The Hans-Thomann Foundation has provided our association, which is dedicated to the promotion of young talents, with several instruments and digital tools, which are used at the Apollonia High School in Uelzen (Lower Saxony) and other places.

The instruments donated, such as boomwhackers, electric guitars and a loop station, enrich and complement the daily musical framework in inclusive learning settings or heterogeneous learning groups in junior high (grades 5 – 8)!

The combination of analogue and digital instruments promotes varied and contemporary music lessons. The students are particularly enthusiastic about the TC Helicon, which simulates the typical autotune effects of their rap idols in real time.

As a music teacher, I work with the students not only on their musical skills but also on the development of their social skills as part of a concept of “social learning with the medium of music”.

Desirable competencies for the success of a musical design framework:

  • Consideration
  • Patience
  • Listening to each other
  • Perceiving rhythmic impulses visually
  • Developing the ability to work in a team, relating to each other
  • Teams of experts: Students learn from students
  • Helping and supporting each other
  • Responsibility
  • Developing empathy
  • Developing the ability to reflect
  • Impulse control (overcoming frustration, perseverance, patience, motivation, discipline)
  • Planning autonomous actions

In addition, the instruments donated by the Hans-Thomann Foundation are also used in adult education (teacher seminary, university). As a specialist seminar leader for music in Lüneburg and research assistant at the Institute for Music and its Communication at Braunschweig Technical University, I teach how to use the instruments in a school context as part of teacher training.

On behalf of all my pupils, trainee teachers and students, we would like to thank Hans Thomann from the bottom of our hearts for the generosity as well as the reliable and continuous support!

Author:
Peer Frenzke
27 Nov 2022