All-Virginia Orff Ensemble 

Our All Virginia Orff Ensemble will be taking place again this year at the annual VMEA conference in November. If you would like to participate, please contact Cheryl Baker, coordinator, at cherylbaker15@gmail.com to receive a registration form for your school. Registration forms will also be available on our VEMEA and VMEA websites in the near future.

 

All Virginia Orff Ensemble is in it's fourth year of existence, and will begin group rehearsals Wednesday, November 19th and complete rehearsals Thursday morning, November 20th with a performance at 11:30 AM. Teachers will receive the music and instructions for the program as soon as we get your registration. Students should have everything memorized by the time they come to our first rehearsal. We want you to have at least 2 months of rehearsals before you come in November, so choosing your students and getting their firm commitment to attend is essential. Schools can bring up to 10 students to the festival from your highest grade (5th or 6th graders).

 

Our conductor this year is Jeff Henson, coming to us from Florida. Jeff Henson is a K-12 music educator who has taught elementary music since 1998. He completed his Orff-Schulwerk levels certifications under the instruction of Marilyn Copeland Davidson, Bob de Frece, and Carol King. He received his Masters level certification under the instruction of Jane Frazee. Mr. Henson has been five-time director of the Honors Orff Ensemble for the Hillsborough County Elementary Fine Arts Festival, served as conductor for the Pasco County Honors Orff ensemble and choirs, and the Pinellas County Honors World Drumming ensemble.

 

If you just want to come and support our rehearsal process without students, we welcome your participation and help. It's a great way to learn what we do before you bring students.