Article by Luiza Pliszka
Edited by Bethany Elsworth
The International Orff Schulwerk Forum Salzburg 2024, hosted in Olomouc, Czech Republic, exemplified how collective effort and a shared passion for music education can produce an exceptional event. Centred around the theme "Embodiment through Engaging the Senses," the forum explored music, movement, dance, neuroscience, pedagogy, psychology, and Indigenous knowledge systems. Set against Olomouc's stunning blend of art and natural beauty, the convention featured keynotes, reports, presentations, discussions, and vibrant music and dance activities.
The hybrid format, combining online and onsite participation, attracted a diverse global audience, creating a melting pot of cultural perspectives. With an extensive range of compelling topics and overlapping presentations, choosing which events to attend was a challenge. However, the ‘Come Together’ sessions provided a delightful opportunity for participants to connect through singing, play, and dancing. This created a shared sense of joy during the convention.
The convention’s musical highlights were truly remarkable. The Welcome Concert featured the impressive talents of young musicians including Campanella, one of the Czech Republic's premier children’s choirs. This performance beautifully embodied the event’s vibrant spirit and artistic excellence.
In addition to these experiences, the forum gave valuable insights into the ASI (Associated Schools and Institutions) network and the IOSFS Teacher Education Recommendations and Guidelines for Orff-Schulwerk Studies, offering essential support for newcomers and seasoned educators. The celebration of 40 years of IOSFS added depth to the event, honouring its significant impact on Orff Schulwerk's education. This milestone was further enriched by the screening of the Portrait of Barbara Haselbach, a poignant tribute to her enduring legacy.
IOSFS '24 was marked by a wealth of knowledge and experience shared by distinguished presenters and keynote speakers.
The sessions ignited rich discussions on embodiment, offering profound insights into the integration of artistic imagination and sensory engagement. Thought-provoking viewpoints and reflections explored the relationship between sensory engagement, educational practices, personal development, and creative expression. Some of these include:
"Artistic imagination, expression, meaning, and communication are inspired, provoked, experienced, remembered, and nurtured by directly engaging the senses." (IOSFS flyer)
"We embody the words, sights, sounds, scents, textures of movement, and feelings of our elders through our shared experiences." (Charnell Ontong King)
"Embodied Emotions: The Hand is the Visible Part of the Heart." (Soili Perkiö)
"The culture of creating." (Andrea Sangiorgio)
"The curriculum must respect the mind of the child, not vice versa." (Wolfgang Mastnak, China/Germany)
"How do you consider your own embodiment (mind-body integration) in your daily life and work?" (Marja-Leena Juntunen)
The journey toward becoming an embodied human being involves continuous learning, dismantling, and reimagining who we are and who we are yet to become. It requires a keen awareness of how our physical, mental, and emotional selves interact and influence one another, shaping our experiences and perceptions. This journey invites our body, mind, and emotions to work harmoniously. Engaging with our senses - seeing, smelling, tasting, touching, hearing, and feeling what’s within and around us - captures the magic, beauty, and juiciness of life.
Luiza Pliszka (Poland/Singapore), UWCSEA
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