INTRODUCTION TO MUSIC WITH "ORFF INSTRUMENTS"

Music plays a major part in a child's development and its healing virtues are widely recognized. Musical activities foster the development of listening skills (listening to oneself, listening to others), nurture creativity and the expression of the artistic potential in each child.

While music is already part of our daily routine in the classroom, through the songs in English and in French, we believe that a more thorough approach to music YAII further benefit the children. Therefore, our scholastic program includes instrument lessons on an individual basis (piano for the students aged 5 to 9) and group activities with various instruments (for the stude ts 1 1/2 to 5). As piano lessons are an integral part of the academic program for the 5 to 9 class; each student will receive a weekly 20 minute lesson.

This task has been entrusted to a professional musician.

A graduate from the Conservatoire royal de Bruxelles, Marie-Noël HAUMONT has taken an interest in early childhood musical education. With the special Orff Melody instruments, she will help the children discover the wealth of expressions made possible with this other language called music.

Designed and adapted by the famous Gerinan composer and pedagogue, Carl Orff, these instruments, which include wooden xylophones, metallophones and glockenspiels, offer a wide range of sounds and can be made to express numerous emotions.

Children will explore all aspects of rhythm, pitch and harmony through language, singing, movement and instrumental performance.

These lessons are conducted in French.

Further information on Orff's instruments and approach to music can be found on the intemet site of The American Orff Schulwerk Association.