Speaker: Jim Solomon
Title: “How’d They Learn That???”...Process Teaching

Synopsis: Sing, move, clap, dance, improvise, jam . . . play congas, recorders, Orff instruments...perform a great variety of kid-tested pieces...then analyze the process utilized in teaching each piece. 

Bio: National Board Certified Teacher, Author, National Clinician; Music instructor  at R. B. Hunt Elementary in St. Augustine, FL, where he works with General Music classes, Chorus, Recorder Club, and D.R.U.M., a special percussion group for 5th grade students; Each summer teaches the Orff Level I teacher training course at the Eastman School of Music and other locations, teaches the Rhythmic Training and Percussion Ensemble Course (Anderson University - 2009, George Mason - 2008), and works with Kdgn-High School at Eagle Arts Camp in Jacksonville; Teacher of Year, St. Johns County, 1991; Has presented at fourteen previous AOSA National Music Conferences; Presented a Master Class in Rhythmic Training at the Omaha AOSA National Conference. Among his seven books are Hands On, D.R.U.M., Conga Town, Tropical Recorder (co-author), and The Body Rondo Book.

Speaker: Betsy Kipperman
Title: Make It Your Own

Synopsis: One of the essential tenets of the Schulwerk is that kids be allowed, encouraged, and expected to have a sense of ownership when learning concepts or performing pieces. Ownership offers opportunities for the student to achieve mastery and artistry. BUT, how do you get there, and how do you get your students there? During this workshop participants will explore ways to tailor lessons for their students’ specific needs. Through movement, drama, singing, and playing activities participants will discover new ways to present information to students in order to make it their own.

Bio: Betsy Kipperman currently teaches Orff-Schulwerk classes to grades 1-7, as well as a middle school chorus at the Key School in Annapolis, Maryland. For several years she served on board of the Mid-Atlantic chapter of AOSA where she is now the past president. After receiving her Orff certification from George Mason University, she attended master classes and participated in the summer course at the Orff Institute in Salzburg. Betsy has presented workshops in the local area and recently taught two sessions at the 2008 National Conference in Charlotte. 

Chapter Sharing
Synopsis: Featuring local presenters, tried and true lesson plans and more! Come sing, say, dance and play. If you would like to present, contact the MN Orff President, Julie Moore.

Speaker: Kris Olson
Title: Moving on Up

Synopsis: Starting with babies and toddlers in the parent/child music class setting, we’ll move on up through preschool, kindergarten and elementary aged children, discovering ways to use movement to strengthen musical skills, increase musicality and create avenues for creativity and growth.

Bio: Kris Olson earned a master’s degree in music education with an Orff emphasis from the University of St. Thomas.  She has taught music and movement in public, private, rural and urban settings for the past 20 years. Kris has presented workshops for Orff chapters and at AOSA National Conferences. She’s taught movement classes at George Mason and St. Thomas University in St. Paul.