Orff in Pop Culture: Popular Music, Traditional Approach

The second edition of our Orff in Pop Culture series once again features the musical talents of Jimmy Fallon and crew. A video circulating social media shows Jimmy with Kevin Spacey and a barbershop quartet…singing a rendition of the popular song “Talk Dirty.” What does this have to do with Orff, you ask? To me, it is a clear sign of melding traditions. Classical barbershop harmonies meet popular music, and we learn a bit about both traditions in the process.

So what are you doing to teach from both the perspective of classical traditions and more contemporary ones that your students hear on TV or in the movies constantly? The key is identifying with their world to hook them, and then infusing classical traditions into this lens. Think about it: if Jimmy Fallon’s crew had sung a regular barbershop song, no one would be posting about it. It is the novelty of melding traditions that makes us interested.

Thoughts? We’d love to hear from you! Comment below with your ideas (after watching the video, of course)!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hHhELPERm4