orff, orff, and more ORFF!

Ok. So got back from the Orff - Schulwerk Conference in Spokane. Us PLU Music Ed students were asked to help facilitate the conference.

It was quite the experience. I learned a lot about elementary education and such. Even though elementary is not the field I intend on going into, it was interesting to learn the teaching techniques.

In one session, we learned how to teach young children mixed meter like 7/8. I thought this was awesome because 7/8 can be really scary to some people. We learned a few songs and games to introduce the time signature, then we got to dance in mixed meter! It was awesome!!

Another session was more for me: "Artistry in Elementary Singers"
This choral director was amazing at making things easy and practical for kids to learn. I enjoyed it very much :)

On the other hand, we worked our butts off! Transporting instruments from room to room was the killer. The Spokane Convention Center is huge when attached to two other hotels! My legs ached so bad from all that walking! Ahh!

Even after being home, I'm glad I participated. It was fun, educational, and great bonding time :)