Class String Players (Helmut Behn Foundation)

The Klassenstreicher program of the Helmut Behn Foundation has been promoting elementary music practice with string instruments at primary and secondary schools in North Rhine-Westphalia since 2004. Public institutions with a reform-pedagogical approach receive a two-year initial funding, during which the foundation provides the instruments and covers all teaching costs. The goal is to enable all children in the 2nd and 3rd grades as well as students in lower secondary education – including refugee children – to have a creative and holistic access to music regardless of social background. The model combines weekly team teaching by instrumental teachers for high (violin, viola) and low string instruments (cello, double bass) with the regular music lesson and closely involves specialist music teachers in the project work. Building on playful exercises and vocal impulses, participants prepare in the second half of the project year for a joint annual concert, which facilitates entry into concert culture and strengthens the sense of community.

The funding is provided in the form of sponsorship with a 100 percent coverage of eligible expenses (instrument acquisition and teaching costs). During the initial phase, schools collect a monthly parental contribution of about €15 per child and allocate these funds to independently continue the program thereafter. Prerequisites for application are cooperative collaboration with instrumental and specialist music teachers, a reform-pedagogical concept, and willingness for parental involvement. Applications can be submitted continuously to realize the sustainable integration of this inclusive music education project into everyday school life.