Sigma Alpha Iota

sai-national.org • SUMMER 2016 • PAN PIPES 5 Orff Training for Continued Development N O P S T U X Y Z is article is presented to the readership as a requirement for receiving a Sigma Alpha Iota Philanthropies, Inc. Professional Development/ Education Grant. Before June 2015, I thought I had a good grasp on the Orff-Schulwerk method of teaching. I had learned about the Orff concept in my undergraduate career, took a class during graduate school, and attended many professional development sessions during college and my teaching career. As an elementary school student I never had the "Orff " experience; I never saw the barred instruments, didn't have much experience on recorder, and definitely didn't have much movement thrown into my music classes. In fact, I spent a lot of my elementary days watching musicals until I joined band. During my studies, I vowed that I would find any and all opportunities to further my knowledge so that I could provide the best opportunities for my future students. Each year I seek new professional development opportunities, and this past year, I decided to take the plunge to receive my Level 1 Orff Certification. I was aware of the great opportunity to expand my teaching knowledge, and I was oen encouraged by my teachers and peers to seriously consider taking part in Orff training sessions at the University of Kentucky. Upon my arrival on the first day of my level one class, I was unsure of what to expect. What I found quickly changed my views of how and what I would teach using this method. Before my Level 1 training I had created my own lessons that were based on the Orff way of teaching. I was using the barred "Orff " instruments, taught proper technique, how to care for the instruments, and even gave students the needed guidelines in which to create their own melodies. I used many method books, followed many Orff based blogs, and of course had hundreds of Pinterest Pins, but none of them even touched the world that I discovered last summer. I was simply teaching the elements of music through a few common practices. Now, I'm presenting my students with the opportunities to learn about music through their own personal experiences of creating and carefully constructing their own pieces of music. During the course I had to play the role of student which I figured I would do, but I was extremely surprised at my experiences. I consider myself to be fairly outgoing but I found myself being shy and reserved; the course was taking me outside of my comfort zone. Aer the first few days I broke out of my shell because it was necessary in order to really learn the concepts. In order to accomplish the goals set before me by my instructors, I had to release all of my inhibitions and rethink my learning tactics. e training process involved three main learning experiences: movement class, recorder class, and the all-encompassing basic level one class. Each component taught me many new skills, new ways to introduce concepts, how to include movement in classes, and how to tackle concepts with older students without making them feel like it was too "babylike." I learned how to make recorder fun, how to introduce it, and how the students could get creative with a recorder. Beforehand I was using the Recorder Karate curriculum, which I still use and my students love; now I just have other experiences I'm able to provide my older students. rough the variety of activities that I took part in throughout the two-week course, I realized that this method gives students the chance to learn by experience. It is only by creating, exploring, and taking ownership of the music that students can truly find its value and understand its meaning, something every child deserves. I'm still a young teacher and have a lot more to learn, but I am so beyond grateful to SAI Philanthropies, Inc. and for the Professional Development Grant that gave me the opportunity to experience this life changing course. My classroom dynamic has completely changed since receiving my Orff Level 1 certification, and I can't wait for my Level 2 this summer so I can bring back even more new experiences and activities to my students in the fall. Rebecca Sepulveda is an Elementary Music Teacher in Lexington, Kentucky. She is an initiate of Eta Sigma and currently serves as Sigma A Province Officer. Above, the Level 1 Orff Class At right, the room set up before a recorder class. SAI PHILANTHROPIES

• Cover