Orff Without Instruments: It Can Be Done!

Orff Without Instruments:
It Can Be Done!

March 21-22, 2020

Ever wondered if you could implement the Orff approach without all the fancy instruments? Well, you can! Orff is about creativity through improvisation and exploration, and can be done with just the human voice, body percussion and creative movement. Throw in some “found sounds,” and you’ve got all you need to be a successful teacher in the Orff style. Come play with us and discover what Orff truly is. All are welcome! No prerequisites, and if you have already taken Orff levels, come and see how creative you can be. Dress comfortably, and be ready to move!

Instructors: Dr. Jean Hersey & Cynthia Seputis

Dr. Jean Hersey is a National Board Certified General Music Specialist with expertise in Orff Schulwerk. A graduate of the University of Illinois in music education and performance, Dr. Hersey also has a master’s degree in performance from Northwestern University. She has received extensive training in the Orff approach, and is certified to teach Level I courses. Dr. Hersey presently teaches 5/6 Music in Lake Forest, as well as Level I Orff, Orff Curriculum and Design, and Intro to Orff every year at VanderCook. She has presented Orff workshops both locally and nationally. Also trained as an opera singer, Dr. Hersey spent several years performing in Italy. In 2002, she earned National Board Certification, which was renewed in 2012. In 2012, she won District 67’s Innovative Practice Award for her Spring General Music Show, which incorporated music, art, drama and social studies curricula, reflecting the Medieval and Renaissance time periods. Her teaching experience ranges from nursery through post-graduate levels.

Cynthia Seputis has taught elementary general music at George B. Carpenter Elementary School in Park Ridge, IL for almost 30 years. A graduate of the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana and Northwestern University, she completed her Orff-Schulwerk teacher training levels at the University of Nevada at Las Vegas with Jeff Kriske, Randy DeLelles and Shirley McRae. She has been the recorder teacher for the Orff-Schulwerk teacher training course at VanderCook for over 15 years, where she has also co-taught Orff Curriculum and Design and Orff Without Instruments...It Can be Done! Seputis is passionate about the ukulele and is excited to share her experience and knowledge with members of FVAOSA. She is a regional presenter and is proud to have been part of the VanderCook Orff team since the program's inception over 15 years ago.