August 17, 2024 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Tips and Tricks for a Great School Year!

Presenter: St. Louis AOSA chapter members

From repertoire to lesson extensions to classroom management tips, music educators from the St. Louis Metro area will share their expertise in a casual social setting. This is a free event but all are welcome to purchase food & drink at the venue as desired.  This event is separate from the 2024-2025 workshop series.

September 28, 2024 9:00-1:00

Effortless Play: Using the Schulwerk to Enhance Creativity

Presenter: Matthew Stensrud

There's always a place for creation- a folk dance with a twist, a chance to explore the xylophone, or an opportunity to see what your body can do with one word- but pulling these ideas from our students can be challenging. Let's go back to the Schulwerk roots of playfulness, discovery, and wonder as we explore these ideas and more through student-led choices, improvisation, risk-taking, and more. We'll unearth the unexpected, so join us on the journey!

Matthew Stensrud is an award-winning Elementary Music and Movement Teacher and currently teaching PK-4 music and movement at Sidwell Friends Lower School in Washington, DC. He received his Master of Music Education from George Mason University and Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, is an Orff Schulwerk approved Teacher Educator of Movement, and teaches Movement Levels in South Carolina and Oregon. Matthew is also on The Orff Echo Editorial Board and was a key content contributor to the book Responsive Classroom for Music, Art, PE and Other Special Areas. He is available for workshops for music chapters, districts, schools, specials teachers, and more. He lives in Alexandria, Virginia. Visit his website: www.matthewstensrud.com to sign up for his newsletter with lesson plans, articles, and more. He is also well-known on social media as @MisterSOrff on Instagram and Facebook. He can also be found on YouTube at www.youtube.com/matthewstensrud.

October 5, 2024   9:00-1:00

Playing with the Schulwerk

Presenter: Gerard Stokes

Come and explore playful uses of diverse children's literature as the basis for movement, singing, and instrumental exploration!

Gerard Stokes is currently the Music Education Specialist at Whitesville Elementary School. Prior to this position, Gerard served as General Music specialist at R.E. Davis Elementary School, Director of choral and instrumental studies at Mayewood Middle School, Assistant Director of Bands at Crestwood High School, and Jazz Studies director at Crestwood High School. He has 16 years of teaching experience in the public school system (11 years teaching band in both middle and high school, 6 years teaching middle school chorus, 9 years teaching general music). Gerard is a multi-instrumentalist who began his music learning journey at the age of 6 on the alto horn and trombone at his place of worship. During his experiences as one of the leaders in the worship band, he learned all of the brass and woodwind instruments. Gerard now serves as the Chapter President for the Lowcountry chapter of The American Orff-Schulwerk Association and has presented to an international audience about the applications of children’s literature in music education.  

February 8, 2025 9:00-1:00

Keep It Simple: Do MORE with LESS!

Presenter: Christine Ballenger

Our jobs as general music educators can be complex- typically teaching five or six different grade levels during the course of a week, each with its own content and skills. But with this challenge comes the opportunity to teach students multiple years in a row where we can build on their skills and sequence our instruction. Here's where I invite you to consider doing MORE with LESS- how can one song or experience apply to multiple areas of learning? How can a piece grow from a song and game in first grade into an arrangement of barred instruments and recorder improvisation in third or fourth grade?  Experience several activities that work with multiple grade levels depending on the focus YOU want to have in your instruction!

Christine Ballenger currently teaches general music (PK-5) in Gaithersburg, MD. She holds degrees in music education and clarinet performance from the University of New Mexico (M.M.) and the University of Puget Sound (B.M. in Music Education), and received her Orff Schulwerk certification from George Mason University. Christine is on the American Orff-Schulwerk Association list of approved instructors for Basic Pedagogy Level I, Movement (Levels I-III), and Recorder (Level I), and is a member of the editorial board of The Orff Echo. Additionally, she has taught courses in music for elementary education majors at Bismarck State College and Dickinson State University. Christine has also received training in Kodaly and World Music Drumming, and completed the “International Summer Course” in 2018 at the Orff Institute, in Salzburg, Austria.  Find more of Christine's materials here.

March 1, 2025 9:00-1:00

Drumming 101: Basics, World Rhythms, Creativity & Classroom Management 

Presenter: Mary Knysh

Active engagement includes drumming, body percussion, vocal percussion and brain-based movement activities. Knysh’s multisensory approach helps maintain student involvement and facilitates learning for all ages. Participants will learn simple movement sequences that correspond to specific world rhythms as a means of physically engaging learners and adding an extra dimension to the learning experience. This comprehensive approach keeps the learning process fresh, dynamic, enjoyable, and impactful for all involved.

This session provides teachers with practical strategies for creating inclusive and accessible music classrooms. Knysh encourages attendees to explore adaptations and accommodations to ensure that all students can actively participate and enjoy making music. Knysh addresses the importance of fostering a welcoming and respectful environment for all students and a belief that by embracing the music and traditions of different cultures and genres, we can create an enriching experience for all students.

Mary Knysh is founder of Rhythmic Connections, a drum circle facilitator, professional musician, innovative educator, international author and expert in the field of music improvisation.   Mary travels nationally and internationally offering professional development seminars, workshops and performances. Mary received the 2022 New Jersey Governor's award for excellence in arts education and is an endorser for Rhythm Band Instruments, TOCA percussion and Peripole Music.