This year, 60 primary and junior school pupils experienced a very special musical highlight: they took part in 6K UNITED! - one of the largest school choir concerts in Europe! 6K stands for 6000 - because that's how many girls and boys sang songs together that evening that they had previously practiced separately in their schools.

Together with over 6,000 children from all over northern Germany and the 18-piece professional band, they transformed the Barclays Arena in Hamburg into a huge musical ensemble with a breathtaking stage show in front of around 12,000 spectators. In the audience: parents, siblings, grandma and grandpa, friends who experienced two hours they will never forget.

The children had spent months preparing in class with music teachers Alexandra Lutz and Christian Ziegler, practicing lyrics, rehearsing choreography and looking forward to the big concert with great enthusiasm. Teacher Nina Heinrich took over the organization. The first dress rehearsal with all the children took place just a few days before the performance. But even here you could see that everyone had practiced their lyrics and choreographies diligently.

6K UNITED! not only promotes the children's vocal development, but also their self-confidence, social skills, concentration and stamina. By preparing for the concert, the children also develop basic musical skills, a sense of rhythm, melodic confidence, musical expression and the right way to use their own voice.

"Of course it was very turbulent and bustling when we arrived at the arena," reports Alexandra Lutz, "all the children were excited." But everything was perfectly organized and everyone was focused during the rehearsal. All the children, who filled a good three-quarters of the arena stand, wore the white 6K United shirt.

It was a long day for the participants, especially for those who had to travel to Hamburg and rehearse in the afternoon before things really got going at 7pm: With pyrotechnics, streamers, a light show, the whole program.

The repertoire was a colorful mix: from classics to pop songs to songs from all over the world - they sang, danced and shone. A total of twelve songs. The program included "Wenn du mich rufst" by Mark Forster, "Dein Hurra" by Bosse, the Swedish folk song "Vem kann segla", "Lean on me" by Bill Withers and, of course, the anthem "Wir sind United". All the songs were polyphonic, and the young singers knew exactly when they had their cue and which part they were singing.

For many of them, it was their first major performance in front of an audience like this - and certainly an experience that will live long in the memory. A performance with goosebumps guaranteed. Exhausted but completely happy, they returned home late in the evening by bus or in their families' cars. And next year again? "I've already booked Louisenlund," says Alexandra Lutz.