Orff Instrument Source Book, Volume 2 (Revised): Comb Bound Book

Nichols writes lessons that actually work in the room with real elementary students. Each song builds naturally from simple to complex, and the integration of movement and drama means students stay engaged while developing genuine musicianship, not just mallet technique.

Playful and purposeful. The music feels approachable and fun, but beneath the surface, Nichols is teaching genuine concepts about rhythm, melody, and ensemble playing through activities that feel like play, not work.

Elementary music teachers and Orff specialists looking for lesson plans that students actually enjoy and remember. This book works whether you're teaching in a traditional classroom setting or running a dedicated Orff program.

• Rehearse the movement sequences as thoroughly as the instrumental parts; they're not decoration but core to how students internalize the music.
• Start with the song as sung material before adding Orff instruments, so students understand the melodic shape and phrasing before dealing with mallets.
• Use the dramatic elements to create natural phrasing and dynamic shape; a story moment or character action should inform how students voice each section.
• Allow time for student exploration and improvisation on the instruments within the lesson structure; Nichols builds space for creativity, and pushing through without experimenting misses the point.

Use individual lessons as building blocks throughout the year, spreading them across units on rhythm, melody, or seasonal themes. The comb binding lets you photocopy specific lessons for student folders or pull out just the pieces you need for a particular week without damaging the book.

• Mallet control and hand independence on barred instruments
• Steady pulse and ensemble rhythm awareness
• Simple melodic reading on treble clef
• Following conducting gestures and cues
• Synchronized movement and music coordination
• Collaborative ensemble playing and listening
• Basic improvisation within guided frameworks