I was in the fourth grade when I had my first band class and chose to play the oboe. At the time, I took band at my parents' request and both of my older sisters played instruments too. Looking back on my nine years of being in band, I am truly grateful for the opportunity I was given and band formed me into the student I am today. Every day, I looked forward to going to that class, even when I could not perfectly nail the solo, because by playing music I learned teamwork and it was a stress reliever. Music and art are not subjects to be tossed under the rug nor should they be cut from schools. Students need an outlet to express themselves and having an arts program is fundamental to forming a well-rounded student.

I might have never been the greatest musician or chosen to major in music, but the skills I learned while taking band were critical to my overall education. One of the first things I learned was the importance of improving my skills through practice. As with every new thing I tried, I was certainly not a child prodigy, but I learned ways to improve and as I heard myself progress each year, my self-confidence only increased that much more. I have always been known as the shy girl in my classes, but during band, I knew that my part mattered, no matter if I was playing the melody or harmony. Being in band also helped improve my creative thinking skills. As much as music is structured with specific notes, there are so many ways to express dynamics and make each piece your own.

As for art, I was never much of an artist other than being able to draw stick figures, but I was always inspired seeing other students' pieces. Art, like band, was just another way students could show their individual feelings and views of the world. Similar to band, art is a stress reliever and by joining these programs, many students have something to look forward to during the school day. Art develops creativity in students and in a troubled world, creative solutions are definitely needed.

The main problem facing keeping the arts alive in schools is funding for the programs. Law Street Media writes that, along with "the recession in 2008,...both the No Child Left Behind Act and the Common Core State Standards have placed greater emphasis on core subjects, such as math and reading...and have sidelined arts educations." While teaching core subjects is important to achieve good scores on standardized tests, a school day without band, choir, art and theater is frankly not worth my time. I may not play my oboe in college, but I still sing, go to the school band concerts and appreciate the huge role band has played in my academic and social life.

While some may argue that teaching the arts is not practical and is a waste of money, I truly believe that without the opportunity to be in band and eventually in choir, I would not have the same passion for life as I do now. In addition, life is not just about learning science, math and english in order to succeed on standardized tests. Life is about learning to express who you are, choosing what you want to do, and realizing what you are passionate about. Teaching arts is fundamental and every school and state government needs to realize this important fact. Frankly, a life without music or art is a life I never want to see.