I am not sure what I was expecting when a friend of mine encouraged me to attend my first Orff Schulwerk event &endash; the 2001 national AOSA conference held in Cincinnati. At that time I was beginning to feel burned out from teaching choral music at the secondary level. By the last day of the conference, however, my vision of what music education could be was changed forever. I could not believe how much fun it was to play barred instruments and recorder, as well as dance and move to music. Even more important than that, I had never before encountered the level of energy, engagement and excitement at a music gathering as I did with those Orff teachers. WOW &endash; I was hooked!

That day I had the epiphany that I was teaching music at the wrong grade level. I decided then and there that I wanted to teach general music at the elementary level. As much as I loved vocal and choral music, I wanted to be able to share all aspects of movement and music-making with students.

The magic and wonder of Orff Schulwerk changed my life that day. I shudder when I think about what my musical life might be like without my Orff training. If my friend had not done the simple act of telling me about the Cincinnati conference, I would probably not be having so much fun as a teacher, let alone as a creator and maker of music for my own enjoyment.

We are lucky to have the opportunity to come together as musicians and friends at our local chapter workshops. This year I challenge every member of the Greater Cincinnati chapter to use the Guest Pass included in the fall newsletter to bring someone new to one of our workshops. You never know &endash; that invitation may have an impact beyond what you can imagine.

This school year we have a fantastic line-up of clinicians. We are fortunate to have Bob DeFrece, Sue Mueller and our very own MaryEllen Haynes as presenters this season, as well as a number of chapter members presenting at Chapter Sharing in February. Also, this year the national AOSA conference in Charlotte, NC, is within driving distance, which will help to make the experience more affordable. I highly recommend attending this national conference; there are many exciting sessions and other activities planned.

I look forward to serving as your chapter president during the next two years and seeing all of you at our workshops. Enjoy the rest of your summer vacations and see you this fall!

Musically yours,

John

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John R. Crandall, President
Greater Cincinnati Orff Chapter 08-09
crandall-orff@cinci.rr.com
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