Gerber Receives Alexander Ringer Award in Music

Dr. Casey Gerber, OBU assistant professor of music education, has been awarded the Alexander Ringer Award for doctoral research by the Organization of American Kodály Educators. The award will be given during a banquet at the OAKE National Conference in Minneapolis, Minn., in March.

Gerber serves as coordinator of vocal music education at OBU. He teaches methods courses, supervises student teachers and conducts the Young Singers of Central Oklahoma in the OBU Preparatory Program.

"OAKE's recognition of Dr. Gerber's dissertation affirms the commitment of the OBU faculty to be current in their fields of expertise," said Dr. Paul Hammond, dean of the Warren M. Angell College of Fine Arts. "The fact that Dr. Gerber is both a researcher and a practitioner in the field of music education means that our students are going to be fully prepared to enter the profession when they graduate. Dr. Gerber genuinely cares about his students, and he is able to motivate them to realize their highest potential."

A native of Weatherford, Okla., Gerber earned a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in music from Southwestern Oklahoma State University and a Ph.D. from the University of Mississippi. He previously taught at the University of Mississippi, and he also has taught elementary music in El Reno, Okla.

Gerber has completed level I training in the Orff-Schulwerk method of music education at Southwestern Oklahoma State University and level III training in the Kodály method of music education at the University of Oklahoma. He was named "Outstanding Graduate Student in the Department of Music" at the University of Mississippi in 2008, named "Outstanding Graduate Student in Music Education" at the University of Mississippi in 2007, and nominated for a 2006 Faculty Service Award at the University of Mississippi.

He has published articles on a variety of topics in music education and has presented papers and music education workshops throughout the United States. His research areas are the history of music education in the United States and self-observation during teacher preparation.

"Dr. Gerber has been a welcome addition to the OBU Music faculty," said Dr. Kristen Stauffer Todd, chair of the OBU Division of Music. "His knowledge of his discipline (as evidenced by receipt of the Alexander Ringer Award) coupled with his enthusiasm for both teaching and students ideally positions him to make meaningful contributions to the lives of OBU music education majors. He brings fresh ideas and a fresh perspective to our already established program, making us even stronger academically. We are fortunate to have him with us."

Zoltán Kodály (1882-1967), a prominent Hungarian composer and musician, endeavored to expand the musical education of the Hungarian nation. He was determined to make music an integral part of the education of every child. He largely used folk songs and children's choruses to improve the quality of singing and music training of both teachers and children. Based on his principles, Kodály's colleagues and students developed the pedagogy now called the Kodály Method or Kodály Concept.

The Organization of American Kodály Educators was founded in 1975 to serve as a meeting place for music educators who embrace the Kodály Concept of Music Education. It draws its membership from educators of all levels, public and private, students, administrators and others who share in its support and promotion. For more information about the Organization of American Kodály Educators, click here.