Milwaukee, 2009

"Where will I be November 11-14, 2009? No doubt about it, I'll be joining National Conference Chairs Chris Judah-Lauder and Brian Burnett in Milwaukee, Wisconsin for the world's largest annual gathering of Orff Schulwerk teachers and learners. The 2009 Professional Development Conference of the American Orff-Schulwerk Association will be held in America's heartland. Even as our minds leaf through the memory book of the 2008 Conference, Milwaukee Local Conference Chairs Mary Lea Clark and Judy Brauer and another enthusiastic team of local workers are busy creating the next wonderful AOSA Conference.

Chris Judah-Lauder and Brian Burnett

(left to right)
Judy Brauer, Local Conference Chair; Brian Burnett, National Conference Chair; Chris Judah-Lauder, National Conference Chair; and Mary Lea Clark, Local Conference Chair

The "Big Blues" have been packed and the instruments are about to venture forth to classrooms in next year's conference area. As part of the AOSA-owned instrument loan program, several music teachers will receive use of a full “instrumentarium” of student xylophones, metallophones and other percussion instruments in advance of the 2009 AOSA National Conference in Milwaukee. The total value of the instruments on-loan is approximately $50,000.

A committee representing the planning team for the 2009 AOSA Professional Development Conference in Milwaukee selected the recipients. Teachers receiving instruments serve children from pre-Kindergarten through grade 8 and will "adopt" the instruments on loan from November 2008 until shortly before the start of the conference in November 2009. This program supports the people creating the conference that supports you, and through you, the children. Mark your calendar now to save these dates and be present at the family reunion of Orff Schulwerk in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, November 11-14, 2009. There's a place for you in the AOSA family photo!"

Jo Ella Hug, AOSA President

copyright© 2009 American Orff-Schulwerk Association