The call for a national organization devoted to Kodály education in the United States materialized at the first Kodály International Symposium held at Holy Names College in Oakland, California from August 1-15, 1973. In March of 1974 more than 200 educators convened at the MENC Conference in Anaheim, California, where plans for a formal organization were initiated. This organization aimed to create a network for music educators who base their teaching practices on the Kodály method. The founding conference of the Organization of American Kodály Educators took place in 1975 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
The Organization of American Kodály Educators promotes the use of the Kodály method in schools across the United States. The Kodály Envoy, now published four times annually, has been the official publication for OAKE since its inception, providing OAKE members with current research, news, teaching strategies, and classroom resources applicable to the Kodály method. OAKE sponsors a national conference each year, at which the National Childrens Choir performs, and also sponsors a yearly summer choral camp, the Childrens Choral Institute.
OAKE is divided into four divisions, East, Midwest, South, and West that comprise a total of 36 chapters. These divisions and chapters sponsor workshops and activities on the local and regional levels. OAKE offers grants to the local chapters to aid in the development and execution of special projects for its members.
From the guide to the Organization of American Kodály Educators Archives, 1950-2013, 1980-2000, (Special Collections in Performing Arts)
