Experiencing the music of Thailand through Orff-Schulwerk : a series of lesson plans : [an honors thesis] (HONRS 499)

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Authors
Rooney, Matthew J.
Advisor
Inks, Kimberly J.
Issue Date
2008
Keyword
Degree
Thesis (B.?.)
Department
Honors College
Other Identifiers
Abstract

The traditional music of Thailand can sound strange and hypnotic upon first hearing. Its linear composition, shrill timbres, and haunting intonation make it vastly different from traditional Western music. The folk and classical music of Thailand can be valuable tools for expanding the musical and cultural understanding for students in the general music classroom. This project is a set of lesson plans for teaching the music of Thailand in the elementary/middle school general music classroom using the Orff-Schulwerk approach. The composer Carl Orff and his associate, Gunild Keetman, created the Orff-Schulwerk approach in Germany during the mid-20th century. It has since enjoyed popularity among music educators from across the world. The Schulwerk teaches music in the way that students best learn, through games, movement, singing, and playing instruments. Therefore, using the Orff-Schulwerk approach allows students to actively explore the music and culture of Thailand through meaningful experiences like melodic improvising, playing drums, singing, playing xylophones, playing games, reading poetry, and composing their own rhythmic/melodic ideas.