In my school district growing up, the music track was very optional.
In 3rd grade, we were introduced to chorus which consisted of playing high-pitched recorders and singing really out-of-tune. In 4th grade, we could choose to play an instrument if we wanted to. In middle school, we took general music with the option of also playing an instrument in band or orchestra and/or singing in the chorus as an extra-curricular. Finally, in high school, we could join a performing ensemble if we wanted to, but nothing was required, music-wise. Pretty much after 4th grade, chorus/band/orchestra was optional.
I can easily look back and say my best memories of high school are in the music department. I was involved in two choirs, an a cappella group, the fall plays, and the spring musicals. There was definitely no place I would have had a better time and choosing to take choir and participate in arts extracurriculars is easily the best decision I made.
There's a lot of controversies surrounding music programs in schools; some people say that they aren't as important as test scores or GPA's. However, this is simply not the case. High School arts programs have so much to offer and they need to be considered for all they're worth.
The first thing that should be noted about arts programs is that they provide ample opportunities for students to take on leadership roles. The choir and a cappella program I was involved in had an executive board, a musical board, a general board, and a cappella board, as well as leadership opportunities within the many a cappella groups. The theater program I was involved in had one board as well as student directors, production assistants, and other roles. Not only do these positions look great on resumes, they give so much opportunity for students to find their leadership style and gain ample experience that will help them in the future. The third week of college, I was elected president of my hall. The skills I learned from my leadership roles really helped me throughout the semester to lead a board as well as a hall.
Another important thing that should be said is that arts programs allow for confidence to grow.The arts is a cut-throat industry. If you don't gain confidence, you can't be successful in it. The good thing is there are so many different places in the industry to find the best place to gain confidence. For me, it was more on the behind-the-scenes side. I will be the first to say I am not a dancer, and I'm not the best singer. I learned that I do better behind the scenes, whether it be makeup, or collecting forms. I gained confidence by finding the best place for me. That's just me, others gain their confidence on the stage or perhaps teaching in a dance studio.
The list of reasons why high school arts programs are so important could go on forever. Personally, I believe the confidence and the opportunities outweigh the others. Without the arts programs offered to me, I don't know where I would be right now. I've only been out of high school since June but I can safely say the confidence I developed and the leadership skills I learned have helped me immensely while navigating my first semester of college.
