The Orff Echo

The Orff Echo is the national, peer-reviewed quarterly journal and philosophical voice of the American Orff-Schulwerk Association. 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. Non-members may contact the editor for information.

Interested in writing for The Orff Echo? Check out how to get involved in the process:

Writing for The Orff Echo

Extensions to articles published in The Orff Echo can be found in the AOSA Resource Library.

The Orff Echo Indices

List of Orff Echo Articles

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It Began with “Wir senden den Schulfunk …”

After World War II ended, Germany was occupied by victorious Western Allies, who planned an extensive democratization program for the country, which included “education through radio” as a guiding principle. Details how Orff Schulwerk came into the public eye through this medium.
Orff Schulwerk, Germany, World War II, history, democratization, children, broadcast, radio
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Exploring Tonal Landscapes

Mix up tonal landscape in Orff Schulwerk-inspired music rooms using pentatonic modes. Advocates for integrating pentatonic modes beyond do-centered pentatonic into lessons and classroom music making. Shares instructional design approaches to teaching, using barred instruments and recorders.

Pentatonic Modes, Orff Schulwerk, Improvisation, Exploration, Elementary Music

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First Steps in Jazz and Orff Schulwerk

Students’ musical experiences and creative development can be facilitated by the integration of jazz into Orff Schulwerk-inspired music education by drawing from established pedagogical practices and resources. Offers practical strategies for educators to foster a supportive environment for improvisation.

Jazz, Orff Schulwerk, Improvisation, Elementary Music, Blues

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“Yes, and . . .”: Growing Awareness and Collaboration with Theatre Improvisation Principles

Using theatre improvisation “rules” and Dalcroze Eurhythmics is an effective means for developing students’ awareness of others and building skills necessary for musical and creative collaboration. In this article, the author offers examples and suggestions for applying this process when working with students from the young child to elementary school through college and beyond.

Orff Schulwerk, Dalcroze and Orff, theatre improvisation and teaching music, music education collaboration, teaching for student awareness, Spolin theater games and music education

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Creating the Minnesota Orff Course

Brief history of Minnesota Orff Schulwerk course. Showcases Minnesota as an example to highlight significant cross-pollination between various Orff Schulwerk dispersal sites. Transfer of knowledge and tradition between geographic regions continues to contribute to the rich and dynamic nature of Orff Schulwerk throughout the United States and North America.

Orff Schuwerk, Minnesota Orff, University of St Thomas, Jane Frazee, AOSA history, Orff dispersal in North America, Orff course history, Jos Wytack

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Orff Explorations in the Basque Region

How Orff Schulwerk educators can engage students in exploring the language of Euskara, discovering cultural connections through games, practicing improvisation and technique, and participating in expressive, choreographed movement activities.