It’s the day before the big event. The second MY PEACE music session in Emmendingen is just hours away, and the place is buzzing. There’s a mix of excitement, focus, and that energy you feel when something special is about to happen.
Setting Up the Space
Vedran from Outside Media & Knowledge is in his element. Camera gear is out, equipment checked, and the space is slowly taking shape. Everything needs to be just right — the lighting, the angles, the sound. The plan is simple: capture the vibe, the raw emotion, the moments that matter. It’s about showing the energy, the process, the collaboration.
There’s a clear intention behind every setup. It’s not just about filming an event — it’s about telling a story, one that resonates and leaves an impact. Vedran makes sure every shot counts.
Getting the Music Ready
Krischan and Teddy from MusicLab are deep into their preparations. Instruments are tuned, microphones adjusted. They discuss the flow: songwriting, dialogue, finding a rhythm to guide the group. It’s about creating a space where young people can explore what peace means to them — a space where creativity meets purpose.
They know that the participants might feel unsure, maybe even hesitant. But that’s part of the process — letting those thoughts unfold, helping them find the words, the notes, the feelings they’ve been carrying. They’re preparing to guide the group in shaping those ideas into music.
Coordinating the Details
Sanja is making it all come together. Laptops are open, messages coming in, last-minute checks being made. Food orders confirmed. Schedules finalized. There’s a steady rhythm to the preparation — practical, focused, ready for the unexpected.
There’s a sense of responsibility — making sure everything is ready so that when the participants walk in, they feel welcomed and comfortable. It’s not just about organizing a workshop, it’s about creating a moment where people can connect and express themselves.
The Thoughts of Tomorrow
Somewhere out there, young people are thinking about the session. They’ve seen the words: MY PEACE. They start to wonder what that means to them. Peace. It’s not something they’re often asked to think about.
A few begin to collect their thoughts. What does peace mean to me? Is it a feeling, a place, a memory? Can I talk about it? Should I sing about it? The realisation hits — they can, and they should. This is their chance to speak up, to share, to create something that reflects their own experiences.
It’s a new idea, this notion of being asked — really asked — what peace means to them. They’re getting ready to put it into words, into melodies. Nervous, curious, but mostly, ready to take part.
Music as a Way Forward
Tomorrow, Emmendingen will become more than just a location — it will be a space where ideas are voiced, emotions are shared, and peace becomes tangible through music. The team is prepared, the space is set, and the energy is building.
With MY PEACE music sessions for peacebuilding, a new chapter of stories, sounds, and shared reflections is inspired. One song at a time, one thought at a time — the process of peacebuilding continues.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
