Embedded Files
Orff Ensemble is all about musical exploration through classroom instruments. We use xylophones, boomwhackers, handbells, drums, a variety of small percussion instruments, and even our own bodies to make music as a group. With these tools, we work together to experience rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic music-making.
This class is not about learning to read music notes or mastering an instrument. We learn every song in this class without reading a single note of written music. Instead, the goal in Orff Ensemble is to build musicianship skills by simply making music, and to build collaborative skills through music-making in a group setting.
Orff Ensemble is taught by Mrs. Gallinari. To see the rubric for this class and to learn more about student expectations for Orff Ensemble, click here.
SOrff Portfolio- Tell Us What's Your Name.mp4Tell Us, What's Your Name
Tell Us, What's Your Name
We began our trimester in Orff Ensemble with a rhythm activity called Tell Us, What's Your Name. Students learned it first as a chant, then we created rhythm by playing the words on our bodies and with rhythm sticks. We also explored different sounds we can make with rhythm sticks by creating unique stick sounds to the rhythm of our names.
Wake Me Up
Wake Me Up
We also explored making harmony with handbells. Students used a color coded chart to show them when to play along to the song Wake Me Up by Avicii. Different combinations of bells make unique chords that match the harmony of the song.
SOrff Portfolio- Wake Me Up.mp4Pathways Showcase
Pathways Showcase
SOrff Portfolio- Pathways Showcase.mp4At the end of the trimester, we had the opportunity to share what we have worked on in Orff Ensemble at the Pathways Showcase performance. First we performed our xylophone piece, Swat That Fly. We learned this melody in small sections throughout the early part of the trimester, and gradually combined those small parts into longer sections. Then we added some accompaniment parts to bring the whole song together.
We also performed a boomwhacker and rhythm stick arrangement of Shut Up and Dance with Me by Walk the Moon. This piece especially challenged our group musicianship, since every person has a unique part that they are responsible for and must play accurately for the success of the group.
Student Reflections
Student Reflections
REFLECT: What was a moment of success for you in the performance?
When I played my xylophone part successfully.
I didn't speed up on the xylophones.
We did a great job at the xylophones!
REFLECT: What song challenged you the most in Orff Ensemble this trimester, and why?
Swat That Fly because it was very long.
The boomwhackers because there is a lot going on and it can get chaotic.
Shut Up and Dance With Me, the patterns are hard.
Swat That Fly, there was a lot of steps.
REFLECT: What has been your favorite song that we worked on in Orff Ensemble this trimester, and why?
Swat That Fly because I liked how everyone had different parts.
Swat that Fly because it was catchy!
Swat that Fly because it sounded good and it was hard to play.
Shut Up and Dance, I really loved it!
Shut Up and Dance With Me because the beat is really good.
Using the Studio Habits of Mind
Using the Studio Habits of Mind
Develop Craft: I can use pitched and unpitched percussion instruments with appropriate technique to participate in rhythmic, melodic and harmonic musical experiences with my classmates.
Observe: I can demonstrate focused listening skills to identify successes and challenges in individual and ensemble performance.
Engage & Persist: I can demonstrate focus and persistence in working through challenges and mistakes while learning a song.
Reflect: I can accept and apply teacher, peer, and self critique to my performance.
Understand the Art World: I can work productively and cooperatively with others in a group music-making experience.
Understand the Art World: I can present a focused performance for my peers.
Page updated
Report abuse