2023 AOSA News

In Memoriam: Rosemary Koepfle Rosemary Koepfle (Rosie) passed away after a long struggle with Atypical Parkinson’s Diseaseon Christmas Day, 2023. She was 79 years old. Rosie served AOSA through her national conference work. She served as AOSA’s Recording Secretary, 1985-1987 and was the National Conference Chair for the 2001 Cincinnati conference. After she retired from teaching, she also served as the National Conference Director of AOSA. Her dedication to excellence and attention to detail led the AOSA conference to become the largest Orff Schulwerk conference in the world. Her legacy lives on in the joy that conference brings to so many AOSA members. Her kindness, sharp wit, and heart for music education will not be forgotten. Read more about Rosie Koepfle.

In Memoriam: Cindi Wobig and Bill Johnson It is with sadness that AOSA announces the passing of two significant contributors to AOSA.

Cynthia L Wobig passed from this world on October 31, 2023. She served as Executive Director of the American Orff-Schulwerk Association from 1980 until 2007. Cindi’s famous saying was “You can do this!” And yes, she did! AOSA would not be the strong organization it is without her dedication and leadership. Read more about her life and contributions to AOSA.

William Johnson was awarded the American Orff-Schulwerk Association’s Industry Service Award in November of 2004. Bill’s passionate influence was felt as an Industry Member of AOSA for decades. His guidance helped form many of the conference policies still in place today. Learn more about Bill Johnson.

The editorial board of The Orff Echo, the national, peer-reviewed journal and philosophical voice of the American Orff-Schulwerk Association, seeks qualified candidates to join our team. Orff Schulwerk practitioners, active or retired, know how to encourage the best in others by guiding and mentoring them in meaningful, transformative ways. Serving on the Echo editorial board offers opportunities to share that expertise by helping colleagues from around the world craft their messages into articles that capture and communicate the dynamics of the Orff Schulwerk approach. Applications are being accepted from November 6, 2023–February 9, 2024. For additional details, send an email to: echoeditor@aosa.org

The Orff Echo Editorial Board is soliciting articles for the Fall 2024 issue. The feature topic is "Connect." The deadline for submissions is February 15, 2024.

We enable our students to make meaningful, life-long connections with their peers; we connect our various approaches for musical learning; and we connect our own cultures with others within diverse populations. In addition to being an essential part of Orff Schulwerk, Connecting is one of the artistic processes within the National Core Arts Standards in music. Drawing on the Standards, “Connect” is the first of a four-issue exploration focusing on an artistic process—Performing, Responding, Creating, Connecting—through the Orff Schulwerk lens. We invite various types of submissions such as (1) philosophical and theoretical work reflecting the application of Orff Schulwerk; (2) interpretation and adaptation of Orff pedagogical techniques for music and other teachings; (3) empirical and/or historical research related to Orff Schulwerk; (4) articles that support AOSA’s diversity statement.

We encourage writers to consider the following questions:
1. What connections exist within our school communities?
2. How can we connect the various pedagogical approaches to music education?
3. Students connect with each other through popular music. How might we harness that
phenomenon in the classroom?
4. What other measures can we implement to connect to the cultures of our students?
5. What are some ways we can develop and deepen our connections with diverse student
populations?
6. In what ways does collaboration play a role in connecting with our peers?

The Orff Echo Editorial Board is always interested in original research and informative articles covering all aspects of Orff Schulwerk and music education, such as movement, play, singing, assessment, and curricular planning. Our format allows for submissions reflecting Orff Schulwerk practitioners’ areas of interest in addition to our featured topic. Please contact Ian Cicco (ian.cicco@usm.edu), Austin Cooper (acgeneralmusic@gmail.com), or Alan Spurgeon (aspurg@olemiss.edu) with submissions or questions regarding the Fall 2024 issue, “Connect.” For general questions about The Orff Echo, send inquiries to Linda Hines (linda@aosa.org). Articles can be submitted through the Echo Articles Submission Form.

The American Orff Schulwerk Association condemns all violent actions against humanity, especially those of the past week in Israel and Gaza. AOSA stands with our membership as we work to create a world that respects, affirms, and protects the dignity and worth of all.

AOSA Announces Candidates for the 2024 National Board of Trustees Election.The following members have been nominated as candidates for servant leadership on the AOSA National Board of Trustees. Please read statements and view a video for each candidate. Voting will take place from November 2 to December 2, 2023 and all AOSA members can vote for all positions, per the 2023 AOSA Referendum. Elected members begin service in July of 2024.

Region I: Sarah Fairfield and Elisabeth Crabtree
Region II: Joseph Gershin and Sue DeHart
Region IV: Crystal Briley and Carrie Cruz
Region V: Sarah Williams and Johanna Abell
Secretary: Dan Gullick and Malia Walter
Vice President-Elect Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access: Martha McCabe and Victor Lozada

AOSA 2023 Conference shirts and other merchandise are now available. The deadline for current orders is September 10! Order now.

AOSA Announces 2023 Award Recipients. The Leadership Development and Nominations Committee of AOSA is pleased to announce the following awards that will be bestowed at the 2023 Professional Development Conference in Albuquerque, NM: Rob Amchin – Distinguished Service Award; Andrew Perry (Peripole Music) – Industry Service Award; and MaryAnn Fritz – Grassroots Imact Award. The Distinguished Service Award is intended to recognize and honor those who have supported the mission of AOSA through exemplary service at the national level and who have contributed to the growth of Orff Schulwerk in the United States. The Industry Service Award recognizes and honors individual members of AOSA, employed by AOSA industry members; who, above and beyond the requirements of business, have given exemplary service to AOSA and/or its members; and who have contributed to the growth of Orff Schulwerk in the United States. The Grassroots Impact Award is intended to recognize and honor those who have supported the mission of AOSA through exemplary service at the local and regional levels. Congratulations Rob, Andrew, and MaryAnn!

The Orff Echo Editorial Board is soliciting articles for the Summer 2024 issue. The featured topic is “Be.” The deadline for submissions is November 15, 2023.

“Be.” Much of our conversation around teaching music and being music educators revolves around doing. But what if we take some space to think about simply being? What does it mean to BE? Being present? Being mindful? Being in the moment? Responding to the beings in front of us? How do we be ourselves as individuals, as colleagues, as music educators, and as practitioners of the Schulwerk? And how do we help those we teach learn to be themselves, while also being involved in part of a whole?

We invite various types of submissions, such as (1) philosophical and theoretical work reflecting the application of the Schulwerk; (2) interpretation and adaptation of Orff and Keetman’s pedagogical techniques for music and other teachings; (3) empirical and/or historical research related to the Schulwerk; (4) articles that support AOSA’s diversity statement. We encourage writers to consider the following questions:
1. What tools, resources, and/or approaches might we use to be present for our students, our communities, ourselves?
2. How does “be”-ing relate to Orff Schulwerk processes and the approach as a whole?
3. How do current trends in education around trauma-informed pedagogies and social-emotional learning (SEL) relate to “Be”-ing?
4. How might experiences surrounding mindfulness or meditation find their way into an Orff Schulwerk movement and music experience?

The Orff Echo Editorial Board is always interested in original research and informative articles covering all aspects of Orff Schulwerk and music education, such as movement, play, singing, assessment, and curricular planning. Our format allows for submissions dedicated to your area of interest in addition to our featured topic. Please contact Christine Ballenger (ceborff@gmail.com), Diana Hawley (dianakayhawley@gmail.com), or Erika Knapp (erikajknapp@gmail.com) with submissions or questions regarding the Summer 2024 issue, “Be.” For general questions about The Orff Echo, send inquiries to Linda Hines (echoeditor@aosa.org). Articles can be submitted through the Echo Articles Submission Form.

Conference Session and Performance Groups Proposals for the 2024 Conference are Now Being Accepted. The Conference Committee is accepting proposals until October 1, 2023 for the 2024 Professional Development Conference in Des Moines, IA. Visit the Conference Session Proposal page for more information.

AOSA Announces the Passing of Carol Erion. AOSA is saddened to announce the death of Carol Erion on June 24, 2023. Carol was President of AOSA from 1993-95, a recipient of the Distinguished Service Award, and served AOSA in many ways. She was co-founder of The Midnight Historical Society, Teacher Educator, served on The Orff Echo Editorial Board, a Regional Representative, Chair of the Professional Development Committee, and played a very important role in the AOSA Teacher Education Guidelines Curriculum revision. An interview with Carol on the occiasion of her 2009 DSA award has recently been added to the Resource Library. Read more about Carol's rich life and her contrubutions to music education.

AOSA is accepting applications for a one-year Interim Vice-President Elect of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Access position serving beginning July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024. The Interim VP-DEIA-Elect will work collaboratively with the Vice-President of DEIA. Interested applicants should review and fill out the application by June 30, 2023. Application Process

AOSA Announces the Passing of Marilyn Copeland Davidson. AOSA is saddened to announce the passing of Marilyn Copeland Davidson on June 1, 2023. Marilyn’s leadership went past teaching, writing, and inspiring. She also served the national American Orff-Schulwerk Association as President from 1991 – 1993. She guided the organization very well and made it a point to bring the membership together. Along with other AOSA members, Marilyn made groundbreaking progress in secondary education by participating in the first ever Alliance for Active Music Making session at an AOSA conference in 2002. Marilyn was an inspiration to all who knew her and to many who never had the pleasure of meeting her. Read more about Marilyn Copeland Davidson.

The Orff Echo Editorial Board is soliciting articles for the Spring 2024 issue. The featured topic is “Grow.” The deadline for submissions is August 15, 2023.

The Schulwerk is known to be a wildflower, blossoming in unique ways for all within different settings. In such settings, both teachers and students continue to grow in diverse ways as they engage with Orff Schulwerk processes, endeavoring to further develop their musicianship and humanity. We invite various types of submissions such as (1) philosophical and theoretical work reflecting the application of the Schulwerk; (2) interpretation and adaptation of Keetman and Orff's pedagogical techniques for music and other teachings; (3) empirical and/or historical research related to the Schulwerk; (4) articles that support AOSA’s diversity statement. We encourage writers to consider the following questions:

How has our teaching evolved over the years?
How do authentic relationships grow with our different student populations?
How do we create a context in which students can grow independently both inside and outside of the classroom?
In what ways can Orff Schulwerk help students grow an empathy toward diverse peoples and places?
How is students’ musical growth enhanced through Orff Schulwerk processes?
In what ways do we foster a learning environment in which we honor the ways students wish to grow—both musically and personally?

Please contact Juliana Cantarelli Vita (jucv.echo@gmail.com), Ian Cicco (ian.cicco@usm.edu), or Christa Jones (christajeanjones@gmail.com) with submissions or questions regarding the Spring 2024 issue, “Grow.” For general questions about The Orff Echo, send inquiries to Linda Hines (echoeditor@aosa.org). Articles can be submitted through the Echo Articles Submission Form.

AOSA Announces the Passing of Alice Pratt – AOSA is saddened to announce the passing of Alice Sciscioli Pratt. Alice was born on September 28, 1952 and passed on April 27, 2023 after a long bout with non-smoker’s lung cancer. Alice served AOSA in many roles from serving as a Regional Representative on the National Board of Trustees to twice named National Conference Chair to presenting at numerous national conferences. Alice was known for her fierce love for teaching diverse populations of children and pioneered many AOSA efforts for diversity, equity, inclusion, and access. Alice was a passionate teacher, brilliant presenter, and dedicated AOSA member. Her legacy will live on for years to come. Alice’s great passions were her family, music, Orff Schulwerk, traveling, and teaching children. Her love and inspiration will be carried on through the many lives she has touched. Read information on the memorial service and contributions and learn about Alice and her many contributions to AOSA and Orff Schulwerk.

AOSA Seeks Applicants for National Conference Chairs for 2024. The American Orff-Schulwerk Association seeks applicants for the following position: 2024 National Conference Chairs(s) – begin July 1, 2023 through January 30, 2025. This position will consist of planning and overseeing all aspects of program and local volunteer management for the AOSA Professional Development Conference in 2024. National Conference Chair Job Description.

Individuals and two-person teams will be considered. Teams that are composed of a former National Conference Chair and new applicant are preferred. To apply, please complete this Google form including a resume and an interest statement. Deadline for application is Sunday, April 30, 2023.

AOSA Announces the Passing of Arvida Steen. Arvida Steen was a joy to all who knew her. She shared her passion for Orff Schulwerk, joyful music making, and teaching with a world-wide community. Born in 1937, she passed away in the early morning of March 16, 2023 following surgical complications. Arvida was an incredible colleague, friend, educator, pedagogue, and lover of children. Her joy for learning and teaching was contagious. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her and by the entire Orff Schulwerk community. Read information on memorial contributions and learn about Arvida and her many contributions to AOSA and Orff Schulwerk.

You are invitied to a Writing for AOSA Zoom session on March 21. Would you like to write for AOSA? Join The Orff Echo and Reverberations editors online Tuesday March 21, at 8:15 p.m. Eastern (7:15 p.m. Central, 6:15 p.m. Rocky Mountain, 5:15 Pacific) for a fun, interactive session. This session is open to anyone interested in writing for AOSA. Simply RSVP using this Google form where you will find the registration form and Zoom link. See you March 21!

AOSA accepting proposals for the Research Poster Session at the 2023 Professional Development Conference. Research employing qualitative, quantitative, mixed, philosophical, and historical methodologies in music education will be considered for inclusion in the Research Poster Session at the AOSA Professional Development Conference. Submissions of action research studies completed by music educators in their classrooms are encouraged. Learn how to apply.

The Orff Echo Editorial Board is soliciting articles for the Winter 2024 issue. The featured topic is “Joy!” The deadline for submissions is May 15, 2023. “Joy!” seeks to celebrate vibrant classroom experiences alight with the joy of discovery, creation, and finding meaning. We invite various types of submissions such as (1) philosophical and theoretical work reflecting the application of the Schulwerk; (2) interpretation and adaptation of Orff pedagogical techniques for music and other teachings; (3) empirical and/or historical research related to the Schulwerk; (4) articles that support AOSA’s diversity statement. You may consider the following:
1. How do we, as Orff Schulwerk educators, cultivate joy in our classrooms, schools, and communities?
2. How do choices about repertoire, preparation, and facilitation contribute to joyful classroom experiences?
3. How does research into flow state connect with what students and teachers do and experience in Schulwerk process teaching?
4. How do playfulness and humor infuse joy into student learning experiences?
5. How is joy expressed or experienced in different cultures or communities?
6. What else might this topic inspire you to explore?
The Orff Echo Editorial Board is always interested in original research and informative articles covering all aspects of Orff Schulwerk and music education, such as movement, play, singing, assessment, and curricular planning. Our format allows for submissions dedicated to your area of interest in addition to our featured topic. Please contact Christine Ballenger (ceborff@gmail.com) or Roxanne Dixon (rxndxn@gmail.com) with submissions or questions regarding the Winter 2024 issue, “Joy!” For general questions about The Orff Echo, send inquiries to Linda Hines (linda@aosa.org). Articles can be submitted through the Echo Articles Submission Form at bit.ly/echosubmission.

AOSA’s National Board of Trustees is recommending a membership referendum at this time. The questions on this referendum have been under consideration by the NBT since 2019. To read about the history, recommendations, referendum questions, and explanations, click here.

AOSA members are encouraged to join the AOSA’s leadership for any of the four Question and Answer Zoom sessions. These sessions will be informal and are intended to give an open forum to members for questions, clarifications, and feedback. A recording will be available on the AOSA website for those unable to attend. You are also welcome to contact any member of the NBT, Executive Committee, or Executive Director if you prefer.

The voting window will begin after the March 4th National Board of Trustees meeting and will be open March 6 - April 1, 2023.

AOSA Announces the 2022 National Board of Trustees Election Results – The Leadership Development and Nominations Committee of AOSA is pleased to announce the results of our 2022 National Board of Trustees election. We would like to thank all members who were on the ballot for their willingness to serve AOSA and participation in the election process. Congratulations to the following new board members who begin their position July 1, 2023.

President-Elect: Patrick Ware
Treasurer: Karen Petty
Region I: Fauna Woolfe
Region II: Nora Golden
Region III: Natasha Thurmon
Region VI: Katie Settleberry