Connie VanEngen (Basic and Pedagogy) is the music specialist at Bell Prairie Elementary in North Kansas City school district. She also directs “Jubilant Song,” a children’s worship ensemble. Connie has an M.A. in music education fro the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN. She received her Orff certification from Hamline University, and her Orff Schulwerk apprenticeship was completed at George Mason University. An award-winning teacher and in-demand presenter, Connie has taught Level I Orff Schulwerk at numerous Orff Courses throughout the Midwest. |  |
Aaron Hansen (Movement) is an Orff specialist, elementary music teacher, band, and choir director at the Waverly-Shell Rock Community School District. Aaron received both his Bachelor of Music Education and his Master of Music in Music Education at the University of Northern Iowa. He has taught general music for 17 years. He completed his three levels of Orff Teacher Training and the Orff Master Class at the University of St. Thomas. Aaron also directs two handbell choirs at First United Methodist Church in Cedar Falls as well as the Wartburg Handbell Choir. He has presented Orff, movement, handbell, and handchime presentations at many conferences and workshops. He performs frequently as a handbell soloist. He has recorded three CD’s featuring his handbell performances. Aaron currently serves as President of the First Iowa Orff chapter of AOSA. |  |
Michelle Swanson (Recorder, Special Topics) is currently teaching music education at the University of Northern Iowa, in Cedar Falls. Michelle is completing her Ed.D, with a research emphasis in music assessment. She received her Orff certification from the University of St. Thomas, and her Orff Schulwerk apprenticeship was also completed at St. Thomas under Judy Bond and Roger Sams. Michelle enjoys teaching college students, supervising student teachers, and also conducts the UNI Children’s Choir. Michelle is a frequent presenter and consultant at conferences and with school districts. Michelle is a past-President of the First Iowa Orff Chapter of AOSA. She taught elementary general music for 20 years |  |
