“Deep Roots, Strong Branches: Growing the Musical Mind"

Come ready to grow through the amazing Orff-Schulwerk process! The eight fundamental movement patterns (BrainDance) and six essential elements of music (BrainPlay) lay a foundation for healthy social-emotional, cognitive and motor development in children of all ages and abilities. Using simple games, songs, movement forms and rhythmic structures, participants are guided through a “teach less-learn more” approach that energizes the learning community and inspires creative opportunities for inclusion. Dance, drum and sing your way to a happier, healthier brain!

Kerri Lynn Nichols has collaborated with children in the public and private sectors for the past twenty-five years in Washington State and across the country. She has presented for numerous chapter, state and AOSA National conferences and contributes articles to the Orff Echo. Most recently, she was a featured guest clinician in China and Taiwan where she focused on Orff pedagogy for early childhood. Kerri Lynn coordinates the Olympia Orff-Schulwerk Certification Course in Washington State and the Summer Institute for Teachers. Currently, she directs the Songlight Children’s Choir and Rhythm of Life Youth Choir at First United Methodist Church of Olympia and is the artistic director for Tree Frog Productions. Kerri Lynn has extensive training in voice, creative dance, composition, drumming and brain-based learning. An imaginative, playful and inspiring teacher, she nurtures her students to connect with music from the inside out.

"Explore, Expand, Energize!"

The Schulwerk offers many varied ways to teach and extend lessons. Through canon, rondo, improvisation and ostinato we will explore, extend and energize activities aimed at the K-5/6 grades. Speech to song, movement to instrument playing, activities will provide something for everyone.

Sue Mueller, BM, MM, OS Level I-III, master class certification, taught K-5 music for the Clark County School District, Las Vegas, Nevada, for 25 years until her 2005 appointment as Assistant Professor of Music Education for the University of Nevada Las Vegas. She is an active presenter for local chapters, state and national AOSA and MENC conferences. Sue teaches Level I basic pedagogy in the UNLV Orff Schulwerk Teacher Training Course, Samford University, Boise State and Level II Pedagogy and Recorder at Stetson U. She has served on the National Board of Trustees for the American Orff-Schulwerk Association as Region II Representative (1996-1999), National Conference Chairperson (2002 conference), Vice President (2003-2005), President (2005-2007) and currently is the National Conference Chairperson for the AOSA Professional Development Conference in Spokane, WA in 2010.

Mary Helen Solomon is currently the Chair of Fine Arts and Director of Choral and Orff Studies at Episcopal High School in Jacksonville, Florida. She has taught elementary and pre-school students for many years prior to this current position. Each summer she teaches Basic Orff Theory and Pedagogy for Orff Teacher Training Courses, Level II and III at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY. Mary Helen gives teacher training workshops throughout the US and has published 4 books of Orff materials. She has recently taught Level II and III at the University of Waikato in Hamilton, New Zealand. In 1998 she received the Gladys Prior Award for Career Teaching from the University of North Florida.

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