Jason Noland and his Simpson Elementary School music students are asking for donations to a program that will have lasting impact. The music teacher has set a fundraising goal of $12,955 for the purchase of Orff melodic percussion instruments.

 

Perhaps not as well-known as the drum or the tambourine, instruments such as the metallophone and glockenspiel play an important role in the teaching of elementary music, Noland said.

 

“These instruments were created by Carl Orff, a 20^th century German who developed methodologies in the teaching of elementary music,” he said. “They are considered a staple in any elementary music program.”

 

The system teaches children how to accompany themselves as they are singing by producing simple drum patterns and holding them for the duration of one measure, Noland explained.

 

“That can build hand-eye coordination and help little kids develop various simple patterns, composing their own songs through improvisation,” he said. “It builds good social skills and helps kids work together as they are listening to each other.”

 

As the instruments are low to the ground, they are easy for even the smallest musicians to access, he said.

 

Simpson Elementary currently has three aged Orff instruments, all in various states of disrepair, Noland said. To incorporate a quality program, he would like to eventually purchase 25 Orff instruments. But for now, he’s aiming to start with a smaller set.

 

“I want to purchase a set of 18 – various voices; high quality instruments made from a leading manufacturer and designer of Orff instruments,” he said. “It’s a nice beginning instrumentation with some expanded to two octaves so two students can play them,” Noland said.

 

Throughout the next several years, Harrison County excess levy funds which are allotted to Noland annually can be used to purchase additional instruments – which cost between $200 and $2,000 each, he said.

 

The instrument collection - including, but not limited to xylophones, resonator bells, various metallophones and glockenspiels - would be used by all music students of Simpson Elementary in Kindergarten through fifth grade.

 

“I hope next year to start an after-school ensemble so it will definitely be put to good use with that also,” Noland said. “The ensemble will be visible in the community, performing African drum, Orff and recorder ensembles.”

 

That program will be an ideal precursor to the Bridgeport Middle School steel drum band, Noland said. He also said access to Orff instruments can develop music skills that can be carried throughout a lifetime.

 

Noland welcomes donations from individuals and businesses.

 

“Bridgeport is always very supportive and with regard to the arts, this is an important fundraiser,” he said.

 

Contact Noland at (304) 326-7060 or jnoland@access.k12.wv.us.

 

For more information, visit the Simpson Elementary Website here. 

 

Editor's Note: Photo of Noland and Simpson Elementary music students taken in January 2014 when a  piano was donated to the school's music program. Read about it here.