Song for Europe Erasmus Project

Project Title

Song for Europe

Project Key Action

This project related with these key action: Cooperation for innovation and the exchange of good practices

Project Action Type

This project related with this action type : Strategic Partnerships for Schools Only

Project Call Year

This project’s Call Year is 2017

Project Topics

This project is related with these Project Topics: EU Citizenship, EU awareness and Democracy; Integration of refugees

Project Summary

The objective of the project is to produce a “Song for Europe” – a song composed, arranged, rehearsed and performed together by four different schools from four different countries. One school, the Stadtteilschule Horn, Germany, will provide the other schools with a playback consisting of drum beats, baseline, and chord progression with basic structure parts (intro, verse, bridge and chorus). During the first part of the project each of the participating schools – The International School, Birmingham, Maristes Valldemia, Barcelona, Bostanci Atatürk Orta Okulu, Istanbul and Stadtteilschule Horn, Hamburg – works individually on its version of a verse (including lyrics, music (vocals as well as instruments) and choreography). In the second part of the project the “Song for Europe” is formed as the different parts are put together. The refrain is a joined project that will be in focus at the first teaching and learning activity. The “Song for Europe” will be developed, rehearsed and recorded step by step at the teaching and learning activities taking place in England, Spain, Turkey and Germany. In addition to the music recording a video is produced giving an insight of the production of the song as well as the cultural backgrounds of the countries. The highlight of the project will be the final concert in Hamburg, Germany – the “Song of Europe” played live by students from all participating schools – and the music video of the “Song of Europe” which will be released on YouTube (and further websites). For further impact the playback will be available as a free download so that other schools in Europe follow our example and create more verses for the “Song of Europe”.

As the majority of the student body of the participating schools can be described as socially as well as racially diverse and disadvantaged, social integration and the integration of refugees play an important role. A further objective is to show that we all share similarities – no matter where we were born, where we have grown up, which language(s) we speak – thus combat discrimination and racism. Expected results are an increase in tolerance, democratic behavior and awareness of the EU.

A special focus will be put on the work of the lyrics: the teachers of the language departments are asked to work with the students on different topics and themes concerning Europe and thus support them in the acquisition of skills and competences concerning language learning and EU awareness. The goal is to build on the diversity found in today’s increasingly multilingual classrooms. In addition, during the activities as well as the transnational teaching and learning activities social and intercultural skills will improve. Last but not least, composing, arranging and playing music together is the heart of the project. Music is a language understood by everyone. It is the medium young people often feel comfortable in to express themselves. While taking place in the project they will not only improve their skills in vocals and playing instruments, but acquire special (IT-) skills in the field of composing, producing and recording a song in the field of music.

This project will be put into practice transnationally to encourage the students to find similarities concerning human values as well as common ground concerning their problems and challenges in life. Social disadvantages as well racial prejudices appear in all the countries and we thus have to work together on integration and sensitize the students for that matter. Especially the field of music has a tremendous potential to unify people. It is a language understood by everyone, no matter which mother tongue(s) each individual speaks. Together we can change something: one voice for peace and integration. A Song for Europe.

Project Website

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmf9whpvrFKy_mDNHB6-hyA

EU Grant (Eur)

Funding of the project from EU: 106201 Eur

Project Coordinator

Stadtteilschule Horn & Country: DE

Project Partners

• BOSTANCI ATATÜRK ORTA OKULU
• Tile Cross Academy
• FUNDACIO PRIVADA FUNDACIO CHAMPAGNAT (