Since our first workshop on April 12, 1969, our chapter has been providing its members with a forum for like-minded teachers to gather and experience high-quality workshops related to Orff Schulwerk. As a chapter of the American Orff-Schulwerk Association, our mission to:
- to demonstrate the value of Orff-Schulwerk and promote its widespread use;
- to support the professional development of our members; and,
- to inspire and advocate for the creative potential of all learners.
Who We Are: Typical workshop attendance can range from 80-120 participants. Because of our chapter’s close proximity and relationship with the George Mason Levels course, a majority of our members have completed some degree of Levels training (with many having finished Level III or a Master Class). However, we welcome folks who are at the beginning of their journey with the Schulwerk as well. No prior experience is needed and we welcome everyone from college students to experienced teachers. Regardless of the amount of training, you will find that our members are eager to engage and thrilled to have you at our chapter.
Members come from the greater Washington D.C. metro area, including Virginia, Maryland, and even a few folks who drive from Pennsylvania and Delaware. Large county-based school systems provide the bulk of our membership, although we have substantial representation from area independent and charter schools as well.
Our Values: Diversity, equity, and inclusion are on the minds of our membership and chapter leadership. As a chapter, we make every effort to assure that all our members feel welcomed and represented in the same manner that we would want our students to feel in our classrooms. We believe strongly in the AOSA Diversity Statement: “AOSA is committed to supporting a diverse and inclusive membership, promoting an understanding of issues of diversity and inclusion, and providing teaching and learning resources that respect, affirm, and protect the dignity and worth of all.”
As such, we specifically ask that members and clinicians to be judicious in the use of gendered language in a workshop setting For example, we believe that using “sopranos and altos” instead of “women’s voices,” and avoiding gendered roles in dances except when culturally appropriate and absolutely necessary to the success of the dance, provides for a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all our members.
Finally, we adhere to the AOSA Ethics Statement which states, “The American Orff-Schulwerk Association strongly encourages members to be positive and discreet when discussing our organization, specific courses and/or teachers, and the Orff movement. The very nature of the Orff-Schulwerk philosophy embodies a broad spectrum of expressions exploring different paths to arrive at artistic and educational goals. Members are encouraged to recognize and remain open to varied approaches and to celebrate both our differences and our similarities.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I become a member?
Visit our membership page for more information.
What are the membership fees?
Visit our membership page for more information and to become a member!
What workshops are being offered this year?
Visit the workshops page to learn about the workshops.
What if I have a question that isn’t answered here?
Contact us at info@macaosa.org.