The Littleton High School music department recently returned from an unforgettable performance tour through Northern Germany, where 83 students and 20 adult chaperones spent seven immersive days exploring history, culture, and the power of music across Berlin, Hamburg, and Bremen.
From the moment they arrived, students were engaged in meaningful experiences that brought classroom learning to life. In Berlin, students toured historic landmarks including the Berlin Wall, Checkpoint Charlie, the Holocaust Memorial, the Reichstag Building, and the iconic Brandenburg Gate, deepening their understanding of world history and global citizenship.
A highlight of the trip was a moving performance by the Littleton Choir and Instrumental Tour Ensemble of band and orchestra students at the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church. This powerful venue, dedicated to peace and remembrance, provided a meaningful backdrop for students to share their talents and connect through music on an international stage.
In addition to performances, students explored Germany’s rich cultural heritage. A visit to Schwerin Castle offered a glimpse into life in the 18th and 19th centuries, while time in Hamburg highlighted both its historic waterfront and its status as a modern global port. Students also visited St. Michen’s Church, where renowned composers C.P.E. Bach, Felix Mendelssohn, and Johannes Brahms all worked, connecting their own musical journeys to a broader legacy.
The group continued on to Bremen, where they experienced a walking tour of the city’s medieval center, including the UNESCO-recognized Roland Statue and the charming Schnoor District.
One of the most memorable experiences of the trip was a collaborative concert with students from the DomGymnasium high school in Verden. Held in a cathedral dating back to 1267, the performance drew a large and enthusiastic audience from the local community. The exceptional acoustics and historic setting created a once-in-a-lifetime experience for Littleton students, one that simply cannot be replicated in Colorado.
Students also explored the German Emigration Center in Bremerhaven, an immersive museum that tells the story of millions of Europeans who emigrated to countries like the United States. The experience offered a powerful, personal connection to history.
The tour concluded with a visit to the North Sea coast at Cuxhaven-Duhnen, where students explored a unique UNESCO World Heritage mudflat ecosystem revealed by the receding tide, an entirely new landscape for many.
The trip was not only educational and musically enriching, but also a reflection of the character of Littleton students. “Our students were extremely well-behaved, so much so that the hotel in Bremen commented that our student group was the best they have ever hosted and welcomed us back anytime,” shared Don Emmons, instrumental music director at Littleton High School.
Mr. Emmons also emphasized the overall impact of the experience: “The concerts were unique, memorable and incredibly meaningful. And our tours educated our students regarding the history and culture of each area.”
The district extends its appreciation to not only the students for their amazing representation, but also to families and the community for supporting opportunities like this, which enrich student learning far beyond the classroom. Experiences like the Northern Germany tour exemplify how Littleton Public Schools continues to prepare students to thrive in a connected, global world.
