In addition to the normal classroom music curriculum, the European School Munich offers many extra opportunities which encourage students’ musical creativity and development both in the Primary and Secondary School. In the context of “European Hours,” primary pupils can participate in various ensembles which combine the elements of cultural diversity with the pleasures of making music. In the Secondary School, musical ensembles are extra-curricular and meet during the lunch break or after school. All groups perform in concerts regularly throughout the year.

Musical activities in the Primary School

European Hours Orchestra
Conductor: Sarah Ready and Anna-Lena Berg

The orchestra is composed of students from the 4th and 5th year of the Primary School. It consists of a wide range of musical instruments including violin, cello, guitar, recorder, piano, keyboard and percussion instruments. The purpose of the orchestra is for children to experience the joys and benefits of making music together.

European Hours Choir
Conductors: Liz Coles and Julie Plugge

The aim of the choir is for 4th and 5th year Primary School children of different European nationalities to share their enthusiasm for singing and to develop basic choral skills through a repertoire of unison and two-part songs in various languages.

Extra-curricular musical activities in the Secondary School

String Ensemble
Conductor: Katarzyna Moskwa

Secondary School pupils who play string instruments and enjoy making music are invited to join and reinforce this small ensemble. The repertoire consists of songs from the classical music genre, as well as entertaining and folk music pieces. As part of this small orchestra, pupils are given the opportunity to deploy and practice their musical talents whilst developing their ensemble skills. Rehearsals are held once a week at lunchtime (12:45 to 1:30 p.m.) in the music Pavilion P3.

Secondary School Choir
Conductor: Julie Plugge
Piano: Ella Sincuk

The choir is open to all students in the Secondary School who pass a basic entrance audition. The group meets once a week at lunchtime (12:50 and 1:30 pm) in the Europabau Monnet room. Additional sectional rehearsals are held occasionally during the lunch break. The choir aims to provide young singers with the opportunity for enjoyable vocal training whilst exploring choral repertoire of various musical styles in different languages. The choir performs regularly throughout the year for various school functions and community events.

Student Bands
Coordinator: Monica Ettmayr

There are several student-formed bands at the ESM. The members practice in their spare time, sometimes on school premises. An annual band concert takes place in which the various groups display their own distinctive style, ranging from indi-rock, garage rock, jazz, tresenrock, funk and grunge to metal.

Chamber Choir
Conductor: Julie Plugge

This small ensemble is made up of older, more experienced singers from the Secondary School Choir. The repertoire is more challenging and requires basic knowledge of proper vocal production and sight reading skills. The Chamber Choir meets during the lunch break.

Big Band
Conductor: Jim Ready

Pupils from the secondary school who play the trumpet, trombone, saxophone, clarinet, electric guitar, bass guitar, piano or drums are welcome to join this very popular Big Band. The group plays swing, rock and pop music, and pupils are encouraged to develop skills in reading music and improvisation. Rehearsals take place on Mondays from 16:00 until 17:30 in the music room in Pavilion 3.