Welcome to Paschal Elementary's Orff Percussion Ensemble website.  Fourth grade students are selected for this group based on character and skill. Assessments will take place the first two weeks of school during specials. Rehearsals are  Mondays and Wednesdays after school 3:20pm-3:55pm.  It is extremely important for Orff members to attend these afternoon rehearsals.

The group performs on xylophones, glockenspiels, metallophones, recorders, drums, and other various pitched and unpitched instruments - including body percussion! The group also explores movement and often creates movement to complement the music. 

Students have the opportunity to play throughout the year.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• Do I have to purchase a black Paschal shirt? It would be best if every student in the ensemble is dressed alike during performances; a uniform appearance helps to create a sense of group identity and belonging, having a positive effect on individual and collective confidence.

• My child has younger siblings; can they hang out in/near the music room during rehearsals? I (Mr. Zurovec) have learned that I am not able to both effectively conduct rehearsals and monitor younger siblings; please make appropriate transportation arrangements.

• My child rides the bus home; can he/she be in the ensemble and still ride the bus home in the afternoons? Students who normally ride the bus home will need to have other means of transportation home on rehearsal days, since most of the buses leave Paschal El well before the end of rehearsal time.

• Why is it called the Orff Ensemble? In the early 20^th century, Carl Orff, with his fellow teachers Dorothy Gunther and Gunild Keetman, started a school where children could learn to sing, move creatively, and play instruments. It was the first time that anyone had ever explored and developed a method for teaching music to children.  Orff soon saw to the development of xylophones designed specifically to be played by children.  In our classroom, we call these xylophones, metallophones, and glockenspiels “Orff Instruments”.