramento. He has completed all levels of Orff-Schulwerk certification.  Matthew has been studying Zimbabwean marimba with Sheree Seretse since 2001. He currently teaches at East Hill Elementary School in Kent, WA. You can hear this group play Saturday at 2:30 p.m.

The Grace Christian School Recorder Ensemble began in fall 2007.  Members meet once weekly for practice and routinely perform in their school and community as a means service and education.  Although they play for personal joy, they have jokingly taken on the task of "music evangelists" hoping to communicate that yes, the recorder is a real instrument.  Director Bio: Kirsten Belloni received her bachelor’s degree in K - 8 Education from Alaska Pacific University in 2000 and has completed two levels of Orff Schulwerk certification.   She has served as president of the Alaska Orff Chapter and has taught music in both public and private school.  She is currently pursuing a master’s degree through the Academy of Art. Enjoy this group Thursday afternoon at 12:00 p.m. in the Convention Center Conference Theatre.   

 

The Fremont H. Teed Elementary 5th/6th grade Orff Percussion Ensemble, from Kuna, Idaho, consists of advanced music students. Students must audition on drums and mallet instruments, and receive a strong recommendation from their classroom teacher regarding their responsibility and dependability.  They use Caribbean steel drums, Orff instruments, small drums and non-pitched percussion. They practice three days a week before school, 7:30am-8:10am. They have performed at the Idaho Music Educators Conference, Western Idaho Elementary Music Festival and the Boise Capitol building. Director Bio: Anita L. Edwards is the music specialist at Fremont H. Teed Elementary in Kuna, Idaho has taught general music, beginning band and percussion ensembles for ten years. She is the district’s Fine Arts Coordinator, received a B.M.E. from B.S.U. and Master’s in education administration from N.N.U. and has completed all levels of Orff Schulwerk certification. Anita directs the Idaho Elementary Music Festival, has presented at Idaho Orff workshops, MENC, IMEA and Orff level I special topics. She has held many positions on the Idaho Orff board including president. This group performs Friday afternoon at 2:00 p.m.

Dragon Jam members are children ages 9-11 who perform on African style marimbas.  Their music varies from high-energy African songs to traditional Classical and modern day pop.  These dedicated students enthusiastically work to perform at extraordinary levels. Last year’s honors include: Concert Hour performance at the WMEA State Conference, and a “premier performance group” spot on a live televised fund-raiser event sponsored by a local TV station. Director Bio: Doug Edwards has taught music at all levels for over 22 years.  He holds a Master’s Degree in Education and believes that children can experience unusual levels of music making through participation in mallet ensembles. He has presented workshops at local, state, and regional conferences and is a published composer. This group performs 4:00 p.m. Wed. during registration.