First Steps In Music With Orff Schulwerk

(Schott). This book is intended for those who want detailed, practical assistance in how and why to use Orff techniques and materials in the classroom. Goals are outlined and the best ways to achieve them are explored, but the principal focus is on the arrangement of the curriculum in a logical sequence. Such a structure provides a reasonable progression from simple to more complex objectives not only from day to day but from year to year. Structured learning need not be the enemy of improvisation but rather the best way to provide students with the tools they need to improvise. The book contains an introduction to the development of Orff-Schulwerk and a discussion of the distinguishing features of this approach. Chapter Two introduces the activities children use in their music-making. The teaching procedure that structures those activities is taken up in Chapter Three while Chapter Four explains the vocabulary and accompaniment theory essential to the Orff teacher. Part Two applies these elements in a sequential curriculum designed for Grades One through Five. Especially important in each chapter is the inclusion of supporting activities designed to aid in teaching the various skills and concepts.

The imaginative and effective activities in this book invite children to discover the sounds they can make with their voices. Not only are the activities fun, they also serve as excellent vocal warm-ups for singing. Children are taught that just as an athlete warms up various muscles before competing, singers must warm up their vocal muscles in order to be able to sing with flexibility. Young singers learn to understand the range of sounds their own voices can make, how they can more effectively control those sounds, and ultimately sing in tune and with feeling.

"Using Technology with Elementary Music Approaches is a comprehensive guide to how to integrate technology into the popular elementary music approaches of Dr. Feierabend's First Steps, Kodály, and Orff Schulwerk It also includes ideas of integrating technology with project-based learning (PBL). It is written for elementary music educators who want to utilize technology in their classrooms, or possibly fear using technology but are looking for ways to try. It also can be used by new teachers, veteran teachers, teachers with very limited technology, teachers with 1:1 devices in their music classroom, and undergraduate and graduate students"--

(Book). This is a landmark resource for elementary school teachers who wish to enhance their curriculum with the excitement of music technology. The lessons can be adapted and used in a general classroom setting with one computer, or in a classroom where the music teacher transports the materials "on a cart." Support audio files, MIDI files, and other electronic documents can be accessed for free through a dedicated web site. Includes a glossary and index.

Grades K-5 - Celebrating Orff-Schulwerk media, this collection includes activities for body percussion, speech, singing, non-pitched percussion, barred instruments, recorder, and movement. A step-by-step process, performance outline, and suggestions for extending the media focus are available for each activity.