We're Orff!
What is Orff Schulwerk?
Orff Schulwerk is an approach to music using movement, singing, chanting rhymes, clapping, dancing, and keeping a beat or playing a rhythm. Students first respond to and make music; reading and writing music are a later outgrowth of these experiences. Composer Carl Orff is the originator of the approach.
Rhythmic ideas are developed through “body percussion” and small percussion instruments and specially designed melodic percussion instruments called Orff instruments. Playing together as an ensemble promotes listening skills and the cooperation necessary for working together. It also allows students of varying ability levels to contribute successfully to the total effort.
The Orff approach guides students through several phases of development:
• Exploration • Imitation • Improvisation • Composition Elements of learning include memory, discovery, observation, analysis, discrimination, and concentration. In sum, Orff Schulwerk offers complementary support to learning in all areas.
