Chinese New Year

I love it when I can tie my curriculum into the real world!  Yesterday was the first day of the Chinese New Year, based on the Lunar calendar.  In third grade, our students study global communities, so I decided to create a unit based on music and the Chinese New Year.

We began by reading the book D is for Dragon by Ying Chang Compestine (Author) and YongShen Xuan (illustrator).

My students enjoyed the bright colors, and it gave us an opportunity to discuss some of the traditions surrounding this holiday.

Then, we learned the song "Gong Xi Fa Cai" which is in the textbook Spotlight on Music, Grade 3.  You can find a link to the song here.  I have a few students who speak Chinese, so this gave them an opportunity to share their knowledge with their classmates, and we had fun learning the song.

I followed this song up with another activity, focusing on Chinese Ribbon Dancing.  First, we watched this video:

Then, we learned to play the "Chinese Ribbon Dance" song from Artie Almeida's Mallet Madness on barred instruments.  On another day, we reviewed the Chinese Ribbon Dance on barred instruments, then we got out the ribbons!  (I have 8' ribbon streamers from West Music.  They are not nearly as beautiful and the silk Chinese streamers, but they worked for us...)  We spent quite a bit of time exploring shapes with our ribbons, and then determined a sequence that we would follow.  Finally, we split up into two groups: an instrument group and a ribbon group...then of course, we switched!  In the future, we will spend a little time improvising patterns on barred instruments, using the rhythm from Artie's song.  

So, how do *you* celebrate Chinese New Year in your classroom?

Splish, Splash, We're "Orff" to the Beach!

Ok, I know, it's a really cheesy title, but this is a great lesson that I shared at TMEA in February of 2014, sponsored by West Music.  I have successfully used different parts of this unit with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd graders at my school, and they love it!

I hope you enjoy...

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7_sZYXJMiMSYlJlbC14ejFSUmM/view?usp=sharing

Orff Instruments, No Orff is More!

Orff Schulwerk is a daunting name I know, but a wonderful approach to teaching.  Educators who only read an article or two about Orff in their undergraduate classes, often describe it as a set of instruments. You'll sometimes hear music teachers say "Oh yes, I know a lot about Orff, I have a whole set of Orff Instruments," or "I need an Orffestration."  Unfortunately, this is a limiting view of Orff Schulwerk.

A selection of barred instruments: Xylophones,
Metallophones, and Glockenspiels!

By contrast, those who have taken levels training find that Orff Schulwerk refers to much more than just children's percussion instruments.  It is actually a philosophical approach to teaching that encompasses pedagogy, movement, singing, speech, poetry, play, composition, improvisation, and conceptualization of music. In my own teaching, the Schulwerk has become guiding light for the choices I make when teaching.

Here are some ways in which you can learn more about Orff Schulwerk:

1) Go to the American Orff Schulwerk Association (AOSA) home page.  Here you find videos, articles, and other great information on this philosophy that you can access immediately.

2) Read about the approach! Some of my favorite books include:

• Discovering Orff by Jane Frazee
• Exploring Orff by Arvida Steen
• Elementaria, Orff Schulwerk Introduction by Gunild Keetman

3) Take a class locally!  The are over 100 Orff Chapters in the United States.  Chapters typically offer classes on Saturdays, and this is a great way to get started. You do not need to have training in Orff Schulwerk to attend a chapter workshop--just a willingness to jump right in.  Here is a link to help you find your nearest chapter.

4) Attend an AOSA Professional Development Conference.  Again, you do not need to have training in Orff Schulwerk to attend as AOSA conference (which is held yearly).  The conference offers an introductory class to the approach, and the majority of conference workshop sessions are appropriate for those who are beginners to the method.  Click here to learn more about AOSA conferences.

Here I am, at the Orff Institute!

5) Finally, if you are up for it...attend levels training!  Levels training provide an in-depth experience of the approach. Levels classes typically run in the summer over a two week period.  They are held in a variety of locations throughout the United States and the world!  Click here to learn more about levels training.

I would highly recommend Orff training and or workshops to any music educator who interested in exploring music pedagogy.  It is a great way to engage in professional development, meet new colleagues, and enhance your understanding of music learning.

I have taken Levels 1, 2, and 3, and two master classes, but that wasn't quite enough for me, so this summer, I attended the Summer Course at the Orff Institute in Salzburg, Austria. What a great way to spend my summer vacation!