2022 All-State Orff EnsembleAll-State Orff Ensemble Clinicians
KAREN BENSONKaren K. Benson is the Professional Development Director for the American Orff Schulwerk Association. She is a Past President and former National Conference Chair of AOSA. Recently retired, Karen taught music for grades PreK-5 for 29 years in the Millard Public School District in Omaha, Nebraska. She also directed the school’s choir and the district’s Orff Schulwerk Honors Ensemble. Her work as a performing musician includes playing recorders, saxophone, and singing as a member of the Sing Omaha Master Chorale. Karen teaches AOSA Teacher Education Levels Courses and Masterclasses in Orff Schulwerk, presents at AOSA chapter workshops, guest lectures for collegiate music education classes, and serves as adjunct faculty for the University of Nebraska-Omaha.
SHELLY SMITHShelly Smith has been teaching for 32 years. She instructs children in grades Pre K-5 at Mari Sandoz Elementary School in Omaha, Nebraska. Published in 2015, Shelly was a contributing author to Artful-Mindful-Playful in Action. She has taught movement and recorder at AOSA Teacher Education courses since 2002 and has served as a workshop clinician at numerous professional development music conferences, school districts, and AOSA regional chapters. Shelly recently served on the AOSA National Board of Trustees and continues to support music educators across the country as a member of two AOSA subcommittees.
KRISTINE WOLFEKristine Wolfe has been teaching PreK-6 Music & Band in the Papillion - La Vista (NE) Community Schools for over 20 years. She holds a BM from Iowa State University and a MM from the University of Nebraska-Omaha. Kristine is a Level I & II Orff Basic Pedagogy Instructor and has taught workshops throughout the United States, including the AOSA National Conference in 2017 and 2021. She currently serves on the AOSA Fund Development Subcommittee and is the Program Chair for the Great Plains Orff Chapter.
KELLY WHISINNANDKelly Whisinnand teaches at Reeder Elementary School in Omaha, Nebraska. She teaches Preschool-5th grade students and conducts the 4th/5th grade choir. She also directs the 7th and 8th grade show choirs at Beadle Middle School. Kelly has served as treasurer for the Great Plains Orff Chapter and is currently serving on the AOSA National Board of Trustees. She received her Orff Schulwerk Certification from University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Southern Methodist University. Kelly is a certified Movement and Recorder Teacher Educator for AOSA. Kelly presented at the 2016 and 2019 AOSA National Conference and continues to present to children/adults locally. INFORMATION ABOUT THE ALL-STATE ORFF ENSEMBLEWhat is the Orff Ensemble? Students in fourth and fifth grades (whose teachers are NMEA members) are offered a chance to work with acclaimed conductors during even-years of the Nebraska Music Education Association Conference/Clinic. This is a one-day event with the final performance at the Graduate Hotel in downtown, Lincoln. Who can attend?
How are students selected? Students in this group will sing, speak, move and play instruments. Teachers are encouraged to nominate students who experience joy in making music, are comfortable in group settings, and have the ability to collaborate with others. Prior experience playing on Orff instruments is not required! Nomination submission and selection will be handled similarly to the All-State Children's Choir. How do I register my student(s)?
Registration Information Open registration dates and costs will be released in the fall. |
