Prairie Winds Orff Board Members 2022 - 2023
President - Caitlin Nicks
Caitlin teaches K-5 music for Bismarck Public Schools in Bismarck, ND. She has recieved her Bachelor of Science Degree in K-12 Music Education from the University of Mary and her Master's Degree in Music Education from Boston University. She has earned her Orff Level 1 training through University of Mary and her Orff Level 2 training through Trinity University in San Antonio. She hopes to complete her training next summer. Her hopes in her new position as president is to spread the Orff approach and love of music and the love of teaching music throughout the state of ND and to help build bridges among the widespread music educators. Outside of music, she enjoys boating, baking and relaxing and visiting her family in Williston, ND.
Past President - Gwen Hall
Gwen Hall teaches k-5 music and is Elementary Music Advisor in Bismarck Public Schools, Bismarck, ND. She earned her Orff Levels training at University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN from 1998-2000. Her mission is to spread the love of teaching elementary music to people of all ages through the Orff Schulwerk process. Gwen is also the director of the handbell choir and sings in the choir at First Lutheran, Washburn, ND. She is married to Randy Hall (retired music teacher). They have three children - Jesslyn (elementary music teacher), Courtney (elementary classroom teacher) and Cameron (store associate). She is the proud grandma to Kane and Brooke.
Vice President - Niki Bernier
Niki Bernier, currently teaches elementary music at Fort Lincoln Elementary School in Mandan, ND. In addition, she serves as the instructor for Elementary Music Methods and is the Orff-Schulwerk levels course director at the University of Mary in Bismarck, ND. She is an active member of the Prairie Winds Orff Chapter having served as the program chair, secretary, and is currently the vice president. She has also been an active member of the Northern Plains Kodály Chapter having served on their board for six years as their ‘Public Relations-Member at Large.’ She was also on the middle school choral staff at International Music Camp from 2013-2019.
Passionate about active music making that merges the Kodály method and the Orff-Schulwerk process, Nicole creates an active classroom that focuses on singing, classroom instruments, composition, movement, and creativity. Concerts frequently feature student arrangements, instrumental compositions, improvisation, and folk dance.
Mrs. Bernier is a Kodály and Orff-Schulwerk certified elementary music specialist. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Vocal Music Education and a bachelor’s degree in Audio Production from Minnesota State University Moorhead. She graduated with a Master of Arts degree from The University of Iowa in 2011. She earned her Kodály levels certification from Minnesota State University Moorhead and Orff-Schulwerk certification from the University of St. Thomas.
Passionate about active music making that merges the Kodály method and the Orff-Schulwerk process, Nicole creates an active classroom that focuses on singing, classroom instruments, composition, movement, and creativity. Concerts frequently feature student arrangements, instrumental compositions, improvisation, and folk dance.
Mrs. Bernier is a Kodály and Orff-Schulwerk certified elementary music specialist. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Vocal Music Education and a bachelor’s degree in Audio Production from Minnesota State University Moorhead. She graduated with a Master of Arts degree from The University of Iowa in 2011. She earned her Kodály levels certification from Minnesota State University Moorhead and Orff-Schulwerk certification from the University of St. Thomas.
