LeslieAnne Bird is a music and movement educator at University Schools in Shaker, Ohio. She teaches general music and choir to fifth through seventh grade young men and is an adjunct Professor at the University of Akron. She has previously taught in North Olmsted & Cleveland Ohio as well as in Prince George’s County, Maryland. LeslieAnne is a national presenter. She has served as vice president and membership chair for the Greater Cleveland Orff Chapter and is currently serving as the content curator for the Teaching With Orff community. In addition, she is the owner and CEO of Three Little Birds Music Education Services LLC where she offers teacher training, coaching and musical experiences for children and adults. She earned Orff Certification from Baldwin Wallace University in 2014, and has completed Music Learning Theory General Music Level One, Level One World Music Drumming training, Level One Google Certification and has earned the Ohio Master Teacher designation.

Teaching With Orff supports Music & Movement Educators by providing free lesson plans and teaching tips as well as online workshops and courses designed to bring joy and value to your teaching.

Erin Clevenger has been teaching K-5 music in University City, Missouri since 2011, has completed Orff Levels I and II, and is active in the St. Louis Orff chapter. Before that Erin had a variety of professional experiences, including substitute teaching for a variety of grade levels and subject areas, teaching general music to fifth and sixth graders, working with teenagers with developmental disabilities, and teaching English at summer camps in Italy. Erin attended Truman State University where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Voice and Master of Arts in Education.

Lissa taught general music in a suburb of Cincinnati. Lissa currently teaches Pre-K - 6 in at a Montessori school in Northern Kentucky. She is President of the Board of Directors of the Cincinnati Children's Choir and has served on the American Orff-Schulwerk National Board of Trustees. Lissa presents Orff-Schulwerk workshops and classes for teachers and children.

Brian Burnett taught elemental music & movement, K-6 near Toledo, Ohio. Brian now presents professional development courses and workshops across the country. His work has been published in Macmillan/McGraw-Hill’s Share the Music and Spotlight On Music. He serves on the conference committee for the American Orff-Schulwerk Association.

Justin Caithaml teaches 7-12 Choral Music at Midview Local Schools in Lorain County, Ohio. He completed his Orff-Schulwerk Certification at Baldwin Wallace University, Villanova University, and University of the Arts. Caithaml recently graduated Magna Cum Laude from Baldwin Wallace University, and serves as the Chief Operating Officer of SMART360, an organization dedicated to strengthening elementary students' reading fluency, social skills, and cultural diversity through a creative musical experience. He is a member of the National Association for Music Education, the American Orff-Schulwerk Association, and the American Choral Directors Association.

The American Center for Elemental Music and Movement is to committed to promoting the artistic and pedagogical possibilities of elemental music and movement. In the belief that all human beings have the capability and need to express themselves through these media, the Center will offer educational programs and performance opportunities for children and adults. The goal of the Center's work is to provide learning opportunities for all ages that center around the intrinsic value of elemental music and movement experienced in an artistically meaningful way. Encouraging and creating opportunities for the study of pedagogical approaches toward facilitating experiences in elemental music and movement within and for a variety of communities is an extension of our main goal. This is accomplished through the creation of programs for educators and community members that explore and develop the skills to perform and create as well as foster the appreciation of elemental music and movement styles. We invite you to explore our growing resources and articles. Add you voice among our supporters! Our programs are expanding, and our impacts are creating positive ripple effects in classrooms across the U.S. and the world.

BethAnn Hepburn teaches 4th-6th graders at Henry Defer Intermediate School in Streetsboro, Ohio. She is an instructor for Orff Schulwerk courses and a frequent presenter for AOSA and orff chapters throughout the United States, and provides workshops internationally. BethAnn has served on the AOSA National Board, and on the General Music Committee for the Ohio Music Education Association. Roger Sams has been an Orff-Schulwerk teacher, clinician and teacher trainer for over twenty years. He has presented at state, regional and national conferences, has taught in teacher training courses throughout the country, and has served on the National Board of Trustees of AOSA. He is a graduate of the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland and his current passion is supporting personal and spiritual growth through the arts.

Brian D. Crisp has been working with families in education and parenting for 20 years. An internationally recognized educator, he has studied educational models in the U.S., Berlin, Germany, and the accolade-winning municipal schools of Reggio Emilia, Italy.

Drue Bullington teaches elemental music and movement at Brownstown Elementary School in Conestoga Valley School District in Lancaster, PA. Bullington is twice a graduate of West Chester University of Pennsylvania where he received a B.S. in Music Education and a M.M. in Music Education with a certification in Orff Schulwerk. Drue holds a second master’s degree from Wilkes University in Online Teaching and Learning with an Online Educator’s Certificate of Endorsement from the state of Pennsylvania. He has also participated in advanced Orff Schulwerk studies and an apprenticeship program in Orff Schulwerk at George Mason University. Drue has taught in several Orff Schulwerk Levels Certification programs around the U.S. and offers numerous professional development and workshop sessions on elemental music and movement through the Orff Schulwerk Approach, elemental music and movement applications in the classroom, incorporating technology, and integrating the soprano ukulele into the K-12 music classroom. Drue and his wife, Elise, live in Lititz, PA. They enjoy an active life filled with travelling, culinary adventures and volunteering in their community.

Mary Lou Richardson taught elemental music and movement, K-6, for thirty-three years. She served as president of St. Louis AOSA, completed level and master Orff classes and presented at both the 1978 and 2012 St. Louis AOSA conferences, as well as in Cincinnati in 2001. In the fall of 1999 she became teacher/facilitator of an Orff class for senior adults, which she continues to this day. The past years have been filled with pits and pratfalls as well as laughter and joyous music-making.

Aimee Curtis Pfitzner has been the Lower School Music Director at Cannon School in Concord, NC for 23 years and has taught music for 27 years. She holds a Masters of Music degree from UNC-Greensboro and completed Level I Orff-Schulwerk Training at Bridgewater State University in Massachusetts, Levels II and III at UNLV, and Master's Level at the University of Memphis. Aimee is a frequent presenter at music workshops and conferences in the US and Canada. Her books, Hands to Hands, Hands to Hands Too, Painted Music, Sing a Song, Play a Game, and Playful Possibilities are available from Beatin’ Path Publications. She is passionate about music making, gardening, adoption, and anything and everything creative; painting, zendoodling, digital scrapbooking, making jewelry, writing music, crafting, and sewing. When not teaching or writing music, singing, or creating, she can be found musically musing on her blog, www.ofortunaorff.com.

Marcia Working has a bachelor’s degree in music education from Central Michigan University, elementary self-contained classroom certification from Western Michigan University; and received her Orff certification from Anderson University. She has a Master’s in Education degree from Cornerstone University. She has 30+ years’ experience teaching elementary music before her retirement in 2013. Ms. Working is the director/instructor for the Crescendo Academy of Music Orff Studio in Kalamazoo, MI. She is a Music Teaching Artist for the Aesthetic Education Program in Kalamazoo County. She writes and arranges children’s music, plays clarinet, is an active clinician, presenting workshops in Michigan as well as at the national level.

Michelle is a speaker, coach, and entrepreneur. As the CEO and owner of MMB Music and Teaching With Orff, she leads a heart-centered team dedicated to serving educators worldwide. She received her Master of Music degree in violin performance from Duquesne University, and her Executive MBA degree from Washington University’s Olin School of Business in 2009. After creating Teaching With Orff, she soon realized that the Orff Approach is more than a teaching method; it is a paradigm that extends beyond the classroom. She has applied this philosophy of integrating the body and the mind to experience true transformation in her own life, and now brings this to others through workshops that utilize music and movement to foster cognitive shifts.

Manju Durairaj was born and raised in India. She studied in Pune, India. She was involved in graduate research projects on comparative pedagogical practices of Indian (Carnatic) and Western Music at Middlesex University, London, UK. She graduated with her second master’s degree and K-12 certification from VanderCook College of Music, Chicago. Manju currently teaches JK-5 general music at the Latin School of Chicago. She is program chair and past president of the Greater Chicago Orff Chapter. She is an adjunct professor at VanderCook College of Music, Chicago. She is an AOSA approved Orff Schulwerk Level 1 instructor. She is SMART certified, Seesaw and Book Creator ambassador and Edpuzzle coach. Her continuing teaching education courses on campus and online, include early childhood, general music methods, curriculum design, technology, Orff Schulwerk, and assessment and standards. She was on the Diversity Commission of the American Orff Schulwerk Association and is on the Elementary General Music Council of IL Music Education Association. She is a frequent clinician at ISME, AOSA, OAKE, NAfME and various other state, national, and international conferences. She has been published in the Orff Echo, Reverberations, Illinois Music Educators Journal, General Music Today, and the Journal of the Council for Research in Music Education. Her publications with Hal Leonard include InterAct with Music Assessment Levels 1 and 2, InterAct Levels 1&2 Student Activities for Devices and Print, Technology in Today’s Music Classroom and Dancing Around the World with Music Express Magazine.

Dr. Loong, a native Malaysian Chinese, has completed all levels in Kodaly and Orff-Schulwerk and is certified in both of these methods. Before coming to the University of Hawaii, Dr. Loong taught music in the public schools of Malaysia and at Baldwin-Wallace College, Berea, OH. She has presented at local, state, national, and international conferences. Dr. Loong has also presented internationally in Korea, Malaysia, and a series of Early Childhood Music workshops in China. Currently, Dr. Loong serves as Chair of the music education area at the University of Hawai`i, president of the Hawai`i Music Education Association. She also serves on the editorial board of the Orff Echo, Korean Journal of Research in Music Education, a reviewer for the Malaysia Music Journal, and a member of the steering committee of the Alliance for Active Music Making in General Music Teacher Education. She was the past Conference Chair of HMEA and past Chair of the AOSA Research Committee. Dr. Loong is the Director of the Bambini, Stellini and Angeli Ensembles for the Hawaiian Youth Opera Chorus. In 2012, Dr. Loong was awarded as the outstanding music education alumni from the University of Akron where she completed her Bachelor's and Master's degrees.

CYNDEE GIEBLER lives and teaches in northeast Wisconsin. She is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay and completed her master’s degree at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minn. She has presented workshops for American Orff-Schulwerk Association chapters around the country as well as state, regional, and national conventions. In her spare time, Cyndee enjoys composing and arranging music for classroom use, children’s chorus, and elementary strings.

Jennifer Bailey has twenty-one years experience teaching young children. She has been with Farmington Public Schools for the past seventeen years. Jennifer holds a B.M. in performance from Michigan State University, teacher certification from the University of Houston, and a M.M. Ed. from Temple University. She is an early childhood and elementary general music instructor for the Gordon Institute for Music Learning and is level one certified in Orff-Schulwerk. She is the author of Sing-To-Kids Songbooks and co-author of the Jump Right In Elementary Music Series. Jennifer is a frequent presenter at clinics for regional and state music education and technology conferences.

Roger Sams retired from the music classroom in 2013 after 31 years of teaching music in public and private schools. He has served as adjunct faculty, teaching methods courses and supervising student teachers at Cleveland State University and has been on the faculty in teacher education programs at the University of St. Thomas, Cleveland State University, Akron University, the University of Montana, University of Missouri-St. Louis, and other venues throughout the US. Roger is a regular presenter at state, regional, and national conferences, has served on the AOSA National Board of Trustees, and has worked with teachers and/or children in Canada, China, Indonesia, India, South Korea, Poland, and Scotland. He currently serves as Director of Publications and Music Education Consultant at Music is Elementary (www.MusicIsElementary.com). Trained in Gestalt therapy, Roger is interested in the power of choice in the artistic process, teaching, and life. He is the co-author of “Purposeful Pathways: Possibilities for the Elementary Music Classroom” with Beth Ann Hepburn. He has published works for children’s choirs in the Crooked River Choral Project series and a collection of rounds and partner songs entitled, “A Round My Heart.”

Theresa Cocci, currently teaches Early Childhood Music in Reading, PA. She has over twenty-nine years teaching experience in the classroom and instructs private piano. Having earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education , she has earned her Orff Schulwerk Music Certification from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, PA. Additional graduate course work includes studies in Early Childhood Music with Dr. John Feierabend, at West Chester University and graduate work with Peter and Alice Amidon at the University of Hartford. Her professional affiliations include member of AOSA, member at large for the Philadelphia Area Orff Association, Music Teachers National Association and a member of the Society of Book Writers and Illustrators. Theresa is a Certified Instructor for the Pennsylvania Quality Assurance Program and provides in-service workshops for early childhood classroom instructors.

Marjie Van Gunten retired after 40 years of teaching music from early childhood through college level and is currently the AOSA Communications Coordinator. She has served on The Orff Echo editorial board, presents workshops on composition and improvisation and leads summer institutes on arts integration. Her training includes bachelor and masters degrees in music and post-Level III Orff Schulwerk training.

Michael Chandler is an Assistant Professor of Music and Coordinator of Music Education at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee. Michael taught music and movement to children in Texas public schools for 16 years and was named Teacher of the Year at two different elementary campuses. His student ensembles have performed by invitation at the Texas Music Educators Conference in San Antonio in 2013, 2007, and 2005. Michael has taught workshops and conference sessions in 38 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico and has taught all three levels of Orff Schulwerk basic and recorder in AOSA-approved teacher education courses across the United States. He is the author of Everyday Recorder, Recorder Everyday! a classroom resource for introducing the recorder in Orff Schulwerk classrooms. Michael’s publications have appeared in The Orff Echo, The Southwest Musician, and Update: Applications of Research in Music Education.

Holly Walton teaches general music and is an assistant marching band director for the Copley-Fairlawn City Schools. She holds certification in Kodaly and Orff. She is in her 21st year of teaching.

Georgia A. Newlin, DMA is an Associate Professor of Music at Adelphi University, is Past President of the Organization of American Kodály Educators and is a member of The VoiceCare Network. She has taught in early childhood and public school music positions for fifteen years and at the collegiate level for thirteen. Georgia is called upon as a conductor for choral festivals, as a clinician for choral workshops & reading sessions, and intermediate grade methodology. She teaches musicianship, conducting, and ensemble in Kodály programs at Indiana University, University of Hawai’i, and James Madison University. She is published by Music Is Elementary (One Accord: Developing Part-Singing Skills in School-Age Musicians; The Crooked River Choral Project) and by Colla Voce (“Es ist ein Ros’ ‘entsprungen” in the Ruth Dwyer Choral Series).

David Row loves teaching music to kids! A Nebraska native and Midwesterner at heart, David now lives and teaches in the Kansas City metro area for the DeSoto Unified School District. He holds a Master’s Degree in Music Education from the University of Missouri – Kansas City Conservatory, completed three levels and a master course in Orff Schulwerk training, and has extensive experience with critical thinking in the arts. David is an active clinician and has presented workshops at national, state, and local conventions across the United States and Canada. He is an AOSA-approved Orff Schulwerk teacher educator and is excited to be joining the OCPS & Central Florida Orff Chapter for Levels this summer in Orlando. On his blog, MakeMomentsMatter.org, David shares ideas about classroom content, management, lesson plans, critical thinking, and more. Search for “Make Moments Matter: A Music Education Podcast!” wherever you download podcasts or catch up with David every week on his “Musical Mondays” LIVE videos on Facebook.

Patrick Ware is an internationally known Orff - Schulwerk clinician and choral conductor. With a service to education spanning more than 20 years, he holds a B.A. in Music from Westfield State University, an MS.Ed from Radford University and a DMA from the Shenandoah Conservatory of Shenandoah University. Dr. Ware is a National Board Certified Teacher in Music/Elementary and Middle Childhood. He is an AOSA Teacher Educator for all levels of movement and recorder as well as Levels I and II Basic Pedagogy. Patrick is published through Beatin’ Path Publications including works for treble choir with Orff Ensemble. Patrick teaches k-5 General Music and Chorus in Prince William County Virginia. His special focuses include Jazz and the use of children’s literature.

Karen Stafford is an elementary music specialist and adjunct professor from Union, Missouri, currently working on her dissertation for her Ph.D. through the University of Kansas. She has all three levels of Orff Schulwerk, Masters level, and Level One Kodaly. Her professional affiliations include NAfME, the American Orff-Schulwerk Association (movement and recorder instructor and member of the AOSA advocacy subcommittee), The Organization for American Kodaly Educators, The American Recorder Society, and The National Education Association. Karen has presented clinics and workshops at the local, state, and national levels and has had several articles published in the Orff Echo.

Jason Levy currently teaches at Campus International School in Cleveland, Ohio where he has taught in the Cleveland Metropolitan City Schools for 17 years and received the Excellence in Teaching Award in November 2017.  He is a graduate of Heidelberg College, completed his master’s degree at The University of Akron, and received his Orff certification from Southern Methodist University.  In addition to teaching elementary/middle school general music and band Mr. Levy also is the director of the Cleveland All City Elementary Choir.  When he is not teaching Mr. Levy enjoys singing and traveling with the Cleveland Orchestra Chorus.

Percussive Play is the first supplement to the Purposeful Pathways core materials, and thus, utilizes the Purposeful Pathways Model, integrating Orff-Schulwerk, Kodály, and eurhythmics. It contains ten active music making lessons for the elementary music classroom. Electronic Visuals are available for this book in three formats: Microsoft® PowerPoint®, SMART Notebook™, and Promethean ActivInspire. The printable manipulatives are available as PDF files. The electronic visuals and printable manipulatives are available to you for free with the purchase of this book.

Meg Tietz teaches K-5 music at Bay Elementary School in Seabrook, TX.  Meg completed her Masters Degree with a concentration in Orff Schulwerk at the University of St. Thomas in 2009.  She is an active presenter for local and national workshops and conferences and teaches Orff Levels at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX, and The University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN.  Meg is the current president of the Texas Gulf Coast Orff Chapter. 

Kate Bright is a music teacher at Lincoln Charter School in York, PA, where she teaches approximately 700 kindergarten through fifth grade students. In 2010, she completed her Orff Schulwerk levels and became a member of three chapters of the American Orff Schulwerk Association. She is past-president of the Greater Baltimore Area Orff Schulwerk Association and the Philadelphia Area Orff Schulwerk Association. Kate has presented at Orff chapters across the country, as well as at the AOSA’s national conference. In the 2018-2019 school year, Kate will be presenting at the AOSA national conference in Cincinnati and at the Maryland Music Educator Association state conference. Kate has been awarded the Spotlight Award by the American Center for Elemental Music and Movement, as well as Staff Member of the Year from Lincoln Charter School. An active member of her local folk dance community, Kate serves on the board of the Harrisburg Area Contra Dance Association and helps to organize and teach the Harrisburg Folk Dancers, an international folk dance group.

Natasha Thurmon teaches K-5 music at Boldt Elementary in the Northside school district. She completed her Orff levels at Trinity University, where she now teaches Recorder. She has presented at various workshops locally and at state conferences, and recently completed an MM at the University of Texas at San Antonio. She will present at the national AOSA conference for the first time this year in Cincinnati.

Rob Amchin is Professor of Music Education at the University of Louisville (KY). He studied Orff pedagogy at New England Conservatory of Music, Hofstra University, Memphis State, Hamline University, University of Michigan, and the Orff Institute (Salzburg). He has presented Orff-based workshops nationally and around the world, for nearly 40 years including presentations in throughout the United States, China, Canada, Russia, Hong Kong, Poland, Austria, Israel, Finland and Singapore all focusing on Orff-based general music pedagogy music and movement pedagogy. He is author of books related to Orff Schulwerk and general music. He is the level I, II and III pedagogy and Master Class teacher at many summer programs around the country.

For more than a decade, Willis has educated, mentored, and developed elementary and middle school students through the power of music. He specializes in providing musical instruction through authentic culturally relevant teaching experiences to empower and engage all children to achieve success. He is a graduate of the University of Memphis with a Bachelor of Music Education with an emphasis in Choral Music in 2009. In 2012, he earned the Master of Education Degree in Nonprofit Leadership from Belmont University. Most recently Willis completed the Education Specialist Degree with an emphasis in Instructional Leadership from Tennessee Technological University. He currently serves as the Elementary Music Coach for the Metro Nashville Public Schools District, to provide music teachers with instructional support and resources necessary to enhance their classrooms. Willis believes that music education is a vital tool to teach student about other cultures, create community, and a love for learning. Through his work, he has developed a passion that the cultivation of musicianship begins at a young age and that every child has musical potential. Every student is a champion and deserves a music teacher who will see the best in them. Willis has facilitated professional development sessions for music teachers of all grade levels sharing his unique and relevant teaching practices. He consistently collaborates with colleagues, community organizations, local businesses, colleges and universities to advocate for the importance of music education in our schools. Through his work he has received national recognition for his ability to meet students at their point of need and guide them to new levels of success. He is a three time recipient of the CMA Foundation Music Teacher of Excellence Award. ('16, '18, '19)

Martina Vasil, PhD, is assistant professor of music education and director of the Modern Band, Orff Schulwerk, and Dalcroze Summer Institute at the University of Kentucky. She also teaches PreK–6 music at Lexington Montessori School once a week and is Orff Level III and Dalcroze II certified. Martina is president of the Kentucky Orff-Schulwerk Association and is on the The Orff Echo editorial board.

For over 35 years Joan Eckroth-Riley has been sharing her passion for music education with students ranging in age from kindergarten through college. She currently shares the joy of making music with students at Murray State University in KY as Coordinator of music education. Joan is the author of “Everyday Improvisation; Interactive Lessons for the General Music Classroom” & “Everyday Composition; Interactive Lessons for the General Music Classroom” published by Alfred, and a contributing author to “Kaleidescope,” lessons on the new Core Music Standards sponsored by NAfME. In addition to her teaching duties, Joan is a frequent workshop presenter on Standards and assessments for elementary music, is a certified recorder and movement instructor for Orff Schulwerk courses, and serves as a clinician for JW Pepper & Alfred Music companies. Joan holds an MA in Music Education with an emphasis in Orff Schulwerk from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN. She is the president of the newly formed Quad State Orff Chapter, a Past-President of the North Dakota Music Educator’s Association and Prairie Winds Orff, and was honored to be named the 2016 ND Music Educator of the Year. •••• Dr. Wendy van Gent is Associate Professor of Music Education at Northern State University, in Aberdeen, SD where she teaches Music Education at the undergraduate and graduate levels, supervises student teachers, and conducts the vocal jazz ensemble. She is a vocal educator with extensive experience in choral music, vocal jazz, private vocal instruction, and musical theater. Dr. van Gent’s research interest is focused mainly on music student teachers as they transition into the first few years in the classroom and scaffolding current music teachers to become master music educators. Dr. van Gent earned her PhD from Oakland University (Educational Leadership), a Master of Music Education from Michigan State University (Choral Conducting), and a Bachelor of Music degree (music education, music theory, musical theater) from Western Michigan University. For 16 years, Dr. van Gent was the Choral Director and Chair of the Performing Arts Department at Frank W. Cox High School in Virginia Beach, VA, and an active member of VMEA. She is the current NAfME Collegiate Chapter Advisor at NSU and the research representative and New Music Teachers Mentorships Chair on the Board of Directors of the South Dakota Music Education Association (SDMEA).

Matthew Stensrud is an award-winning Elementary Music and Movement Teacher and currently teaching PK-4 music and movement at Sidwell Friends Lower School in Washington, DC. He received his Master of Music Education from George Mason University and Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, is an Orff Schulwerk approved Teacher Educator of Movement, and teaches Movement Levels in South Carolina and Oregon. Matthew is also on The Orff Echo Editorial Board and was a key content contributor to the book Responsive Classroom for Music, Art, PE and Other Special Areas. He is available for workshops for music chapters, districts, schools, specials teachers, and more. He lives in Alexandria, Virginia. Visit his website: www.matthewstensrud.com to sign up for his newsletter with lesson plans, articles, and more. He is also well-known on social media as @MisterSOrff on Instagram and Facebook. He can also be found on YouTube at www.youtube.com/matthewstensrud

Crystal Pridmore is a music and movement teacher at Finney Elementary School in San Diego, CA who has completed three levels of Orff Shulwerk training. She is the President- Elect of the San Diego Chapter of the American Orff Schulwerk Association, creator and cohost of the Chaotic Harmony Podcast, the Director of Advocacy for the Music for Every School Foundation, and a director for the American Center for Elemental Music and Movement. In addition, she is a certified health coach through the Center for Obesity Prevention and Education who coaches clients in healthy habits and nutrition.

Victoria Boler is a leading elementary general music educator and curriculum designer. In addition to general music, Victoria has taught orchestra, choir, and percussion ensembles. In an administrative role, Victoria has served as Fine Arts Coordinator, leading band, orchestra, choir, general music, and musical theater at the programmatic level. She holds a Masters in Music Education from the University of Florida and has completed three levels of Orff certification, as well as Kodaly level two. She publishes general music curriculum and instructional materials at victoriaboler.com, where she serves and collaborates with educators in their journeys to create grounded and artistic music curriculum for their unique teaching scenarios. Victoria is a lesson author for Hal Leonard’s Essential Elements Music Class and the author of the forthcoming Hal Leonard book, “Creative Activities for Teaching General Music.”

Scott Roether teaches music and movement at University School in Cleveland, Ohio where he works with boys ages four through ten. Prior to his work at University School, he worked as an arts integration specialist and public school teacher. He has completed Levels training and Curriculum Development, as well as a number of Master Classes and the International Summer Course at the Orff-Institut. In addition to his previous training in Orff Schulwerk, Scott recently completed his coursework for a Master’s degree in Music Education with a concentration in Orff Schulwerk from the University of St. Thomas. He currently serves the Greater Cleveland Chapter as Vice President and Program Chair.

Teaching With Orff is a community of Movement & Music Educators dedicated to sharing teaching tips, lesson plans, and ideas. Please contact us through the "Share Your Ideas" link if you would like to contribute to this free resource.

Amy Fenton is a music and movement teacher for grades 1-5 in Haslett, Michigan. She holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership, a BA in Vocal Performance (with a minor in Flute), and Post-Baccalaureate Certification in Music Education. Amy has completed all levels of Orff Schulwerk certification and Master Class. She is a Recorder Teacher Educator for AOSA Levels courses. Amy has served as President of the Mid-Michigan Chapter, as well as Regional Representative on the AOSA NBT, and is currently serving as AOSA Treasurer.

Alan Purdum is retired from Grand Valley Schools where he taught elementary music, and is the recorder instructor for Orff Schulwerk (Music and Movement Education) teacher-training classes at Baldwin Wallace University. He is the author of Recorder: A Creative Sequence, a manual for teaching recorder to children. Alan recently retired as minister of music at Howland Community Church in Warren, is a member of the Rosewood Consort, and plays bass with the Greenville Symphony and the Alliance Symphony. He participates in community theatre as an actor and musician; and is a freelance bagpiper.

Darla Meek serves as Lecturer and Music Education Coordinator at Texas A&M University-Commerce, teaching undergraduate and graduate music classes and supervising student teachers. Prior to this position, she worked as a public school elementary music and movement specialist. Darla earned a Bachelor of Music Education from Dallas Baptist University, and a Master of Music at Southern Methodist University in Dallas. She is certified in both Kodály and Orff Schulwerk. Darla serves as a national teacher trainer for the American Orff Schulwerk Association in both Level I pedagogy and movement for Orff Levels courses. Darla has published children’s choir curricula for Lifeway Christian Resources and for Celebrating Grace, Inc. She often presents sessions for teachers at conferences and workshops at the district, state, and national levels. Darla is married and has two children, Gregory and Aubrey.

Katie Wardrobe is a music technology trainer and consultant with a passion for helping music teachers. Katie is a qualified teacher (but no, she doesn't currently teach in a school) and she runs hands-on workshops in Australia and overseas. She has presented at more than 50 conferences and other music education events and in 2016 she founded the Midnight Music Community – an online music tech professional development community especially for teachers. Katie's workshops, presentations and online training resources focus on easy ways to incorporate technology – through a range of creative projects – into what you are already doing in your music curriculum.

Victoria Redfearn Cave, M.Ed., graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education and received her Masters in Education Leadership from Mary Baldwin College. In 2014, she received the award for the top student in the Graduate Teacher Education Program where she focused her thesis on assessment processes with adolescents. For over 20 years, Victoria has been teaching music, movement and choral studies to children. Victoria has taught primarily in independent schools in Washington, DC and Charlottesville, VA but has also been a choral director at the Levine School of Music and the Kennedy Center's Washington National Opera. Victoria received her Orff training at George Mason University and received a scholarship from the Orff Foundation to study at the Special Course in Salzburg, Austria. In addition to being a faculty member at the Mason Orff training program, she has also trained teachers through the Orff Program at the University of Northern Colorado. Victoria is a national presenter and has written articles for the Orff Echo on creative movement topics for children. She lives in Charlottesville, VA where she is on full faculty at St. Anne’s-Belfield School and is the Artistic Director for Mosaic Children’s Choir. Her special topics of interest include: early childhood, movement with boys in the upper elementary years, visual arts integration, and assessment.

Shannon Pahl is a music and movement educator for K-5 students in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. She graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from Augustana College, and received both her Master of Music and Master of Library and Information Science from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She has been published in the Orff Echo and has completed all levels of Orff Schulwerk certification.

Tim Purdum teaches K-5 Music in Waterloo, Iowa, and teaches Orff Pedagogy in Level I and II teacher education courses in the summer. He presents workshops and sessions on creativity, sequential planning, and the Orff Process at the local, state, and national level. Tim is the author of Creative Sequence: Teaching Music with Flexibility & Organization, Xylophone & Other Barred Percussion: A Creative Sequence, and Aligning Your Creative Sequence with the Core Music Standards. He has written two apps for music teachers and students, including a lesson planning app and a pocket xylophone app. Tim is the owner of Cedar River Music.

Lisa Odom (Sullivan) believes music is a priority in children’s education. She is a curriculum specialist and music educator with 33 years of experience creating professional development resources and teaching K-5 students. Lisa taught for Carmel Clay Schools in Carmel, IN for 28 years and then taught K-2 music for Skokie School District 69 for 5 years. Lisa’s curricula highlight vertically aligned and sequence-based learning including movement-based lessons that keep the classroom motivated and playful. Lisa holds a Bachelor of Music from Butler University and a Master of Arts in Education from Ball State University. She served three years as the Region VI representative for the American Orff-Schulwerk Association (AOSA) and has presented at various AOSA, National Association for Music Education and Indiana Music Educators Association conferences. In 2008, Lisa was named Carmel Clay Teacher of the year. In 2017, Lisa was named Elementary Music Teacher of the Year by the Indiana Music Education Association, signifying outstanding achievement in the field of music education. During the summer months, Lisa teaches Orff Schulwerk Levels, and Orff Curriculum at Anderson University in Anderson, IN and DePaul University in Chicago, IL.

Judith Thompson-Barthwell is a retired music educator of 44 years. She taught general/vocal music, dance, and choir K-12. She has taught in many Orff courses in the U.S., and some in Europe. 2012 Michigan Music Educator of the Year, she has worked on the AOSA Teacher Education Curriculum Ad-Hoc Committee and the Diversity Sub-Committee. She is presently the Director of the Michigan Orff Collage for professional development.

Jim Solomon is the author of eight books, a National Workshop Clinician, and has over 30 years experience teaching public elementary school Music. He Teaches Orff Level I at Eastman School of Music and Rhythmic Training/Percussion Ensemble at George Mason University and Anderson University in summers. Jim has presented at nineteen AOSA National Conferences. National Board Certified 2002. Past Teacher of the Year for St. Johns County, Florida.

Jennifer Shaw teaches K-5 music at Lake Ridge Academy, North Ridgevile, OH.After graduating from Temple University in Philadelphia with both bachelor's and master's degrees in music, she earned all three levels if Orff Schulwerk teacher education certification. She is past-president of the Greater Cleveland Chapter of the American Orff Schulwerk Association, commonly known as ""Chapter One." Ms. Shaw has given presentations on the Schulwerk at The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, and Marywood University, Scranton, PA. Her students have performed at Ohio Music Educator's Association's professional development conference in Columbus, OH in 2014.

Peter is a versatile and widely respected performing and teaching artist dedicated to traditional dance, song and storytelling. Peter and his wife and partner Mary Alice Amidon, have been headliners at National OAKE and Orff Schulwerk Conferences, are honored to be members of the AOSA Advocacy Council. They present at many regional Orff and Kodaly weekend workshops throughout the United States. Peter is a co-founder of New England Dancing Masters, publishers of traditional dance materials for children. His choral arrangements are being sung on both sides of the Atlantic.

Elaine Larson recently retired from a career of more than thirty-five years in music education with students ranging in age from preschool to adults. She has taught Level I basic pedagogy and movement in numerous teacher education courses, and has presented at numerous AOSA conferences, chapter workshops, and internationally for the Hong Kong Orff Association. Her special interest is in integrated curriculum, which led her to co-found Kaleidoscope School of Arts and Science in 2004. Elaine has served as the AOSA Region I Representative in addition to other AOSA committees. She resides in Kenai, Alaska, where she continues to write and present in the area of integrated curriculum. Her hobbies include traveling, hiking, reading and playing with her new grandson.

Mimi Hamilton currently teaches at Willow Oaks Elementary and has taught urban children for 29 years as an Orff Music Specialist in the Memphis City/Shelby County Schools system. National Board Certified in 2010, she has served as co-chair of Memphis Orff All-City Concerts, presented professional development sessions, served as president of the Memphis Chapter, AOSA and as LCC of the Nashville AOSA PD Conference.

Steve has been teaching elementary school general music for more than 10 years! He earned a B.S. in music education from Rhode Island College and a M.M. Ed from the University of Rhode Island. In addition to his relentless passion for teaching music, writing curriculum and classroom improvisation, he is an avid performer and composer. Steve is the bass player for famed RI big band, The Nightlife Orchestra, as well as a regular sideman with many jazz and rock groups. He composes progressive jazz fusion music for his quartet, Baba Yaga, as well as many children’s songs for his classroom.

Peggy D. Bennett, PhD, is Professor Emerita of Music Education at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music and is a certified mediator and lifecoach. Vicky Suarez, MM, is an Elementary Music Specialist at Prairie Creek Elementary in Richardson, Texas. Dr. Bennett’s Teaching with Vitality: Pathways to Health and Wellness for Teachers and Schools, a gift book for all educators, will be released in October 2017 by Oxford University Press.

Paul Cribari is an Orff Schulwerk teacher in the Cherry Creek School District in Colorado. There, he teaches kindergarten through fifth grade, conducts the school choir and leads the Advanced Percussion Ensemble. In addition to his work with children Dr. Cribari teaches levels I, II, and III of Orff Schulwerk at Southern Methodist University, Metropolitan State University of Denver, and the San Francisco International Orff Schulwerk Course.

Dawn Williams teaches elementary music at King Elementary in Prince William County. She went to Portland State University in Oregon where she earned her Bachelors of Music Education and Masters of Education. She is level one certified in Orff-Schulwerk and Kodály. She currently serves as the university liaison for the Middle Atlantic Chapter of AOSA. 

For over 30 years, Joan Eckroth-Riley has been sharing her passion for music education with students ranging in age from kindergarten through college.  She currently shares the joy of making music with students in Kindergarten through fifth grade at Sunrise Elementary in Bismarck, ND.  Joan is the author of “Everyday Improvisation; Interactive Lessons for the General Music Classroom” published by Alfred, and a contributing author to a book of lessons on the new Core Music Standards sponsored by NAfME.  In addition to her teaching duties, Joan is a frequent workshop presenter on Standards and assessments for elementary music, is a certified recorder and movement instructor for Orff Schulwerk courses, and serves as the accompanist for Bel Canto, the elementary choir for CDCC.  Joan holds an MA in Music Education with an emphasis in Orff Schulwerk from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN. She is a Past-President of the North Dakota Music Educator’s Association and Prairie Winds Orff, and was honored to be named the 2016 ND Music Educator of the Year.

Cameron Moten is an elementary music teacher in Jacksonville Florida. He holds a B.M.E. from Florida Southern College in Lakeland, FL and has been teaching since January, 2014. In 2017 he founded Elementary GrooveTracks, a source for exciting performance-ready songs for the elementary music classroom. He aims to provide relevant and relatable content for other music educators to help them improve their entire experience as music teachers.

Andrew Ellingsen teaches elementary music and works as an instructional coach in Decorah, IA.  He earned his B.A. at Luther College and his M.A.M.E. at the University of St. Thomas with a dual concentration in Kodály and Orff Schulwerk.  He has served on the OAKE national board, a committee for AOSA, and has held leadership positions in state and regional organizations for both Orff Schulwerk and Kodály.  Ellingsen teaches in the Orff Courses in at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Southern Methodist University in Dallas, and the University of Memphis, and has presented at both OAKE and AOSA national conferences.

Betsy Kipperman has taught general music classes and directed children’s choirs since 1998. She has taught early childhood, elementary, and middle school students in public and private schools in Maryland and Virginia. Ms. Kipperman has served on the board of the MAC-AOSA chapter in many capacities and served on AOSA’s National Board of Trustees as one of the Region IV Representatives. She presents workshops for local chapters, national conferences, and teaches Orff Levels I and II. Ms. Kipperman spent the 2010-2011 school year at the Carl Orff Institute in Salzburg, Austria studying Advanced Topics in Music and Movement Education. She currently teaches in Washington D.C.

Dr. Christa Kuebel is an assistant professor of music education at the University of Central Arkansas. She specializes her research in music teacher preparation and early childhood music education. Her current work focuses on the role of self-efficacy among preservice music educators. Kuebel has taught choir, band, and general music for students in preschool through junior high in Chicago, Illinois, Shanghai, China, and Warsaw, Poland. She also teaches early childhood music education classes to children three and under. She has published research in Perspectives: Journal of the Early Childhood Music Education and Movement Association, Research Studies in Music Education, and Journal of Music Teacher Education. 

Allison Cowan is a music educator specializing in the practice of Kodaly and Orff philosophies. She has been teaching in Shaker Heights City Schools in Ohio for 17 years.

Justine Marie Sullivan is an elemental music and movement educator from Denver, Colorado. She holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in Music Education, Performance, and Composition, as well as Orff-Schulwerk Certification. She splits her professional career between instructing in classroom and studio settings ranging from kindergarten through undergraduate music education courses, and in marketing/social media/design projects for local and national music education professional development and advocacy groups.

Freedom Brass currently teaches K-5 Elementary Music in Junction City, KS. She has over 20 years of music teaching experience in elementary and secondary classrooms. Having earned a Bachelor of Science in Music Education, she is working towards her master’s in Special Education, emphasizing in difficult and challenging behaviors. She received all three Orff Schulwerk Music Certifications from Baker University in Kansas and is an AOSA Certified Movement Instructor of all three levels. Her professional affiliations include being a member of AOSA, the Kansas Orff Chapter, district Elementary Music Team Leader, and a partner of Kansas State University’s student internship program. Freedom was the Geary County District Kansas Teacher of the Year Nominee in 2020. Her professional passions are music advocacy, mentoring new music teachers, building positive relationships with students, and creating an inclusive environment for all learners.

Deborah is passionate about music. When listening to it, she feels it. And when not listening to it, she imagines it. When it comes to classical music, Deborah has an extra burst of excitement and creativity. A renowned piece of classical music to her is a mini-musical adventure with storybook characters, lyrics, movement, and improvisation. Classical music to Deborah is anything but music for the mature so she created Fun with Composers – a simple, fun approach to classical music that offers positive learning experiences and inspires students and educators. With her Bachelor of Education and Master Orff level, Deborah spends her days as the creator and author of Fun with Composers, an elementary music specialist with the Surrey School District in British Columbia, designer of the elementary school concerts with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, international workshop clinician, wife, and mother of three young girls. She hopes her Fun with Composers curriculum brings plenty of joy and laughter into your classroom and home.

Carol Huffman has presented workshops throughout the U.S., Canada, and China. Carol is past Adjunct Professor at Indiana University's Jacob School of Music, and is past president of AOSA. She is author of Making Music Cooperatively, published by GIA Publications. She is the recent recipient of Outstanding Educator for 2016 from Baldwin Wallace College.

Before becoming a full-time music teacher, Lynn worked as a teaching artist with ARTWORKS, based on the Lincoln Center method of teaching Art Aesthetics in schools. It was with ARTWORKS that she began a focus on Arts Integration in schools. Lynn has taught music in public schools for 13 years. She has had both Orff and Kodaly training. Lynn recently retired from teaching General Music at Aspen Community School in Santa Fe NM. She remains passionate about music education, and is currently continuing to teach music part-time to children privately.

Joshua Block is in his 20th year teaching music and movement at public and private schools. He currently teaches Pre-K through eighth grade music at All Saints’ Episcopal Day School in Phoenix. Joshua is a Past President of AZ Orff and teaches movement classes for Orff-Schulwerk certification courses in Arizona, New Mexico, and San Diego. He has also completed his Kodály certification and is a Past President of Arizona Kodály Teachers Society. He is a past member of the American Orff-Schulwerk Association Board of Trustees and has presented sessions at the AOSA National Conference. He is a frequent presenter at Orff Chapters around the country and has presented for the Chinese Orff-Schulwerk Association in Chengdu, Sichuan. Joshua has articles published in Reverberations and the Orff Echo. He is director of the Cadet Choir for the Phoenix Boys Choir and teaches private piano and voice lessons. Joshua has a BS in Music Education from Grand Canyon University and a ME in Elementary Education from Northern Arizona University. He teaches classes on dance, music, creativity, and imagination at Arizona State University.

Chris Judah-Lauder taught elementary and middle school music for 40 years. She is a consultant and regular presenter at state, national conferences, Canada, China, and South Korea. She is a Past President of the American Orff-Schulwerk Association and was the AOSA National Conference Chair for the 2009 and 2017 AOSA Conferences and chaired the AOSA Mentorship Committee. She also directed the 2023 FEMA All-State Orff Ensemble. Chris teaches AOSA approved Teacher Education Levels Courses and Masterclasses in Orff Schulwerk at various universities across the United States, and has sixteen publications including Drum with a Passion, Canya Conga, To Drum, Games, Groups & Gems, In the Modes, and Hand Drums on the Move.

Musician and writer Walter Bitner is the Director of Education & Community Engagement at the Nashville Symphony. A performing musician since childhood, Walter is a multi-instrumentalist and singer, a master teacher, composer, and conductor. Over the last thirty years he has led a multi-faceted career as an educator and performer. Walter’s K – 12 teaching career spanned public and private schools in several states and included a broad array of music education formats including general music, choir, strings, piano, and music theory, alternative and progressive schools, traditional college preparatory schools, and a public arts magnet high school. He is Conductor Emeritus of Music City Youth Orchestra, which he founded and directed from 2007 – 2012. Walter writes about music and education on his website Off The Podium at walterbitner.com.

Réshanda is an educator of 14 years, clarinetist, wife, and mother to 2 dogs, a bird, and a ferret.  In her spare time she hikes in nature, cooks delicious foods, and connects with her loved ones. She also has been spending increasingly more time writing over on her blog about her struggles and triumphs with healthy eating at reshandayates.com.  

Valerie Thomforde teaches general music and chorus to elementary and middle school students at Carlisle Public School. She is a past-president of the New England Chapter of AOSA. Valerie has presented in local school districts and at the 2016 AOSA National Conference. Most recently, Valerie did a presentation on Adaptive Piano Techniques at the OHMI Conference on Music and Disability. Valerie was born with an atypical cleft hand and she has been an active member of the Helping Hands Foundation for many years. Her blog on adaptive music can be found at anotherwaytoplay.org.

Lisa Heinrich teaches Kindergarten through Grade 5 music in the Cloverleaf Local Schools. She completed all three levels of teacher education in Orff Schulwerk. She holds bachelor degrees in Music Education and German and a Master of Music degree. Lisa enjoys beatboxing on flute and is the current President of the Cleveland Orff Chapter.

Amanda Matthews is the lower school music teacher at University School, an independent boys school in Shaker Heights, Ohio. Amanda holds a Bachelor of Music Education from the Conservatorium of Music, New South Wales, Australia, and an MA from Case Western Reserve University. Her ensemble Flying Mallets has performed at national and state conferences and at Severance Hall, home of the Cleveland Orchestra. Amanda has also led workshops in Cleveland, in her hometown of Sydney, and at the International Boys School Conference in London, England. She has completed 3 Orff levels and is a longtime member of the Greater Cleveland Chapter AOSA.

Chelsea McCallum is in her seventh year of teaching at Hathaway Brown School. She is certified in the Orff-Schulwerk Approach and has taken both Level I General Music and Level I Early Childhood Music courses in Music Learning Theory. Chelsea is an AOSA certified recorder levels instructor for levels I-III in Orff-Schulwerk. She has presented sessions through her local AOSA chapter, Hathaway Brown School, and the OMEA and AOSA conferences. She is the Newsletter Chair for the Greater Cleveland Chapter of American Orff-Schulwerk and is a member of the American Recorder Society.

Megann Sala is a music education graduate from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. Since her time in school, she has been a member of the National Association for Music Education, the American Choral Directors Association, and the American Orff-Schulwerk Association. She is currently a director for the Hawaiʻi Youth Opera Chorus, a community children’s chorus located in Honolulu. She is also a board member of the ACDA Hawaiʻi Chapter and the President of the Hawaii Orff-Schulwerk Association.

Minhee Kim is a music teacher and pianist from Korea. She was raised in Seoul where she spent her school years. After graduating from college, she traveled to many countries and was intrigued with unique and cultural environment of Hawai'i. She moved to Hawai'i in 2013 and received her Master’s degree in Music and a Post-Baccalaureate certificate in Music Education from theUniversity of Hawai'i at Manoa.

Daniel teaches PK-5 music at Noble Elementary in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. He completed Orff Level I training in 2019 and intends to complete levels II and III in the coming years. Daniel holds degrees from the University of Washington (BM/BME) and VanderCook College of Music (MMEd). He lives in Cleveland Heights with his wife Sarah and his daughter Margot.

Tiffany Barry is in her fourteenth year of teaching music at Cambrian School District in San Jose, CA. She is currently assigned to their newest site, Steindorf K-8 STEAM School, where she teaches general music, choir, orchestra, and ukulele. Tiffany is also the director of the Orff Levels Course at San Jose State University, as well as a graduate advisor in their Summer Masters in Music Education Program.

Christopher Giles currently teaches at Judge Andy Mireles Elementary School in Northside Independent School District and Creative Development and Pedagogy for undergraduate music majors at the University of the Incarnate Word. He is a graduate of the University of Texas at San Antonio where he received his BA in EC-12 Music Studies and his MM in Music Education. Mr. Giles completed Levels I, II and III of Orff-Schulwerk certification and two master classes from Trinity University. Mr. Giles has ensembles that perform throughout the community and at school district events. In 2012, he was voted Educator of the Year by his peers. His ensemble, Noteworthy, was an invited instrumental ensemble for the 2018 Texas Music Educators Association state conference. Mr. Giles is the immediate past president of Central Texas Orff and is the TMEA Elementary Division Chair for Region 29. •••• Michael Vasquez currently teaches at Charles L. Kuentz Jr. Elementary in Northside Independent School District and presents across the country on Orff Schulwerk process and pedagogy. He is a graduate of the University of Texas at San Antonio where he received his BA in EC-12 Music Studies and his MM in Music Education. Mr. Vasquez completed Levels I, II and III of Orff-Schulwerk certification from Trinity University. Mr. Vasquez has been featured as an invited clinician at the Texas Music Educators Association, Indiana Music Educators Association, and the Ohio Music Educators Association. Vasquez is also trained in Dalcroze Eurhythmics and teaches movement and recorder at various Orff Schulwerk levels courses over the summer.

The Chaotic Harmony Podcast is created for elementary music teachers by elementary music teachers. The podcast chronicles the genesis and continued development of four music programs in Southern California by Crystal Pridmore, Jon Seligman, Marc Keehmer, and Zoe Kumagai. Each of theses educators is working in schools 5-10 miles from the US/ Mexico border in schools with high rates of poverty that had not supported music education programs for more than the previous three decades. They share the joys and challenges of teaching music in the elementary school music room.

Janice  Boychuk  is certified in all levels of Kodaly and has completed Levels I and II of Orff-Schulwerk. She is the past-president of the Hawai`i Orff Chapter, and serves as President of Hawai'i Music Educators Association. Currently, she is enjoying her ninth year of teaching on Oahu.

Jennie Rozsa teaches K-4 grade general music in Solon, Ohio. She studied Orff-Shulwerk at Baldwin Wallace and the SF International Orff Course, and completed the Jazz Course with Doug Goodkin. She taught K-8 grade music and choir in CA, IL, and OH, and received her BME and MME with a Kodály emphasis from Capital University. When Jennie is not teaching, she enjoys singing with the Cleveland Orchestra Chorus.

Brandi teaches elementary music in Fort Worth, Texas, where she has taught for 9 years. She writes elementary music curriculum for her school district. Brandi holds a B.M. and M.M. in Jazz Studies from Howard University and has completed Orff Schulwerk certification, Kodály level I, and Music Learning Theory levels I & II. She is a member of her district’s racial equity committee and in 2019 completed a Campus Voices Fellowship with Leadership ISD, focusing on educational equity. Brandi performs and presents on jazz and the Black roots of early American music. She seeks to de-center the dominant white American narrative in music education to make teacher training, pre-service coursework, resources, and classroom practices more reflective of the many voices and traditions that exist in our schools.

Crystal Pridmore is a music and movement teacher at Finney Elementary School in San Diego, CA who has completed three levels of Orff Shulwerk training. She is the President- Elect of the San Diego Chapter of the American Orff Schulwerk Association, creator and cohost of the Chaotic Harmony Podcast, the Director of Advocacy for the Music for Every School Foundation, and a director for the American Center for Elemental Music and Movement. In addition, she is a certified health coach through the Center for Obesity Prevention and Education who coaches clients in healthy habits and nutrition. Zoe Kumagai is passionate about making music education accessible. Her education includes a Bachelor of Music in double bass performance from the University of Michigan and a Master of Arts in Teaching from the Longy School of Music/ Bard College. Zoe is certified in Orff Levels, I & II, Conversational Solfege and First Steps in Music. Zoe serves as secretary for the San Diego American Orff Schulwerk local chapter. Since moving to San Diego in 2015, she has been a teaching artist with the San Diego Youth Symphony. Zoe currently teachers general music and strings at Rosebank Elementary in Chula Vista.

Amy M. Burns is an elementary music educator, clinician, author, and musician. She currently works at Far Hills Country Day School in Far Hills, NJ teaching PreK through Grade 3 general music, grade 5 instrumental music, and grades 4-8 instrumental band. She is the author of Technology Integration in the Elementary Music Classroom, Help! I am an Elementary Music Teacher with a SMART Board, and Help! I am an Elementary Music Teacher with One or more iPads! She is also an author for Online Learning Exchange™ Interactive Music powered by Silver Burdett. She has given numerous presentations on integrating technology into the elementary music classroom as well as being a keynote speaker for music technology conferences in Texas, Indiana, St. Maarten, and Australia. She is the recipient of the 2005 TI:ME Teacher of the Year Award, the 2016 NJ Master Music Teacher Award, the 2016 NJ Governor's Leader in Arts Education Award, and the 2017 Non-Public School Teacher of the Year Award.

Samantha Puterbaugh is an elementary general music teacher in Chardon, Ohio. She teaches 600 K-3 students at two schools in the district and has taught in a variety of different spaces and capacities over the last 7 years. She is currently attending Case Western Reserve University, working towards her MA in Music Education. She is a member and former treasurer of the Greater Cleveland Chapter of AOSA. Samantha received her Orff-Schulwerk training through both Baldwin Wallace University and The University of the Arts and earned her Orff Certification in 2016.

Angela Leonhardt is the music specialist at Hidden Forest Elementary in San Antonio where she was the 2018 NEISD Elementary Teacher of the Year. She holds Masters degrees in Music Education and Administration with principal certification and is currently working on a DMA from Boston University. She received her Orff certification from Trinity University. Angela teaches Orff Level I Pedagogy courses in the summer and is an active clinician in the US and Canada. She has served on the Board of Directors of the Central Texas Orff Chapter in the posts of Recording Secretary, Treasurer, VP and President and chair of the Curriculum Oversight and Review Committee for AOSA. Her service to NAfME-Texas a division of NAfME includes President, the council of chairs for K-12 Music and Music in Our Schools Month. Publications have been included in The Southwestern Musician, TMEC Connections, AOSA Reverberations and General Music Today. She is a contributing author with Growing in Grace and directs children’s choirs at her church and school.

Richard Lawton is the general music teacher at The Westland School, an independent elementary school in Los Angeles, an adjunct faculty member at California State University, East Bay in Hayward, CA, and the recorder instructor in the Los Angeles County Orff Course. Richard is a past presenter at numerous state and national conferences, a former member of the Orff Echo and current member of the General Music Today editorial boards and the 2018 California Music Educators Association General Music Teacher of the Year.

Vicky Suarez teaches music to students in grades K-5 at Shepard Elementary in the Plano TX ISD. She holds certifications in both SongWorks and Orff Schulwerk. A graduate of Southern Methodist University (MM 2017) and the University of Texas at Arlington (BM 1989), Vicky enjoys thinking about the ways different music approaches can enhance and complement each other.

Ollie is the founder and Director of Beat Goes On. He is a former cast member of the hit show STOMP and its sister show, ‘The Lost & Found Orchestra’. He is also a qualified secondary music teacher and combines these experiences to deliver fun, engaging and memorable workshops which draw on participants’ own ideas, as well as developing skills and knowledge. Ollie also promotes the use of music as a means of encouraging well-being, for both individuals and teaching communities.

Kris is a multi-faceted musician with experience in many areas and genres of music. She has taught for 23+ years in a variety of levels and specialties, where her students have won seats in All-County, Area All-State, All-State, All-Eastern and All-National ensembles. Kris is a highly sought-after clinician, guest conductor, accompanist, music director, composer, arranger, and technology trainer. She is a Google certified educator, Level 1 and 2 as well as a Google certified trainer. In addition she is also a certified Apple educator. Her educational interests include music technology, technology in education, instructional design, modern band/popular music education and instrumental music education. She is also an active music director at local theaters in upstate NY where she has led over 140 shows. She received her Bachelor's in Music Education from the Crane School of Music, her Masters in Music Composition from Binghamton University and her Certificate of Advanced Study in College Teaching from SUNY Potsdam. Her major instruments include: flute/woodwinds, piano, electric bass, ukulele, trombone and percussion. Minor instruments include: Guitar, High Brass, Low Brass.

Jeshima Lewis lives in Louisville, Kentucky with their two cats, Giovanni and Sneakers. An educator and percussionist of more than 20 years, they are currently the Music Specialist at Bloom Elementary School. In addition to these responsibilities, Jeshima is the CEO and Percussion Instructor at DrumSmart LLC where they maintains an active private percussion studio in which their students have achieved many honors. A lifelong learner, Jeshima is a pursuing a PhD in Music Education from the University of Kentucky. Their research interests include mindful drumming and project-based learning in music. In addition to this, they are a Remo Health Rhythms facilitator who offers ways to connect their passion of mindful hearts, bodies, and spirits through drumming. When they are not drumming, you can find K. Michelle hanging from trees in a hammock like their favorite animal the sloth, writing books, or wandering through the forest. Most recently, Ms. Lewis has turned their passion for providing children in children's homes with a music education by turning their SUV into a mobile music classroom that will travel all 50 states. K. Michelle has presented workshops at local, state and national levels and is a published author. Their new eBook, Drum O’ Clock: A Digital Community Drum Circle Experience published was released in 2020 by f-flat books. Recently, Ms. Lewis was awarded the Spotlight Award for Excellence in Teaching (2018) from The American Center for Elemental Music and Movement and the Innovative Teaching Award/Grant from Give A Note Foundation (2019) for Project Based Learning in Music.

Megan Stilla teaches band, choir, general music, modern band and orchestra in the North Olmsted City School District in North Olmsted, Ohio. She graduated from Miami University in 2007 with a Bachelor of Music in Music Education. She attended Hollins University earning her Master of Arts in Teaching degree. Megan is a certified Modern Band/Little Kids Rock Instructor and has received her Orff Level One certification from Baldwin Wallace University. Megan has presented at the local, state and national level on Modern Band and Orff instruction and was nominated for Ohio Teacher of the Year in 2020. She enjoys spending time with her family, teaching her AWESOME students, taking pictures, traveling around the world and hanging out with her chickens.

Darlene is a TK-6th grade elementary music educator, chorus director, private piano teacher, and podcaster in Orange County, California with more than a decade of music teaching experience. She is passionate about creating learner-centered spaces that are culturally responsive and anti-racist. She holds two Bachelor’s of Music degrees in Music Education and Piano Performance and is currently pursuing a Master’s of Music Education. You can learn more about her work on her website www.darlenemachacon.com or on Instagram and TikTok @thedarlingmusicteacher.

Serving as the Executive Director of the American Orff-Schulwerk Association for nearly 10 years, Carrie Barnette honed her non-profit leadership and management skills in various position throughout her 25+ year career. Carrie’s experience includes grant writing and fundraising in the human and social services sector, major gift fundraising in a university setting, and serving in both education and executive roles in the performing arts industry. With an undergraduate degree in Music from Western Kentucky University and a Masters of Arts in Community Arts Management and certification in Non-Profit Management from the University of Illinois-Springfield, Carrie uses her learned skills and experience to meet and exceed the mission of AOSA: demonstrating the value of Orff Schulwerk and promoting its widespread use; supporting the professional development of AOSA members; and inspiring and advocating for the creative potential of all learners.

Kanisha Howard is a Georgia Music Educator. She is a Graduate of Reinhardt University with over 15 years’ experience in vocal and instrumental ensembles, percussion, conducting, and sound production. She has been a Guest Conductor at Reinhardt University, Jasper First Baptist Church, and the Spivey Hall Children’s Choir. Ms. Howard has performed with both choral and instrumental ensembles at State and National Conventions, as well as accompanied the Director and students of the Dynamix Orff Ensemble in Dekalb County to the Midwest Music Conference in Chicago during December of 2018 as an Assistant Director. Ms. Howard served as Moderator for a Professional Development titled, D.R.E.A.M.S (Diversity, Resources, Equity, and Anti-Racism for Children’s Music) in July of 2020, and has plans to continue growing with the world of Music Educators in future Professional Developments. Ms. Howard believes in developing character by teaching the whole child through the joy of music. She also believes in providing an open and honest atmosphere for students (and Teachers) to love, learn, grow, and express the emotions of life within the safe space we call music. Kanisha Howard has plans to continue her personal education in the years to come.

Charissa Duncanson (kuh- rih-suh dung-kin-sen) has taught general music for grades ranging from K-8th in the Metro Detroit Area since 2014. She earned a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Education from Wayne State University in Detroit. As a sought out clinician for music education, she has presented locally and internationally at conferences and PD workshops. Charissa has served on multiple boards for music education associations including MMEA Michigan local affiliate of Nafme, Detroit Orff Schulwerk Association, and the American Orff Schulwerk Association. Charissa and her husband are enjoying being new parents to their sweet baby that arrived at the end of summer 2021.

Ashley Cuthbertson (she/her) is a Music Educator dedicated to the belief that music is a powerful force for expression, connection, and change. Ashley’s work focuses on designing and implementing culturally responsive and inclusive music instruction that supports learners’ understanding of themselves, others, and the world through music. A Nationally Board Certified Teacher, Ashley holds a Master’s in Education, as well as certifications in the Kodály approach and Arts integration. Ashley has over twelve years of experience in education as an elementary general music & choral educator, an elementary band educator, a K-12 musicianship instructor, a private lessons instructor, lead teacher, new teacher coach, and as an Adjunct Professor. In her current role as Founder & CEO of A. Cuthbertson Consulting, Ashley helps music educators improve their classroom environments and instruction by implementing culturally responsive & accessible instruction so that all learners can thrive in the music room. She believes that every student deserves access to a high quality music education, which begins first with ensuring that music educators are well supported and equipped with the skills and dispositions to ensure equitable, responsive, and sustainable music programs at their schools. Learn more at www.AshleyCuthbertson.com.

Christine Ballenger currently teaches general music (PK-4) north of Houston, TX. She has a masters degree in music education and clarinet performance from the University of New Mexico and a Bachelor of Music in Music Education degree from the University of Puget Sound. She received her Orff Schulwerk certification from George Mason University and is on the American Orff-Schulwerk Association list of approved instructors for Basic Pedagogy Level I, Movement (Levels I and II), and Recorder (Level I). Christine is a member of the editorial board of The Orff Echo and has additionally taught courses in music for elementary education majors at Bismarck State College and Dickinson State University. Christine has also received training in Kodaly and World Music Drumming, and completed the “International Summer Course” in 2018 at the Orff Institute, in Salzburg, Austria.

Karen K. Benson is the Professional Development Director for the American Orff Schulwerk Association. She is a Past President and former National Conference Chair of AOSA. Karen taught music for grades PreK-5 for 29 years in the Millard Public School District in Omaha, Nebraska. She also directed the school’s choir and the district’s Orff Schulwerk Honors Ensemble. Karen teaches AOSA Teacher Education Level Courses and Masterclasses in Orff Schulwerk, presents at AOSA chapter workshops, guest lectures for collegiate music education classes, and serves as adjunct faculty for the University of Nebraska-Omaha. Her work as a performing musician includes playing recorders, saxophone, violin with The Intergeneration Orchestra of Omaha, and singing in the Sing Omaha Master Chorale.

Wanda Vásquez García is a general music educator, choir director, author of “From Across the Street/Del otro lado de la calle”, advocate, and clinician. A native of the Dominican Republic currently living in Colorado, she holds a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from the Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo, the first University on the American Continent, and a Master's Degree in Music Education with an emphasis on choral music from the University of Northern Colorado. Currently, she is the general music teacher at the Escuela Bilingüe Pioneer in Lafayette, Colorado, and a Co-Coordinator Choral Database for the Institute for Composer Diversity. As a K-5 music educator, she believes that music serves as a powerful medium for fostering connections and empowering each individual to be their most authentic selves. As an author, she embraces the power of a story in order to connect with one's own roots and the diversity around us. She is passionate about the importance of increasing diversity and representation in music education from a culturally relevant, responsive, and sustaining lens. Music education should engage the learners in ways that are fun, meaningful, and inclusive in order to embrace each other with respect, tolerance, justice, and a sense of belonging.

Karen Petty teaches Music K-5 at Gold Rush Elementary in Parker, Colorado. She is an AOSA approved teacher educator. Karen served on the NBT as Regional Representative and Recording Secretary and currently as AOSA Treasurer. She is past president of both the Rocky Mountain Orff Chapter and the New York City Orff Chapter. Karen teaches in several Orff Teacher Education courses and is a frequent workshop presenter.