Award "Strengthening School Orchestras"

The "Strengthening School Orchestras" award honors the outstanding commitment of schools nationwide that set new standards in cultural and musical education through innovative and sustainable orchestra projects. Announced biennially by the German Orchestra Foundation in cooperation with the Federal Association for Music Education, best-practice models are recognized for their creative concepts, inclusive approaches, and cultural-political impulses in extracurricular working group activities. Public and private educational institutions with active school orchestras are eligible to participate, provided their students have demonstrated exemplary dedication, showing how orchestra work can serve as a unifying element between school, community, and further educational offerings. The total prize money of €10,000 is distributed as a main prize of €6,000, a first promotional prize of €2,500, and a second promotional prize of €1,500.

Applications must include a project description (maximum three pages), supplemented by a portfolio of press reports, concert programs, videos, as well as image and audio materials documenting the sustainability and impact of the orchestra work. Evaluation criteria include the degree of innovation, pedagogical concepts, sustainable structures, as well as participation and inclusion. An independent jury composed of representatives from the Federal Association for Music Education and the German Orchestra Foundation will make the final decision, with no legal recourse. The next call for applications is expected to begin in spring 2027 and is expressly aimed at all schools wishing to further develop their school orchestra as a cultural learning space and present it to a nationwide audience.