About Us

What is?

Orff-Schulwerk is an approach to music education that was initiated by composer-educator Carl Orff and teaching colleague Dorothee Gunther in the 1930s. Since that time it has spread throughout the world. It is concerned with what the student needs to know to lead her/him to music. It uses melody and rhythm as elemental forces which form the seed for musical growth. It incorporates movement as essential to the learning process because through movement, students can express their awareness and understanding of musical concepts before they can verbally explain them. the first concern of the Schulwerk is the learner and the needs of the learner for the present and the future; and it provides nourishment for the musicality of each student. through this approach, the student is encouraged to perform and compose, leading to an understanding of notation and analysis. the experience (of song for example) provides the basis for deeper conceptual understanding. the Orff process enables teaching and learning to proceed from models for students' imitation and exploration to a transfer of knowledge through performance and composition. Creativity is one of the most important aspects of Orff-Schulwerk. Such creativity s is the outcome of the aural experiences being offered to the memory of the student, filtered through their emotional and intellectual responses to them. this holistic approach is one that caters for lifelong learning.

Who is?

Current Committee

Name Position Jenny Birrell President Helen Ford Vice President Jillene Donnelly Secretary Samantha Allen Treasurer Marc  Warry Editorial Team Peta Harper Editorial Team Sue  Lane Editorial Team Kathy  Derrin Editorial Team Natalie Sokolowski Editorial Team Anne Power PTC Prepresentative Di Greive General Marie Upton General Susan Head General Margie Moore General Camille Hollingdale General Barbara Tauber General

Where is?

Meetings are held in Sydney or on the Central Coast. Committee members come from Sydney, Newcastle and Coffs Harbour.