A Legacy of Harmony: Sheran Fiedler's Gift to Music Education

"Tell me, I forget. Show me, I remember. Involve me, I understand." - Carl Orff

For Sheran Fiedler (M.M., PhD, Northwestern University), music education wasn't just a career; it was a calling. For more than 33 years, she ignited a passion for music in countless students, particularly through her expertise in Orff Schulwerk, a pedagogy of music education in which students play percussion instruments, use speech, poetry, creative movement, drama and improvisation to learn the elements of music making.

"I loved teaching Orff Schulwerk, the kids loved learning it, and I loved teaching music teachers how to use it," Sheran recalls.

Sheran's journey in the music profession began at Western; she graduated with a bachelor's in music education in 1970. She came to Western with a scholarship in clarinet with a desire to become a band teacher. She switched from clarinet to organ and continued in band. Working with Dr. David Schaub gave her the foundation and support she needed to add church organ playing to her repertoire.

"I had a lot of great professors at WWU. Besides, Dr. Schaub, I remember Mary Térey-Smith for music history and Phil Ager, for band. Those three professors provided great music experiences for me."

Deeply grateful for her time at Western, Sheran has chosen to create a lasting legacy through a generous planned gift. She has established the Dr. Sheran K. Fiedler Music Scholarship through her retirement plan, which will support future educators in elementary and secondary vocal or general music. Additionally, she has included a bequest to the music department to provide significant funding for vital needs like instruments, equipment, and furnishings.

"When I came from Stanwood-a relatively small town-to the Western music program with all its opportunities, I thought 'These are my people.' I loved being a music major!" Sheran shares.

Sheran grew up Stanwood, WA loving elementary music classes taught in the boiler room of her elementary school. Later she was inspired by her band experiences to become a band director. After Western, she taught band and general music in the Monroe, WA, public schools. While working on her master's degree at Northwestern University, Sheran discovered the transformative power of Orff Schulwerk, leading her to specialize in general music with this innovative approach. A few years later she earned her PhD at NU and continued her work in Orff Schulwerk Certification through Level IV and beyond.

Sheran loved teaching general music in the Orff tradition to children in grades K-6. Highly influential, she became a respected mentor, teacher trainer, and workshop leader, inspiring countless teachers to approach music education through the Orff Schulwerk pedagogy.

Sheran's musical talents were not confined to the classroom. After studying organ at WWU and at Northwestern, Sheran was also a church organist and choir director in the Midwest for several years. Later in life, she transitioned to active participation in choral singing.

Reflecting on her fulfilling career, Sheran Fiedler established this endowment to provide enduring support for aspiring music educators. It is her sincere wish that this fund will empower future generations to experience the same joy and satisfaction she found in her own remarkable career, ensuring her legacy lives on through the success of those she inspires.

Sheran's thoughtful planned gift, through her retirement plan and bequest, acknowledges Western in a meaningful way and makes a lasting difference to the university and for her own personal legacy. The music department at Western and generations of students will thrive thanks to Sheran's vision and generous gift.