Before the school day even begins at Farmer Elementary and Tully Elementary, the air is alive with the sound of music. Students, ranging from 4th and 5th grade, actively engaged in a lively blend of singing, dancing, playing instruments, and improvisation. Behind the shimmering sounds of xylophones, metallophones, glockenspiels, and drums, you'll find the dedicated young musicians of the Treble Makers Orff Ensemble.
Directed by Ashley Sumner and Kathryn Wigger, the Treble Makers are more than just a performance group; they are a laboratory for creative music-making. The ensemble uses a variety of instruments, including xylophones, recorders, and percussion, while consistently integrating movement and speech into their practice.
The core philosophy guiding their work is the Orff Schulwerk approach. Developed by Carl Orff and Gunild Keetman, it is described as "Music for Children": a unique model for music and movement education that prioritizes active, creative music-making for all children.
Through singing, playing instruments, speech, movement, and improvisation, the Schulwerk builds resilient and prepared learners. Musicians learn to demonstrate musical knowledge, reflect on their challenges and successes, and make necessary adjustments to grow. It emphasizes the process of creation and the freedom to take risks, rather than just the final performance.
The Treble Makers practice diligently not only at their individual schools but also together on Monday evenings at Tully Elementary. They have been working toward a new goal: performing at the American Orff Schulwerk Association (AOSA) National Conference.
Their performance program is titled The Evolution of a Dot. Students were initially presented with eight simple pictures with dots and lines, discussing their meaning and how they morphed into the next. They then translated these visual ideas into musical thoughts, resulting in a student-created program.
The Treble Makers' hard work is paying off. They are one of only three groups chosen from across the country to perform for a national audience of music educators at the AOSA National Conference. This prestigious event brings AOSA members together annually to learn, collaborate, and celebrate the Orff Schulwerk approach through professional development and student performances.
As noted by the AOSA, "Only the best of the best are selected to perform." The Treble Makers will take the stage on Saturday, November 22, 2025, in Lexington, Kentucky, offering a performance sure to uplift spirits and inspire the creativity of music professionals from across the nation.