Isabel McNeill Carley
1918-2011
AOSA has lost one of its own in the passing of founder, honorary member, and Distinguished Service Award recipient, Isabel McNeill Carley.
Life-long music educator, composer and musician, Carley was introduced to Orff-Schulwerk in 1962 when she attended a workshop in her native Toronto, Canada. Going on to study at the Mozarteum in 1963-64, including coursework with Orff and Keetman, she became the first American graduate, earning a Specialist’s Diploma with Honors. As one of the leading advocates for the development of the American Orff-Schulwerk Association, Carley became one of its founders, also serving on the board of trustees, editing the Orff Echo and chairing the editorial board, and contributing to the AOSA Recorder and Curriculum Task Forces in the 1990s.
She received the Distinguished Service Award in 1988.
An active composer, Carley’s work appeared in various catalogs of publishers with her and her husband establishing their own imprint, Brasstown Press. Her published works include numerous compositions for recorder, Orff ensemble, piano, voice, and percussion with her most known works being the three-volume Recorder Improvisation and Technique. Just a few days before her death, Mrs. Carley was able to view the just-completed fourth edition of this volume one. Her daughter related that Carley commented on how good it looked, better than before.
According to Esther N. Gray, a long-time friend and fellow AOSA member, “Isabel’s contribution to AOSA cannot be over-estimated. We are fortunate for her contributions. I knew her well and hers was certainly a life devoted to Orff Schulwerk.”
Carley was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, James Carley. She is survived by a brother, a sister, three children, three grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.
More information about Carley and her significant contributions and dedication to AOSA can be found in her Founder’s Spotlight, and her obituary. »» Isabel McNeill Carley Obituary
Isabel McNeill Carley Memorial Services Set
The memorial service for Isabel McNeill Carley will be held at 3pm on Saturday, September 17 at the Guild Chapel of Asbury Methodist Village, Gaithersburg, Maryland, where she lived. This service is being held in the same chapel where her husband was laid to rest five years ago. A reception, with refreshments, will follow in the narthex of the chapel.
If you would like to attend, please contact Isabel’s daughter, Beth Oddy via email: boddy@twcny.rr.com
She will be able to provide directions and a map of the Asbury complex.
A 'virtual' guestbook is available for those who are unable to attend the service. To read Mrs. Carley’s obituary or to leave a messages and memories, visit the following site: guestbook
Our mission is: to demonstrate the value of Orff Schulwerk and promote its widespread use; to support the professional development of our members; and to inspire and advocate for the creative potential of all learners.