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:
Extensions to articles published in The Orff Echo can be found in the AOSA Resource Library.
List of Orff Echo Articles
Instruments in the Kitchen
Explore creative process through speech and found sound.
Exploring Orff Instruments with Young Children
Thoughtful activities in the early childhood years lead to successful ensemble experiences in later years.
Mary Shamrock: A Life Spiced With Serendipidy
An interview with Mary Shamrock in which she discusses the early years of Orff Schulwerk in the United States.
Mallet Technique With Children
Pictorial essay modeling the correct way to hold mallets. Includes playful ideas to help children master the correct technique.
From the Classroom: The Sounds of Music
Students design and build their own instruments out of recycled materials.
Honoring and Respecting Musical Instruments in the Classroom
This article shares ways in which musical instruments have been honored the world over, not for monetary value, but because the voice and spirit of the instrument deepen the human voice and spirit.
Magical Sounds: The evolving Orff Ensemble
A brief history of the evolution of the instrumentarium that is now common in Orff Schuwerk settings.
Drumming at the Edge of Magic/Planet Drum
Professional Development Book Review: Two books on drumming written by Grateful Dead drummer Micky Hart. These books explore the primal interface of human and percussion and are recommended for Orff practioners seeking the elemental nature of instruments.
Hula Lullaby
Children’s Book Review: At dusk, a Hawaiian girl in her mother’s lap, watches hula dancers and listens to the sounds of traditional drums and rattles in this musical children’s book.
Cracking Open the Volumes: Volume III, Riddles
DeStefano details a teaching sequence for Volume III, Riddles and shares new perspectives.
The Boy Who Loved Words
Children’s Book Review: This delightful picture book about words invites children to collect their favorite words. In the music classroom these word collections can become the source of rhythmic invention, movement exploration, and more.
Mocking Birdies
Children’s Book Review: A picture book written in elemental question and answer form invites children to explore many possible variations.
Flamingos on the Roof
Children’s Book Review: This picture book is a marvelous addition to the library of teachers who enjoy language-based musical exploration.
Best-Loved Folktales of the World
Children’s Book/Professional Development Book Review: A collection of folktales from around the world with an introduction about the purpose this genre has served over time.
Music as a Writing Tool
Deul Gilster discusses how listening and responding to music can engage the subconscious, unlocking creativity that leads to original ideas.
Dr. Hermann Regner: The Many Themes of an Expressive Life
Frazee compares Regner’s life to a contrapuntal composition with complex themes and motifs.