Through the eyes of Administrators-
The Value of Orff Schulwerk
Mark Propst
“In North Carolina, our State Board of Education has asked that every public school student graduate from high school, globally competitive for work and postsecondary education and prepared for life in the 21st century. This mission transfers directly to preparation of our students, beginning with the elementary music curriculum. By incorporating Orff Schulwerk practices in our music classrooms, it allows us as music educators to provide a globally accepted, international curriculum, focused on creativity and innovation, key components of 21st century learning. The 2008 AOSA National Conference in Charlotte was truly phenomenal. I was very impressed with the ingenuity of the presenters and the quality of their presentations. As Christie Ebert mentioned in her opening session speech, our challenge is to become an ambassador for how 21st century skills are fostered, developed, taught, and reinforced through the arts. How fortunate we are to have Orff Schulwerk guiding us along the way!”
Mark Props,
Performing Arts Specialist
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
Charlotte, NC
m.propst@cms.k12.nc.us
Tracey Amend
"Through the Orff Schulwerk approach to music education, I have seen children of all ages actively engaged in every aspect of creativity. They are integrating all content areas as they sing, dance and perform creative movement during their music class. This experience spills over into the classroom and improves their ability to do well in reading, writing and math as they develop into well-rounded students in all academic areas."
Tracey Amend, Principal Mountain View Elementary School
Adams Co. Five Star School District 12401 N. Perry St. Broomfield, Colorado 80020
Nancy Schkurman
"The Schulwerk ... allows us to connect with all content areas of the curriculum and to become integrated learners and thinkers. It enables us also to orchestrate our relationships with all school staff and to feature a common vision for the good of the children. The Schulwerk is centered in the child, is expanded in unity with the world of music and movement, and is reinforced with the strengths of the school and community. In flourishing environments, the Schulwerk teaches us to weave the voice, the dance, and the word together into an artistic and musical whole. It enables us also to orchestrate our relationships with all school staff and to feature a common vision for the good of the children. It allows us to connect with all content areas of the curriculum and to become integrated learners and thinkers. In the end, joy as well as caring, is communicated. Every child is served, every teacher belongs, and every person is valued."
Nancy Schkurman, Retired Coordinator — Elementary Fine Arts
Clark County School District
Las Vegas, Nevada