The American Orff-Schulwerk Association (AOSA) is proud to announce Chris Judah-Lauder as a recipient of the 2026 Distinguished Service Award, honoring individuals whose exemplary national service has advanced the mission of AOSA and contributed to the growth of Orff Schulwerk across the United States.
Chris’s relationship with the Schulwerk began in 1983 when she took her first Levels course. By 1985, she was teaching Orff Levels courses herself — a role she would hold for forty years before retiring in 2025. A founding staff member of the Trinity Orff Schulwerk Levels Course in San Antonio, Texas, Chris built a reputation as a teacher educator of the highest standard, known for her meticulous preparation, deep pedagogical commitment, and genuine investment in every student who crossed her path.
For thirty years, Chris taught at Good Shepherd Episcopal School in Dallas while maintaining an extensive workshop schedule — presenting nationally and internationally, serving local AOSA chapters and school districts, and participating in AOSA’s digital mentorship program. Her sixteen publications bring the joy and rigor of the Schulwerk directly into classrooms, offering a new generation of teachers accessible, kid-tested resources grounded in elemental music-making.
Her national leadership reflects equal dedication. Chris served on the AOSA Board of Trustees from 1998–2001, 2007–2010, and 2011–2015, including as AOSA President from 2013–2015. She co-chaired national conferences in Dallas (1995), Wisconsin (2009), and Fort Worth (2017), and was a featured presenter at the 2018 and 2020 National Conferences.
The ripple effect of Chris’s teaching will be felt for years to come. She has shaped teachers, programs, and AOSA in ways that are both profound and lasting.
The Distinguished Service Award will be presented at the 2026 AOSA National Conference in Richmond, VA.