What are Orff instruments?
Orff instruments include rhythmic, pitched percussion instruments, such as xylophones, metallophones, glockenspiels, and various drums, as well as non-pitched percussion instruments including tambourines, woodblocks, claves, and temple blocks, among others. For the most part, these instruments are based on highly developed African and Indonesian versions, but Orff models are simpler, easier to learn and their sounds work well together in ensemble. Carl Orff, the composer and innovator, chose these types of instruments because he wanted to give each child an opportunity to participate at his or her own level, as a member of the ensemble, and as a soloist.
