AOSA/Orff
Ryan Camara and Kalani session at MMEA
Ryan has a deep respect and appreciation for the Orff Schulwerk approach to music and movement education. While not a certified Orff specialist, Ryan has had the pleasure to work with and learn from many fantastic Orff practitioners, including Kalani and Nicola Clay. Ryan incorporates many "Orff" techniques including developing rhythm ideas through, "body percussion" and the use of "Orff" xylophones in his work and sessions.
"So many of the techniques used in Orff Schulwerk are also used in African teaching," explains Ryan. "I was using body percussion to help teach rhythms before I new anything of Orff Schulwerk, because that is the way we would work out complicated rhythm parts in Guinea. Of course, movement is an equal to music, different aspect of the same expression, if you will. All drummers in Guinea need to learn the dance steps, in order to play for them. I always love to work with Orff Schulwerk teachers, because I know we'll be on the same page with music and movement education. I would only like to see more Orff teachers adopt the use of authentic traditions in their process. Learning to correctly play a drum or understand where it comes from and how it is traditionally used doesn't hinder any of a students creativity nor their ability to work through the different phases of development. On the other hand, developing bad technique on an instrument or not addressing the different techniques used to play instruments can promote misinformation and negatively affect the perception of percussion instruments. Failing to identify or mis-identifying the instruments of other cultures can also perpetuate cultural misunderstanding and undermine a teacher's credibility with their students. "
Ryan Camara looks forward to working with American Orff Schulwerk Association and with the growing Orff communities around the world. Ryan will be presenting at the AOSA National Conference in November 2007 with Kalani and Master Dancer from Guinea, West Africa, Marietou Camara.
Check Ryan's calendar for dates, times and locations and don't hesitate to Contact Ryan about presenting at your Orff Schulwerk event.
