As the first notes of “Imagine” rang out, countless candles and cell phone lights gradually began to glow. For a moment, time seemed to stand still. The stage and the audience were united in a shared message—a striking image that captured the theme of this year’s musical by the 5th-grade classes: “Land of Peace—Utopia.”

When Steinmühle looks back on the highlights of the school year, the fifth-graders’ musical has held a special place for many years. Once again, the school’s youngest students demonstrated just how much creativity, musical talent, and team spirit they can bring to bringing a story to life on stage. At the heart of the production was a message that could hardly be more timely: “We’re moving toward peace.”

Music, Drama, and Movement

With great enthusiasm, the students told their story about the desire for a more peaceful world. They impressed the audience not only with their stunning choral performance but also with their acting talent and athletic feats. Creative choreography and acrobatic performances added extra energy to the musical and were repeatedly rewarded with spontaneous applause from the audience.

The varied program took the audience on a musical journey through different decades and featured peace songs that have lost none of their power to this day. The set list included “We Shall Overcome,” “Blowin’ in the Wind” by Bob Dylan, “Imagine” by John Lennon, “Heal the World” and “Man in the Mirror” by Michael Jackson, “99 Luftballons” by Nena, “Wir ziehen in den Frieden” by Udo Lindenberg, as well as the traditional pieces “Dona nobis pacem” and “Kumbayah, My Lord.”
The fifth-graders particularly impressed the audience with their powerful voices during their performance of “99 Luftballons.” When the last note faded away, the applause went on for a long time. The audience demanded encores—and got them.

A collaborative project involving the entire school community

Ulrike Wilmsmeyer served as the overall musical director. Together with Daniel Sans, Olaf Roth, Ines Vielhaben, and Frank Wemme, as well as the teachers of the 5th-grade classes, they created a performance that clearly demonstrated how many people contributed their ideas and dedication.

The collaboration among the different grade levels was also impressive. The accompanying band, led by Frank Wemme, was made up of students from grades 8 through 12. With flutes, clarinet, trumpet, euphonium, guitar, piano, drums, and bass, they highlighted the musical diversity of Steinmühle and gave the songs their distinctive sound.

Behind the scenes, too, there was a great deal of hard work. The Sound & Light Club handled the technical aspects, and Kira Gräser was once again in charge of props and makeup. The posters for the performance were created in the 5th-grade art class taught by Ms. Rado and helped spark interest in the musical well in advance.

A message that leaves a lasting impression

In closing, Principal Björn Gemmer thanked the many people who had contributed to the success of the evening. He particularly highlighted that, as part of the musical, the students had also explored historical songs and impressively conveyed their messages.
“Friedensland – Utopia” was far more than just a musical performance. It was an evening that demonstrated what schools are capable of: young people pushing themselves to new heights together, taking on responsibility, and using music, drama, and movement to send a message of peace, solidarity, and hope—a message that resonated long after the final applause.

(Heinm)