Purposeful Pathways Book 4

“Purposeful Pathways: Possibilities for Elementary and Middle School Music Classrooms” is an extensive collection of curricular materials for learning music by making music developed by Beth Ann Hepburn and Roger Sams. Based on the philosophies of Orff Schulwerk, Kodály, and eurhythmics, this collection of developmentally sequenced learning activities offers elementary and middle school general music educators diverse choices for how to present folk song from diverse cultures and original material, including lessons in singing, literacy, movement, improvisation, composition, and instrumental ensemble. Each lesson is a collection of learning pathways, to be selected by the teacher, that unfold over time offering possibilities for differentiated instruction and flexibility in diverse classroom settings. This flexible design makes this resource helpful to all teachers, first year to seasoned educators!

Printable manipulatives for composition activities are available as a free digital download with the purchase of the book.

Electronic visuals (in SMART Notebook, Promethean ActivInspire, and PowerPoint formats) are available as an additional purchase in CD-ROM and digital download formats.

Purposeful Pathways 4 Curricular Content

Rhythm Content:

Simple Meter:

• quarter note
• two eighth notes
• half note
• dotted half note
• whole note
• dotted quarter/eighth note pattern
• eighth/dotted quarter note pattern
• syncopation
• sixteenth notes
• all possible combinations of eighth notes and sixteenth notes
• quarter rest
• eighth rest
• half rest
• whole rest

Compound Meter:

• dotted quarter note
• three eighth notes
• quarter/eighth note pattern
• dotted half note
• dotted quarter rest

Melody Content:

• Do and La Centered Diatonic Scales
• Harmony Content:
• Functional Harmony (I-IV-V)
• Lessons:
• Down the River
• Compound Meter Piece for Dancing
• Fishpole Song
• Synthesis and Assimilation
• Proverb Play
• Old House
• Drill, Ye Tarriers, Drill
• Red are Strawberries
• Ol’ Texas
• Ach De Lieber Augustin
• What a Goodly Thing
• Boll Weevil (The)
• Diddle Fiddle
• Two Sixteenth Eighth
• Above the Plain (Ifca’s Castle)
• Sourwood Mountain
• Sandy Land
• Clementine
• Cottleston Pie
• King Kong Kitchie
• Weevily Wheat
• I’m Gonna Sing When the Spirit Says Sing
• Ritsch, Ratsch, Fi-Di-Boom-Boom-Boom
• Our Gallant Ship
• My Hat It Has Three Corners
• Sixteenth Dotted Eighth
• Love Somebody
• Cape Cod Girls
• This Little Light of Mine
• I Let Her Go-Go
• This Train is Bound for Glory
• Riding in a Buggy
• Donkey Riding
• Cindy, Cindy
• Tingalayo
• My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean
• Kokoleoko

Purposeful Pathways is endorsed by thought leaders in elementary and middle school general music. Here’s what the experts are saying:

From the wonderful musical selections, to the clearly written lesson sequences, to the electronic visuals, Purposeful Pathways 4 is a beautiful culmination to the Purposeful Pathways series. The activities included in this book encompass all modes of music making, including singing, rhythmic speaking, dancing and creative movement, and activities for Orff instruments, non-pitched percussion instruments, and recorder. Pieces are taught by rote and by reading, and students are led to improvise using the rhythmic and melodic concepts they have learned. It’s all here—presented in a logical, sequential fashion. Music educators will find this book extremely valuable, whether using it as a resource or as the foundation of their curriculum. Because flexibility is key to the intent of the book, teachers of all levels of experience from varied educational and specialized training backgrounds will find this book to be a “must-have” in their collection of educational resources.

Julie Scott, Ph.D., Professor of Practice in Music Education, Meadows School of the Arts, Southern Methodist University

Past President, American Orff-Schulwerk Association

The genius of the Purposeful Pathways series is its ability to speak to where teachers are in their expertise without patronizing. Each lesson considers the teacher’s need for flexibility and gives space for decisions that will support teaching and learning in any given situation. Lessons are applicable and structured while joyful and student-centered. Roger and BethAnn’s experience in the classroom, their enjoyment in exploring pedagogy, and skill in communication shines throughout. What an invaluable and timeless resource!

Lorelei Batislaong

Assistant Instructor, Music and Human Learning, Butler School of Music, The University of Texas at Austin

Past Region Representative, American Orff-Schulwerk Association

Chair, American Orff-Schulwerk Association Diversity Sub-Committee

Texas State Director, National Association for Music Education

Purposeful Pathways 4 is a must have resource for all general music educators, whether you are a first-year teacher, or a seasoned pro. Through play and exploration, students experience singing, saying, moving, playing, and so much more, utilizing quality materials that students love. I have been using Purposeful Pathways in my classroom for years, and I am delighted that the fourth book is finally here!

Joyce Stephansky

Elementary Music Educator, Fairfax County Public Schools
Adjunct Associate Professor, School of Music, George Mason University
Director, Orff Schulwerk Teacher Education Program, George Mason University
Past Chair, Post Level III Sub-Committee, American Orff Schulwerk Association