Our 2014 Beacon Scholarship Recipient: Ardith Collins

The eternal sunlight of northern summer, permitting music and friendship to bloom throughout the scenic course center, surrounded by rolling hills reflecting on the cool Finnish water are cherished memories of Ardith’s experience at JaSeSoi ry World Village in Valkeala, Finland. World Village was a pivotal point in Ardith’s Orff Schulwerk journey, connecting her with international educators enthusiastic about elemental music and movement, made possible through the Beacon Scholarship. 

JaSeSoi enriched Ardith’s teaching through the diverse elemental music and movement offerings during the week long course, including Senegalese drumming and dance, circle singing, Orff process and kantele, the national Finnish folk instrument. The joyful, creative, and international spirit of the course directors, teachers and participants was inspiring.

Ardith returned to her classroom with a mountain of melodies and ideas learned in the Finnish countryside to share with her students, grateful for the opportunity made possible by the ACEMM Beacon Scholarship.