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The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Department of Music, in collaboration with the Office of Online Services and Educational Outreach (OSEO), hosted the Summer Orff Institute, a specialized training program rooted in the Orff-Schulwerk educational philosophy.

Developed by German composer Carl Orff and Gunild Keetman, Orff-Schulwerk is a creative approach to music and movement education that emphasizes active music making through singing, playing instruments, speech and movement. This approach is foundational in music education for children and is widely respected as a benchmark in both K-8 and secondary music classrooms.

The Institute offered Levels I and II courses as part of the comprehensive Orff-Schulwerk Certification program. Certification, awarded upon the completion of Level III, is a professional milestone for K-8 music educators. Participants in these courses not only enhance their musicianship skills but also acquire the tools to create an engaging, active music curriculum tailored to their students' needs.

Alicia Canterbury Vorel, PhD, Orff Institute program director, emphasized the importance of this training for educators in the region.

“The Music Education Area within the Department of Music believes in the importance of providing quality professional development for in-service teachers," said Canterbury Vorel. "Currently, there is only one Orff teacher training program in the state of Illinois, located in Chicago. It is important that our music educators in Central and Southern Illinois have an equal opportunity to learn how to implement sound curriculum and instruction in their programs. Therefore, it was important to us to offer Orff Teacher Training levels beginning in 2023. We are grateful for those who have participated and for our teacher trainers.”

The Level I course, primarily designed for K-8 music teachers, provided participants with hands-on experiences in music and movement activities. Through lively discussions and musical models, participants explored ways to develop their skills and create their own active music-making curriculum. Level II built on this foundation, offering more advanced instruction in music theory, scales, modes, and complex meters, along with practical classroom applications.

The Institute was held in mid-June and offered courses from June 17-28. Its success and popularity impressed Marc Schapman, DM, Chair of the Department of Music, and he expressed enthusiasm for the program's future.

“The SIUE Department of Music is thrilled to continue offering Orff instruction during our summer programming, and we are thankful to Dr. Alicia Canterbury Vorel for her commitment,” said Schapman. “The creative approach offered by the Orff-Schulwerk is an innovative addition to our curriculum and offerings at SIUE. Participants experience the lessons, like a child, and are given ample time to discuss the lessons and how to best apply the pedagogical approach in the classroom. It has been a joy to see so many of our alumni return to SIUE these past summers to participate. We look forward to continuing to host the Orff-Schulwerk in future summers, and hope many educators in the region will join us at SIUE for this event.”

As a leader in music education, SIUE is proud to expand its vigorous music program with an Orff-Schulwerk Institute. The Orff Institute returns to SIUE next summer, June 16-27, 2025. By offering specialized training, the University continues to support music educators in enhancing their teaching methods and enriching the learning experiences of students.

PHOTO: Participating educators at SIUE’s Summer Orff institute