Songs about the Great Victory are played in Nizhny Novgorod schools instead of bells.

      May 8, 2026 17:32 Culture and Leisure In May, in many Nizhny Novgorod schools, instead of the usual bells, famous songs about the Great Patriotic War are played. The All-Russian educational campaign "Melodies instead of Bells" allows for a diversification of students' school days and introduces them to patriotic musical creativity. It is implemented by the Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation in collaboration with the Center for Comprehensive Child Development "Progress" as part of the national project "Youth and Children." Thematic musical compositions are played in educational organizations throughout the month. This includes the song "Victory Day" (lyrics by Vladimir Kharitonov, music by David Tukhmanov) performed by Lev Leshchenko with the arrangement of the Academic Big Concert Orchestra named after Yu.V. Silantyev, the song "Cranes" (lyrics by Rasul Gamzatov, music by Yan Frenkel) performed by Dmitry Khvorostovsky, the ensemble "Style of Five," and the choir "Spiritual Revival" with the participation of the State Orchestra of Russia named after E.F. Svetlanov, the song "About That Spring" (lyrics and music by Elena Plotnikova) performed by the children's ensemble "MultiCase," and the song "Blue Scarf" (lyrics by Yakov Galitsky, music by Jerzy Petersburski) performed by Klavdiya Shulzhenko. Children are also introduced to the composition "Silence" (lyrics, music, and performance by Denis Maidanov) and the work "Only at the Front" (lyrics by Vasily Lebedev-Kumach, music by Anatoly Lepin) performed by Lev Polosin and Boris Kuznetsov. Traditionally, Nizhny Novgorod schools not only play melodies instead of bells but also hold educational meetings and open lessons for students of all grades for a deeper understanding of the month's themes. This week, an open lesson on the topic "Symbols of the Great Victory" was held for 7th-grade students at School No. 188 in Nizhny Novgorod. As the director of the educational organization Olga Mityasova explained, the students learned about the significance of the St. George ribbon. They were told that this is, first and foremost, a symbol of memory for all generations of warriors who defended and are defending Russia, a sign of gratitude to veterans and respect for the heroism of the fallen. The St. George ribbon is an integral part of the Victory Day celebrations and a reminder of the continuity of military traditions from the Russian Empire to our days. The students were also told that the Red Banner was a multifaceted symbol for the fighters of the Great Patriotic War. It encompassed ideas of military honor, duty, continuity of revolutionary traditions, and the struggle for the freedom of the Motherland. The Red Banner played a key role in the military-ideological education of personnel and served as a powerful moral incentive. "I was very interested to hear what the St. George ribbon means, what semantic load it carries. I fully support that this is not some decoration, but, on the contrary, a sacred symbol," said student Yegor Pankin. On the eve of Victory Day, students of School No. 188 stand guard of memory at a modern installation created inside the school. Here, in memory of the defenders of the Motherland, fresh flowers are laid. Let us remind you that the national project "Youth and Children" is implemented by the order of the President of Russia Vladimir Putin and includes nine federal projects and programs: "Russia - a Land of Opportunities," "We Are Together," "Russia in the World," "All the Best for Children," "Leading Schools," "Teachers and Mentors," "Creating a Network of Modern Campuses," "Universities for the Generation of Leaders," and "Professionalism." NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" has channels on Telegram and MAX. Subscribe to stay updated on the main events, exclusive materials, and operational information. Copyright © 1999—2025 NIA "Nizhny Novgorod." When reprinting, a hyperlink to NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" is mandatory. This resource may contain materials 18+