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Orff

Orff

The Orff approach to music education inspires creativity, collaboration, and joyful music-making through instruments, movement, and play. At West Music, we champion this philosophy with a comprehensive selection of Orff instruments, accessories, and expert support to empower educators and engage students at every level. From first note to full ensemble, we’re your dedicated partner in building vibrant, musical classrooms that resonate with success.

Orff Glockenspiels

Orff Xylophones

Orff Metallophones

Orff Bass Bars

Orff Instrument Sets

Orff Accessories

Orff Mallets & Sticks

Orff Replacement Parts

Orff Resonator Bells

Orff Timpani

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If you cannot view the products in this category, PLEASE CLICK HERE

Your network or browser security settings may be blocking the products from loading (to confirm, try opening this page on your phone's cellular network).

Please try the following options to proceed with your order:

1. To place your order over the phone, call us Monday-Friday, 9am - 5pm CST at 1-800-397-9378.

2. Shop via a different browser or network connection (i.e. on your phone or with a different Wi-Fi network).

3. Contact your IT team to ask them to whitelist js.klevu.com.

4. You can also click here to access our digital catalog. Use the search at the top of the Catalog screen to find a product, click a link to navigate the product detail page (product pages will load normally), and add it to your cart. You can also navigate directly to product pages by adding a 6-digit item number (i.e. "400278") to the end of our URL (i.e. Westmusic.com/400278).

Understanding Orff Schulwerk

Orff Schulwerk, also known as the Orff approach, is an innovative method of music education developed by composer Carl Orff. This method emphasizes creativity, improvisation, and using various percussion instruments to teach musical concepts to children in a playful manner. The media used in this approach are singing, speech, movement, instrument playing, composition, and improvisation.

Core Instruments in the Orff Method

The Orff method incorporates a variety of percussion instruments to facilitate learning. Key instruments include barred instruments such as xylophones, metallophones, glockenspiels, and various unpitched percussion instruments. These instruments are designed to be easy to play, allowing children to focus on rhythm and melody without the complexity of more advanced instruments.

Barred Instruments (Xylophones, Metallophones, & Glockenspiels)

Xylophones are central to the Orff approach, providing a simple and intuitive way for students to learn about pitch and rhythm. Brands like Sonor and Studio 49 offer high-quality xylophones specifically designed for educational settings. These durable instruments produce clear, resonant tones perfect for classroom use. Metallophones and glockenspiels expand the Orff ensemble to include metal sounds with the xylophones. The combination of xylophones, metallophones, and glockenspiels creates a pleasing sound as an ensemble.

Unpitched Percussion

Unpitched percussion provides another pathway to musicianship in an Orff classroom setting. Various instruments such as hand drums, triangles, tambourines, claves, cabasas, timpani, and maracas provide more sounds and help enhance rhythmic understanding. They are essential to any Orff ensemble, providing a foundational beat and enhancing the overall musical experience.

Leading Brands in Orff Instruments

Sonor and Studio 49 are leading brands in the production of Orff instruments. These manufacturers are known for their high-quality construction and excellent sound production, making them ideal for educational purposes. Instruments from these brands are designed to withstand frequent use in classroom settings while providing superior sound quality.

Benefits of the Orff Method

The Orff method fosters a holistic musical education, encouraging students to engage physically, emotionally, and intellectually with music. Students can explore musical concepts interactively and enjoyably using instruments like xylophones, metallophones, glockenspiels, and unpitched percussion. This method supports the development of musical skills and a lifelong appreciation for music.

Author: Aaron Hansen

Orff FAQ & Resources:

How to Repair a Broken Xylophone Pin
Lesson Sketch: All are Welcome — Orff
Kodaly and Orff Online Strategies