Nizhny Novgorod region is participating in the project "Melodies instead of Ringtones" for the third year.

      Nizhny Novgorod Region has supported the Ministry of Education of Russia's project "Melodies Instead of Bells" for the third consecutive year. Starting from November 2024, well-known musical compositions will sound during breaks in most schools in the region—this contributes to the cultural development of students and broadens their horizons. In the new academic year, the initiative kicked off in the region immediately after Knowledge Day. "This academic year, we continue the implementation of the 'Melodies Instead of Bells' project. It allows us to create a special atmosphere—warm, festive, and filled with pleasant memories, helps to nurture a harmonious personality, and introduces children to musical culture through familiarization with the masterpieces of great composers from our country. In September, the project will unite songs that are iconic for several generations and modern compositions that have already become part of the cultural space of Russian schoolchildren. Receiving 'feedback' from the children, we see that the project evokes lively interest and genuine involvement. It fulfills an important educational mission, expanding the horizons of students," noted the Minister of Education of the Russian Federation, Sergey Kravtsov.

      As reported by the Ministry of Education of the Nizhny Novgorod Region, in September, popular melodies and works by both contemporary and Soviet authors will announce the beginning and end of lessons. These are kind and inspiring songs about school, knowledge, teachers, friendship, and new discoveries, such as "Two Times Two is Four" with lyrics by Mikhail Plyatskovsky and music by Vladimir Shainsky, performed by the Great Children's Choir named after Viktor Popov, as well as "The First Graders' Song" by Denis Maidanov performed by the author, Konstantin Tomilin, the children's musical theater "Domisolka," and the All-Russian Combined Choir of First Graders.

      For those children who are sitting at school desks for the first time, the song "First Grader" with lyrics by Yuri Entin and music by Vladimir Shainsky will be played, performed by the Great Children's Choir of Central Television and All-Union Radio under the direction of Viktor Popov.

      The September selection concludes with one of the most famous compositions—the song "They Teach at School" with lyrics by Mikhail Plyatskovsky and music by Vladimir Shainsky, performed by Eduard Hill, the Great Children's Choir of Central Television and All-Union Radio under the direction of Viktor Popov, and the instrumental ensemble "Melody."

      The Minister of Education of the Nizhny Novgorod Region, Mikhail Puchkov, noted that the initiative of the Ministry of Education of Russia helps to instill in children true patriotism and appreciation for their native culture. All schools in the region that have the necessary technical conditions support the initiative. "Melodies instead of the usual bells certainly change the atmosphere in the school. This practice provides a positive emotional background and contributes to the aesthetic education of the younger generation," said Mikhail Puchkov.

      At Secondary School No. 2 in Gorodets, the initiative has been supported from the very beginning. For the children, not only are well-known melodies played, but thematic lessons are also conducted. Thus, on September 2, an open lesson was held for 22 students of the 1st "A" class, who just sat at their school desks for the first time yesterday.

      The lesson was dedicated to the values of friendship and explained what the "feeling of elbow" is within the school community. Also, during the lesson, the school's deputy director for education, Irina Fedotova, told the children how mood changes depending on the melody.

      "I liked understanding music and reacting to it. Now it is clear why sad music brings tears, while cheerful music brings joy and lifts the mood. I really like melodies instead of bells; I am glad that our school has such interesting bells," said first-grader Daria Guzovina.

      Let us remind you that the national project "Youth and Children" is being implemented by order of the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, starting from 2025.

      Kristina Koretskaya