Teacher Talk:  Conference!

“Tell me, I forget. Show me, I remember.  Involve me, I understand.”  ~Carl Orff

I hope you are gearing up for an exciting American Orff Schulwerk Association (AOSA) conference, November 13-16, 2024 in Des Moines, Iowa! Filled with rich professional development opportunities and engaging musical activities, this annual conference is a cornerstone for us, providing inspiration, networking, and some of the best hands-on experiences you’ll find as an educator.

There are hundreds of sessions that run from morning ‘til night that cover everything that you can sing, say, dance, and play!

And of course, I do think the vendors’ exhibit can be an education of sorts all on its own.  I so appreciated having so many resources right there at my fingertips.  I literally sat in certain booths for hours looking through music, trying out different recorders, and chatting with clinicians.  It was another valuable part of the conference experience for me.

Don’t forget the after-dinner jam sessions, drum circles, ukulele play-along, folk dancing, and more… these are terrific and simply put, FUN!  Within this different dynamic, teachers network with one another, friendships form, and the learning continues.  These informal sessions are where some of my fondest memories from past conferences took place.

My first conference, in Omaha, Nebraska 2006, changed the trajectory of my teaching career.  I was new to Orff Schulwerk and landing at this conference was like finding a treasure chest of inspiration and resources!  By opening it, I realized more deeply that the possibilities of music education were endless and that the Schulwerk could easily offer me a lifetime of learning.  The workshops released a creativity in me that went beyond the classroom.  Frankly, I just scratched the surface of what would soon become my 20-year experience of creating authentic music experiences with kids.  What do I remember most?  Coming home so full of joy and wonder. Yeah…..(deep exhale!).

Get ready to kick off your shoes, sit at the front during the workshops, and introduce yourself to someone new—you probably have a lot in common! Remember, you’re not the only one who is new to this approach or to this conference. Don’t stress about taking notes; you will receive them later. Plus, you can always revisit the AOSA resource library to watch the session again. Allow yourself to be shown so you remember, and get involved so you understand. Happy conferencing!