Abstract
A disconnect exists between the elementary music classroom and beginning band. The purpose of this project was to examine the elementary music and elementary beginning band curricula to provide transitional experiences between an Orff Schulwerk music classroom and elementary beginning band, and to use techniques and models of the Orff-based approach within the context of instrumental pedagogy in an attempt to cultivate deeper connections between the two. Discussion points include background of the Kodály Philosophy and Orff Schulwerk, samples of how educators have bridged elementary music with beginning instrumental instruction, several lessons for the elementary music room utilizing a beginning band piece, and lesson segments for beginning band that utilize the Orff approach. The process used to create these lessons and lesson segments serves as a guide for other music educators working to help students cultivate connections between elementary music and beginning band.