HAVING been to part of the first musical exchange trip between Peebles High School and Ursulinengymnasium Werl in September, we think we can safely say that it is an exchange which will continue to be a success over the years.

Our German hosts made us feel extremely welcome and friendships were formed that we hope to sustain over the years.

Our project, set up by the German music teachers, was to sing composer Axel Schullz’s arrangements of articles of the Human Rights, which may seem bizarre but they do stick in your head!

Our group of 31 pupils - which included singers and instrumentalists - rehearsed with the German pupils in their school for the week, finishing with a concert on Friday which went fantastically well.

Everyone who attended, whether performing or spectating, enjoyed themselves a lot. Highlights of the evening included an impromptu ceilidh, delicious German snacks, two standing ovations and an after-show pizza party.

As well as rehearsing, we enjoyed trips to the beautiful nearby cities of Köln - where we visited the Olympic museum and the cathedral - and Münster, where we were able to explore the city with our German hosts.

We left Werl on Saturday and even though we were sad to be leaving after a brilliant week, we were excited to discover that we were paying a visit to one of Europe’s biggest music shops.

This shop had everything to satisfy all musical fanatics of the group - although some were less appreciative of the kazoos bought by several pupils!

When we reached Peebles again on Sunday, we returned happy, with new friends both Scottish and German, and we all look forward to welcoming the Germans back to Peebles in June 2015. Kaitlyn Roper & Sarah Eggleton (S5)