“Thank you!! I am honored to be awarded the second ACEMM Beacon Scholarship! Thank you to ACEMM for this generous gift which will allow me to attend JaSeSoi Ry World Orff Village in Finland. I cannot wait for what I will learn and experience with this group of international music educators who share the spirit of elemental music and movement, and for what I will be able to share with my students and peers upon my return.”- Ardith Collins, 2014 Recipient of the ACEMM Beacon Scholarship
Ardith Collins teaches String Ensemble and General Music at Copeland Middle School in Rockaway Township, New Jersey. Additionally, she leads a 35-member Orff Ensemble and co-directs the school musical. She received her Masters in Education from The College of New Jersey, where she investigated movement in the music classroom, then completed her Orff Levels at Villanova University. Ardith has become involved with local music and movement organizations, including Sol Weber’s Rounds events in New York City and the Morristown Folk Dancers in Northern New Jersey. She is a member of the Philadelphia Area Orff Schulwerk Association and serves on Membership for Northern New Jersey Orff Schulwerk Association.
Ardith will use the Beacon Scholarship to attend JaSeSoi Ry World Orff Village in Valkeala, Finland. Presenters will include Rob Amchin (USA), Ari Glage (Austria), Ismaila Sané (Senegal/Finland), and Outi Sané (Finland). World Village also includes cultural activities and performances. Ardith is very excited for this opportunity to experience this international elemental music and movement course, and to sharing with colleagues and students upon return!
