Musikschule Höxter: A year full of success and new horizons!

Musikschule Höxter: A year full of success and new horizons!

Höxter, Deutschland - The Höxter music school has been a remarkable journey since its takeover by the city of Höxter on July 1, 2023. Looking back to more than a year, it becomes clear that the educational institution, led by Klaudia, has become an indispensable player in the field of musical upbringing. Mayor Daniel Hartmann described the takeover as a significant step in promoting musical education and emphasized how the new structure created better opportunities for music school work.

Currently around 630 students aged to 80 have access to the diverse teaching offers. The music school now offers 184 teaching units per week, of which around 100 students actively make music in seven different ensembles, including the new children's block flute ensemble "Höxter Hölzer" and an intercultural choir for adults. This number shows a positive development compared to the 166 units a year ago.

need and cooperation

Despite the extensive offer, there is still a significant demand for qualified music lessons. "There are waiting lists in many subjects," reports the head Klaudia Knapp. As a partner of the schools in Höxter, the music school plays a central role as part of the "Jekits" program (every child instrument, dancing, singing), which enables first graders at three primary schools to get free music lessons. In the last school year, a total of 272 students, including all 224 first graders, took part in this project and the state funding was almost 40,000 euros.

The collaboration with local music clubs is another trademark of the music school. Seven partnerships were founded in which the music school takes over the training of young people. In addition, the facility cooperates with the Lebenshilfe Brakel in order to offer lessons as part of the "Aktion Mensch" project. These initiatives illustrate how important access to music is for different age groups. "Together we are strong when it comes to promoting cultural traditions and taking new musical ways," explains department Stefan Fellmann.

The music school organized a total of 51 events from July 2023 to July 2024, which range from school prizes to concerts to musical accompaniment. Over 1023 students performed and reached around 7,900 listeners. The highlights included the Christmas concert on the market square and the large music school concert "Full strength: wood meets tin". These events not only strengthen the feeling of community, but also promote the presentation of young talents.

In January 2024, the "Förderverein of the Musikschule Höxter e. V." launched. This association will continue to support the music school by buying instruments, organizing workshops and enables cultural excursions. "The association has the potential to promote musical education sustainably," says Stefan Fellmann.

Mayor Daniel Hartmann concludes that the music school makes a significant contribution to cultural life in Höxter and that the city will continue to try to strengthen this successful model. The developments of the past few months show that the music school is an important part of the community and that its educational approach is both young and old.

Photo: City of Höxter