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
Will Standards Save Public Education?
Professional Development Book Review: A collection of essays about the role of standards in education.
Out of the Classroom: Towards Authentic Advocacy
The article is a reflection of why we teach music and a reminder to authentically promote music for its own sake.
Dough $, Re, Mi: A, B,C’s of Educational Fundraising
Good advice for soliciting funds for your music program. Offers positive suggestions for seeking out foundation grants.
Froggie Went A-Courting
Children’s book Review: This picture book presents the old Scottish folktale and song about the wedding of Mr. Frog and Ms. Mouse – two quite different creatures – in a new setting: present day New York City.
Sky Tree
Children’s book Review: Picture book about a year in the life of a tree. Exquisite illustrations, paired with thought provoking questions about nature, make science come alive through art.
Spontaneity-Creativity-Improvisation-Composition: A Developmental Process
In order to have students express their creativity, the environment must be conducive to play and be risk free.
New Shoes, Red Shoes
Children’s book Review: This picture book is about a little girl’s shopping trip with her mother to purchase new shoes. On her journey, she joyfully discovers a world of fascinating footwear all around her.
Drum and Dance Improvisation
Carl Orff said, “In the beginning was the drum…..” The author uses this inspiration for improvisation in drumming and dancing.
Inspiring and Using Children’s Creative Musical Expressions
This article articulates a process leading to improvisational experiences that begins with a young child’s exploration of movement and speech.
Playing with our Materials: Speech Play
Speech play is integral to Orff Schulerk process.
The Drums of Noto Hanto
Children’s Book Review: Picture book featuring the people of Nabine, Japan, who hold a festival commemorating their ancestors’ victory over a fleet of invading samurai using drums and frightening masks.
“Sound of Those Instruments!” A Portrait of Barbara Grenoble
Barbara Grenoble, a gifted flutist, became a leader in OS in the US after attending Toronto courses in 1962.
Can You Hear It?
Children’s book Review: Picture book matching classical music (with accompanying CD) with famous artworks. The author encourages the teacher to play an active listening game with each selection creating a springboard to arts integration.
Making Music with Your Child
Professional Development Book Review: A book of teaching piano ideas using Orff Schulwerk.
Creativity and Improvisation: Orff Schulwerk in the Strings Classroom
With the application of the Orff process, the Paul Rolland approach and Phyllis Young exercises bring success to special needs string students.
Moses Goes To a Concert
Children’s Book Review: Picture book about a class field trip to hear an orchestra. The twist is that the students are all deaf.