Please join us this year as the NW Arkansas Travelers Orff Chapter goes remote with these fantastic presenters!
Aimee Curtis Pfitzner, Aug 29, 9:00-11:00 CST
Musical Books for Blended Outlooks: Face to face and virtual teaching
Join us as we explore diverse and inclusive literature with name games, chants, songs, etc. A virtual store will be available to purchase materials!
Matthew Stensrud, Sept 12. 9:00-11:00 CST
Effortless Play through the Screen: Ensuring Creativity and Community in Distance Learning
Whether it be Zoom sessions, asynchronous videos, or social distanced music in the classroom, the possibilities of play can still be present in our teaching. Utilizing the tools of non-verbal communication, found sounds and props, and reimagining folk dance and creative movement, we can still build community and ensure creativity is at the forefront of our learning. Come join me for a morning full of practical and playful ideas!
Melissa Blum, Jan 16 9:00-12:00 CST
Drumming Up the Sound Stories!
In this workshop we will explore a modified World Music Drumming ensemble that becomes a fantastic backdrop for a variety of children’s books. Using a collection of sound effect instruments as well as found sounds and basic movement props, we will look at ways to illustrate stories through individual instruments, movement, and the drumming ensemble.
David Row, Feb 6, 9:00-11:00 CST
Stories that Sing!
Children’s books offer endless possibilities. Don’t just read the words on the page – make the story come to life through movement, improvisation, drama, poetry, and song. Reinforce the content you’re learning in your classroom even as you explore literacy concepts and connect with themes from history and culture. Come to this session to hear new stories and explore ideas to revitalize old favorites.
Kris Olson, March 6, 9:00-11:00 CST
The Moving Classroom!
Whether you’re in a classroom in 6 foot squares or on a computer in 12 inch rectangles, whether you’re singing your hearts out over the internet or silenced by masks and safety protocols, or hope upon hope, back in the normal classroom by the time we meet, my goal is to offer something useful for everyone. We will focus on getting kids moving to help them tap into their musicality and creativity. For our youngest students, we’ll explore adapted folk dance, fanciful finger plays, and the world of pretend. For our older students we’ll explore body percussion and small movement challenges.
Northwest Arkansas Travelers Orff 