Lower School Music Keeps the Beat

11/5/2024

The music room is at the heart of our Lower School, and the hallways often echo the rhythms and melodies of our youngest musicians. These sounds offer a strong reminder that music education has been a central component of our Lower School curriculum, and in his third year at University School, Mr. Scott Roether is building on this core tradition.

Mr. Roether’s journey to US and his work with our boys are a great example of how our community’s support for the Annual Fund plays such a crucial role in empowering US to attract, develop, and retain teachers who have a transformative impact on the experiences of our boys.

A native of Greater Cleveland, Mr. Roether came to University School from Cincinnati, in part because of his experiences interacting with University School teachers. Whether it was participating in Responsive Classroom training with several Lower School teachers, reading articles by longtime music teacher, Ms. Amanda Matthews, or seeing the results of her work at performances featuring the Flying Mallets, US’s reputation made Mr. Roether eager to apply when Ms. Matthews retired.

At the center of Mr. Roether’s teaching is the Orff Schulwerk approach to teaching music. This approach means meeting children where they are and providing opportunities for them to play, imitate, and experiment as they gain confidence, a love of music, and grow as problem-solvers. Both in music education and in the broader ethos of theme learning, Mr. Roether viewed US as offering a tremendous atmosphere for practicing this approach and developing enthusiastic musical learners.

In August at our annual Teaching and Learning Institute, Mr. Roether shared with colleagues his experiences working with our Junior Kindergarten boys. One series of lessons, for example, engages boys in a process of imitation, exploration, and improvisation using stories and songs about shapes to immerse them in classes full of singing and dancing. Eventually, the students progress to a lesson involving round drums and the creation of their own rhythms.

Mr. Roether’s use of the Orff Schulwerk approach offers immense benefits to US boys. By fostering teamwork, he helps students develop essential social skills. Similarly, the physical engagement of making music enhances dexterity. With his guidance, our youngest learners grow as musicians, teammates, and listeners, gaining skills that extend beyond the classroom.

Later this fall, because of the support for professional development made possible by the Annual Fund, Mr. Roether will participate and present at the American Orff Schulwerk Association Annual Conference, not only sharing his work, but also having the opportunity to interact with and learn from top music educators around the country.

Your commitment to dedicated teachers is impactful in so many ways. Mr. Roether’s experiences of US teachers led him to join our community, and, with your support, he is also able to do even more to lead and inspire US boys.

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