This page shows in-progress and upcoming events throughout the conference. If you’d like to review or see sessions that have already happened, please visit My Conference Schedule. All times below are listed in Eastern Time, local to Lexington, KY. You may also view a full list of sessions, as well as subcommittee meetings, in this spreadsheet.
Notes for all sessions from the 2025 Conference in Lexington KY can be found in the AOSA Resource Library.
Wednesday, November 19, 2025
AAMM Symposium – Preparing the Next Generation
David Dockan, Symposium chairpersonAlliance for Active Music Making
Cultivating Resilience and Inclusivity: Undergraduate Student Well‐Being and Political Challenges in Music Teacher Education – Download session notes
Registration Open
No contact pickup on tables. Find your name tag with banquet ticket, pronoun stickers, and a neck wallet. Onsite registration is open.
Start Your Kentucky Connections Here
Is this your first time to conference? Join this session for some Southern hospitality, insider information, and tips and tricks. We look forward to meeting our new attendees and assisting you with getting the most out of your first conference experience.
Dancing After Dusk
Join your AOSA community in some dances that are sure to put some joy in your step. This session is a great time for finding new friends and colleagues or enjoying your time with old friends. Download session notes
Thursday, November 20, 2025
Registration Open
No contact pickup on tables. Find your name tag with banquet ticket, pronoun stickers, and a neck wallet. Onsite registration is open.
Session Block (9 events)
8:00 AM
Session Block (9 events)
8:00 AM
Threads of Connection
Explore your inner landscape through creative movement. Discover and strengthen the invisible bonds that connect you to yourself and to others
Riddle Me This – No Repeat
Elisabeth Crabtree
Rachel Kershner
Taking inspiration from Carl Orff’s opera, Die Kluge, and the volumes, explore traditional riddles through composition, dramatization, and movement. Download session notes
Journey to a New Groove – No Repeat
Looking for innovative ways to incorporate movement with students? We will explore new and unique movement opportunities using QuaverMusic resources. Download session notes
Process is Content with older beginners – No Repeat
Explore ways to use Elemental Process teaching to create a meaningful musical experience for older beginners. Download session notes
Take a Look, In a Book
Use a children’s book to create an experience, together! Bring your Volumes and other resources as tools to use IN SESSION. Level I recommended. Download session notes
Stringing Everything Together
This is not a sit and strum workshop. Move, explore, play, and imagine the possibilities of the ukulele as an elemental instrument. Download session notes
Drumming Basics, World Rhythms & Classroom Management
Explore drumming fundamentals, world rhythms, and brain-based classroom management strategies to create dynamic, inclusive, and engaging music-learning environments. Download session notes
Discovering Orff Schulwerk, Part 1 – Sign up for both sessions
What is Orff Schulwerk? Find out through fun, active music-making activities! No experience needed. Please sign up for both sessions. Download session notes
Sensory Room
*Not a session* Visit this room if you need a calm space to decompress.
Session Block (8 events)
9:45 AM
Session Block (8 events)
9:45 AM
Threads of Connection
Explore your inner landscape through creative movement. Discover and strengthen the invisible bonds that connect you to yourself and to others
Loving the Littles-Imagination at Play – No Repeat
Explore, create and experience how to engage the littlest learners through games, manipulatives, literature, non-traditional instruments and rhythmic building blocks. Download session notes
Back to Basics – Voice and Body Are All You Need – No Repeat
Sharon Mazion
Marjie Van Gunten
Explore and create dynamic lessons with the body and voice as the primary instruments. Experience joyful play in a learning community. Download session notes
Singing Expressively Using Laban’s Movement Efforts Actions – No Repeat
Explore how using Laban’s Movement Effort Actions during choral rehearsals can enhance the expressiveness of your choir’s performances. Download session notes
Stringing Everything Together
This is not a sit and strum workshop. Move, explore, play, and imagine the possibilities of the ukulele as an elemental instrument. Download session notes
Sensory Room
*Not a session* Visit this room if you need a calm space to decompress.
Drumming Basics, World Rhythms & Classroom Management
Explore drumming fundamentals, world rhythms, and brain-based classroom management strategies to create dynamic, inclusive, and engaging music-learning environments. Download session notes
Discovering Orff Schulwerk, Part 2 – Sign up for both sessions
What is Orff Schulwerk? Find out through fun, active music-making activities! No experience needed. Please sign up for both sessions. Download session notes
Marketplace Open
Visit our exhibitors for the latest products and information. View Marketplace exhibitor map
Writing for AOSA Lunch & Learn
Craft an article with step-by-step guidelines from Echo and Reverberations editors. Includes writing time and tailored feedback to get you off to a strong start!
Writing for AOSA Lunch & Learn
Craft an article with step-by-step guidelines from Echo and Reverberations editors. Includes writing time and tailored feedback to get you off to a strong start!
Session Block (8 events)
12:30 PM
Session Block (8 events)
12:30 PM
Take a Look, In a Book
Use a children’s book to create an experience, together! Bring your Volumes and other resources as tools to use IN SESSION. Level I recommended. Download session notes
Harmonious Classrooms for Joyful Learning – No Repeat
Explore practical classroom management and SEL techniques for trauma-informed music classrooms to reduce teacher stress and increase joy. Download session notes
Swing, Swang, Swung, BAM! – No Repeat
Explore rhythms, melodies, and improvisational elements of Black American Music through speech, song and movement. Learn a jazz poem to gain fluency with the swing feel.
Dramatic Play & Imaginative Music – No Repeat
Embrace your inner child to explore the myriad of ways in which dramatic play can lead to joyful music learning. Download session notes
Creative Movement Storytelling
Create a movement story using Mad Libs writing prompts and a looping Möbius strip. Learn a Möbius strip circle dance. Download session notes
You Can Say It, You Can Play It!
Jump into the drum circle to explore your rhythmic teaching skills. If you can say it, you can play it! Download session notes
Exploring Rhythm with the Four Active Approaches, Part 1 – Sign up for both sessions
Kimberly Collins
Brent Gault
Jason Jones
Wendy Valerio
This session sponsored by the Alliance for Active Music Making explores rhythmic learning through the lens of four active approaches to musical engagement. Download session notes
Echoes of Nature from Latin American Culture – No Repeat
Intercultural experience with natural materials connecting the significance between nature and music of the Latin American communities. Download session notes
Session Block (9 events)
2:15 PM
Session Block (9 events)
2:15 PM
Going Off Book – No Repeat
Mary Evans
Victoria Redfearn Cave
How do you plan a beginning but then let your lesson unfold as you go? Problem-solve obstacles to student creation. Download session notes
Creative Movement Storytelling
Create a movement story using Mad Libs writing prompts and a looping Möbius strip. Learn a Möbius strip circle dance. Download session notes
Exploring with Style, Hairstyle! – No Repeat
Use diverse children’s literature, original speech, and inspiration from the volumes to explore human connections through hair! Download session notes
Pliable Process Adapting for All – No Repeat
Discover and experience supports for special education students to be successful by modifying instruments, orchestrations, and the use of technology. Download session notes
Rhythm & Rhyme – Explore Rhythms Using Children’s Literature – No Repeat
Learn how to introduce and explore rhythms using children’s literature while singing, moving, composing, and playing! Download session notes
Arranging Success: The Orff-Inspired Chorus – No Repeat
Learn Orff Schulwerk based strategies for improving ensemble skills in chorus. Create an arrangement of a folk song to use with your choral group. Download session notes
You Can Say It, You Can Play It!
Jump into the drum circle to explore your rhythmic teaching skills. If you can say it, you can play it! Download session notes
Exploring Rhythm with the Four Active Approaches, Part 2 – Sign up for both sessions
Kimberly Collins Brent Gault Jason Jones Wendy Valerio
This session sponsored by the Alliance for Active Music Making explores rhythmic learning through the lens of four active approaches to musical engagement. Download session notes
Advisory Board – No Repeat
This meeting is for elected chapter officers and begins at 2:00 pm. Learn about how AOSA can support your chapter and network with other leaders.
Welcome Ceremony featuring the Southdale Orff Ensemble
Adam Depew, director
2025 Southdale Orff Ensemble
The Southdale Orff Ensemble is the musical ambassador of Southdale Elementary in Kettering, Ohio. Performing at venues across our community, this non-audition, after-school ensemble features 35 fifth grade students. The goal of the group is to provide students with a comprehensive and culminating elementary ensemble experience. Download program
Marketplace Grand Opening
Visit our exhibitors for the latest products and information. View Marketplace exhibitor map
Session Block (3 events)
8:00 PM
Session Block (3 events)
8:00 PM
Drumming Up Fun with a Cajun Twist
Drum and dance with a Cajun Louisiana twist! Learn a drum ensemble piece, create a simple jazz melody perfect for a Mardi Gras parade, sing with Louis Armstrong, and add Grandma’s Gumbo! It’s time for Louisiana Lagniappe! Download session notes
Welcome to the Ceili
Whether you’re in the States or across the pond, learn the basic steps and try them out in circles, long ways sets, and maybe a square. Download session notes
A Celebration of Appalachia
A real Old Time play-a-long session featuring tunes and songs of Appalachia. Bring your own folk-style instrument and your voice! Download session notes
Friday, November 21, 2025
Registration Open
No contact pickup on tables. Find your name tag with banquet ticket, pronoun stickers, and a neck wallet. Onsite registration is open.
Session Block (7 events)
8:00 AM
Session Block (7 events)
8:00 AM
Creating Something From Nothing
Harness the creativity and imagination of your students by creating a music and movement piece from scratch- the ultimate risk taking adventure! Download session notes
Blue Moon of Kentucky – No Repeat
Using rhythm and movement exploration to create tableaus, tonic and supertonic triads build melodic improvisational opportunities within MFC musical compositions. Download session notes
Out of Chaos, A Compositon – No Repeat
Discover ways to new ways to use elemental form to structure and guide your students’ wild creativity into satisfying compositions. Download session notes
PK-6, Recorders adding Musicality, Motivation, Engagement
Experience how different sizes of recorders are effectively used throughout the curriculum, some played by the teacher, some for students. Download session notes
Mindful-Based Social Emotional Group Drumming
Experience Mindful-Based SEL and group drumming to enhance self-awareness, self-management, and relationship skills for teachers and students. Download session notes
Exploring Orff Schulwerk – No Repeat
Increase your understanding of Orff Schulwerk with a closer look at ways to sing, move, and play! Great for those who have completed Level I.
Sensory Room
*Not a session* Visit this room if you need a calm space to decompress.
Marketplace Open
Visit our exhibitors for the latest products and information. View Marketplace exhibitor map
Session Block (7 events)
9:45 AM
Session Block (7 events)
9:45 AM
PING PONG, The Game is On! – No Repeat
A children’s demonstration class showing how meticulously planned activities depend upon the spontaneous back and forth between teacher and student. Download session notes
Creating Something From Nothing
Harness the creativity and imagination of your students by creating a music and movement piece from scratch- the ultimate risk taking adventure! Download session notes
Creative Improvisation for All Ages
Improvisation can be musical at all ages! Three original pieces will be presented to explore melodic & movement improvisation in creative ways! Download session notes
Exploring Modes to Reflect a Theme – No Repeat
Through improvisation, explore modes, describe the mood of each. Then, in small groups, compose in modes to reflect a theme. Download session notes
PK-6, Recorders adding Musicality, Motivation, Engagement
Experience how different sizes of recorders are effectively used throughout the curriculum, some played by the teacher, some for students. Download session notes
Mindful-Based Social Emotional Group Drumming
Experience Mindful-Based SEL and group drumming to enhance self-awareness, self-management, and relationship skills for teachers and students. Download session notes
CTED Basic I – No Repeat
This session is only for AOSA Teacher Education Levels Course Instructors. Download session notes
DEIA Lunch & Learn/Open Meeting & Affinity Groups
Learn about DEIA integration and initiatives from AOSA. Affinity groups may meet during the second half of the meeting. Bring your own lunch.
Session Block (8 events)
12:30 PM
Session Block (8 events)
12:30 PM
I Can Imagine!
Create inspiring musical experiences using pieces from the volumes and original works, as well as empowering text and your imagination! Download session notes
Movement Games: Engage, Practice, Connect!
Explore fun activities to build skills and community through active play.
Creative Improvisation for All Ages
Improvisation can be musical at all ages! Three original pieces will be presented to explore melodic & movement improvisation in creative ways! Download session notes
South Korean Songs and Games – No Repeat
Experience South Korean folk songs and games through a variety of percussion instruments and traditional Korean drums. Download session notes
Children’s Literature to Performance Possibilities – No Repeat
Using children’s literature and the Schulwerk to create a performance incorporating creative movement, improvisation, clapping games, body percussion, and more! Download session notes
Encouraging Connection in Middle School
Explore how social connection and autonomy can help keep Middle School students engaged in creative music-making. Download session notes
DEIA Education Session
Victor Lozada
Manju Durairaj
Dr. Nicole Robinson
This session, led by the VPs of DEIA, is centered on personal and professional growth of Orff Schulwerk teachers in the areas of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Access. The session includes facilitating courageous conversations in the music class room and utilizing the process and philosophical framework of Orff Schulwerk to create safe, brave and welcoming spaces in the classroom.
Adapting Original Source Material
Process a piece from Spielbuch für Xylophon II that was simplified for a 4th grade class with no Orff experience. Download session notes
The Pace Performers of Kay Pace Elementary School of the Arts
Erin Oxford, Director
Pace Performers
Pace Performers is the premier performance choir from Kay Pace Elementary School of the Arts, a public elementary performing arts magnet school. Founded in Jonesboro, GA in 2018, Pace Performers consists of students in 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades who meet weekly after school to rehearse. Download program
Session Block (4 events)
2:35 PM
Session Block (4 events)
2:35 PM
International Connections – Get Involved Fair
Interested in international Orff Schulwerk study? Learn how to get connected with the International Connections Committee.
Apprentice Program – Get Involved Fair
Want to become a level course instructor? Reveiw the AOSA Apprentice Program and how to become a Teacher Educator.
Digital Research Posters
Researchers share their Orff Schulwerk based research studies.
Writing for AOSA – Get Involved Fair
Want to get more involved in AOSA through leadership, writing for The Orff Echo or Reverberations, or other possibilities? Come by for an informal chat with AOSA leadership!
Session Block (9 events)
3:45 PM
Session Block (9 events)
3:45 PM
Hispanic Heritage Literature Performances – No Repeat
Create an inclusive experience linking Spanish literature and picture books with Music for Children volumes, focusing on diversity and inclusion. Download session notes
So Much Teaching, So Little Prep Time – No Repeat
Experience samples of songs, rhymes, and themes used to connect learning year to year and across age ranges. Download session notes
Adapting Original Source Material
Process a piece from Spielbuch für Xylophon II that was simplified for a 4th grade class with no Orff experience. Download session notes
I Can Imagine!
Create inspiring musical experiences using pieces from the volumes and original works, as well as empowering text and your imagination! Download session notes
Movement Games: Engage, Practice, Connect!
Explore fun activities to build skills and community through active play.
Encouraging Connection in Middle School
Explore how social connection and autonomy can help keep Middle School students engaged in creative music-making. Download session notes
Retiree and Over 60 Gathering
Gather with retirees and teachers with many years if experience to visit and enjoy the Schulwerk!
Drama Games in the Music Room
Explore several classic drama games. Learn to process and integrate the games or incorporate their structures into your music room. Download session notes
Session Block (3 events)
8:00 PM
Session Block (3 events)
8:00 PM
Dance the Night Away
Dance, connect, and energize! Find joy in movement with friends old and new.
RUBP Fun
Vivian Murray Caputo
Sue Mueller
Connect with your AOSA friends using body percussion inspired by Rhythmische Ubung!
Midnight Historical Society – Honoring Three Acclaimed Orff Specialists: Mary Goetze, Konnie Saliba and Arvida Steen
Come learn about these teachers/composers and join us in playing, singing and dancing compositions from each author. Download session notes
Saturday, November 22, 2025
Registration Open
Onsite registration is open.
Session Block (9 events)
8:00 AM
Session Block (9 events)
8:00 AM
¡Vamos a jugar!
Learn songs and games from Latin America. Explore with limited instruments, playful experiences, and modern twists! Download session notes
Building Community and Confidence in Musicians
Experience simple games and activities that strengthen student relationships and encourage students to take risks as leaders and improvisers. Download session notes
The Creative Choir
Explore ways to use Orff process teaching in the intermediate choral setting to create with choir students. Strategies for developing independent partwork and using melodic ostinato parts to create student-arranged pieces. Download session notes
Playing Recorders in the Pocket – No Repeat
Learn to improvise on recorder effectively and soulfully while jamming along to classic rock, blues, and R&B tunes. Download session notes
Drama Games in the Music Room
Explore several classic drama games. Learn to process and integrate the games or incorporate their structures into your music room. Download session notes
Mamma Goose Has Still Got It! – No Repeat
Caterpillars, Toads, and Dumplings… Oh, my! Expand your nursery rhyme horizons through body percussion, storytelling, and dramatic play. Download session notes
Inspiring Student Creativity through Folk Dance
Build dance vocabulary through a purposeful sequence of folk dance experiences, culminating in the creation of an original folk-style dance. Download session notes
Pigments of Our Imagination – No Repeat
Explore how music and dance relate to art and literature as we dance, play and color. Download session notes
Sensory Room
*Not a session* Visit this room if you need a calm space to decompress.
Marketplace Open
Visit our exhibitors for the latest products and information. View Marketplace exhibitor map
Session Block (9 events)
10:15 AM
Session Block (9 events)
10:15 AM
¡Vamos a jugar!
Learn songs and games from Latin America. Explore with limited instruments, playful experiences, and modern twists! Download session notes
Building Community and Confidence in Musicians
Experience simple games and activities that strengthen student relationships and encourage students to take risks as leaders and improvisers. Download session notes
The Creative Choir
Explore ways to use Orff process teaching in the intermediate choral setting to create with choir students. Strategies for developing independent partwork and using melodic ostinato parts to create student-arranged pieces. Download session notes
Cracking the Extended Egg – No Repeat
Explore extended recorder techniques (SATB) creating bird calls, songs and sonate inspired by field recordings and Andean art. Download session notes
Unlocking Student Creativity Through Popular Music – No Repeat
Learn how to use popular music repertoire and structures to create engaging creative musical experiences for elementary-aged students. Download session notes
Inspiring Student Creativity through Folk Dance
Build dance vocabulary through a purposeful sequence of folk dance experiences, culminating in the creation of an original folk-style dance. Download session notes
Engaging Young Musicians Through the Seasons
Experience fall, winter and spring activities through singing, moving, instrument playing, dramatic play, and story books for your littlest musicians. Download session notes
Orff Process in the Band Room – No Repeat
Explore practical strategies for incorporating the recorder with band instruments, student choice, and improvisation into band rehearsals. Download session notes
Time for Remembrance – No Repeat
Reflect and honor servant leaders of AOSA that have passed since the last conference.
The Treble Makers Orff Ensemble of Tully and Farmer Elementary School
Ashley Sumner
Kathryn Wigger
Trebel Makers
The Treble Makers are a group of 4th and 5th grade musicians who practice before school to create, improvise, and perform music on percussion instruments. We are students from Tully and Farmer Elementary in Jefferson County Public Schools. we perform for our schools and community throughout the year. Download program
Session Block (8 events)
1:00 PM
Session Block (8 events)
1:00 PM
Rainbows of Rounds, Songs of Science
Explore and create science-based music and movement from layered harmonies, melodies, rhythms, and textures of original, composed rounds. Download session notes
R.U. Ready for Change! – No Repeat
Experience some creative possibilities of the Rhythmische Ubung. Then make a new piece using R.U. excerpts for your students. Download session notes
Tales and Tunes for SEL – No Repeat
Discover how you can use children’s literature to bring SEL competencies to life. Download session notes
Motivating Young Movers with Folk Dances
Experience a detailed process for teaching folk dance using a collection of dances that build upon previously learned skills. Download session notes
Engaging Young Musicians Through the Seasons
Experience fall, winter and spring activities through singing, moving, instrument playing, dramatic play, and story books for your littlest musicians. Download session notes
Afro-Puerto Rican Rhythms: Sing, Dance, and Play
Learn, explore and experience Afro-Puerto Rican cultural genres through instruments, rhythms, games and dances inspired by traditional practices. Download session notes
Sensory Room
*Not a session* Visit this room if you need a calm space to decompress.
DEIA Open Meeting
Dr. Nicole Robinson Manju Durairaj Victor Lozada
Learn about AOSA’s DEIA rationale, volunteering to be on the Incident Response Team (IRT), and Incident Response protocols. Share suggestions, concerns, and actionable steps to ensure that AOSA continues to be a welcoming place for all. This session will be in-person and also via Zoom.
Session Block (7 events)
2:30 PM
Session Block (7 events)
2:30 PM
Rainbows of Rounds, Songs of Science
Explore and create science-based music and movement from layered harmonies, melodies, rhythms, and textures of original, composed rounds. Download session notes
Motivating Young Movers with Folk Dances
Experience a detailed process for teaching folk dance using a collection of dances that build upon previously learned skills. Download session notes
Mindful Moments for All – No Repeat
Learn the importance of mindfulness for your students and yourself. Explore activities that foster mindfulness in and out of the classroom. Download session notes
Neurodiversity Panel
The members of the AOSA Affinity Group on Neurodiversity and Individuals with Disabilities will facilitate a panel discussion and question and answer opportunity on their lived experiences in the classroom and their work in supporting AOSA members and their students.
Anchored in Orff – No Repeat
Increase retention and engagement in the music room, by building Anchor songs focusing on community, core concepts, and creativity. Download session notes
Afro-Puerto Rican Rhythms: Sing, Dance, and Play.
Learn, explore and experience Afro-Puerto Rican cultural genres through instruments, rhythms, games and dances inspired by traditional practices. Download sesssion notes
Sensory Room
*Not a session* Visit this room if you need a calm space to decompress.
Closing Ceremony
Vivan Murray Caputo Sue Mueller
Celebrate your Kentucky Connections and another wonderful conference.
Kentucky Connections Banquet
Tickets available with registration. No on-site sales available. Table seating opens in October.