Music’s history spans from medieval times to the Renaissance to baroque to classical to romantic to modern times. Music has been used in every part of history. Every culture has their own music that evolves throughout time. Music is the foundation of our society. A crucial thing for everyone to enjoy.
Band and music overall are an important part of a school community as well. In schools, music programs are important because they give students a way to express themselves and have fun. Music is a break from their busy schedules and is a way to do something other than academic classes. Clarinet player, Eliza Loveland says, “It’s an important class because it isn’t focusing on academics and is a great way to meet friends.” Band is also a way to express yourself and is something people can relate to and enjoy.
Mastering an instrument requires dedication and patience. Band helps students learn to set goals and strive for improvement. Band teaches valuable lessons about hard work and commitment. It teaches people to work for something they enjoy and helps relieve stress and anxiety. Band can also allow you to be creative and shape essential skills you can use after you leave high school. Band teacher, Cody Hollow says, “And most importantly band gives people a sense of belonging by being a part of something greater than themselves.”
Band also supports many school events and shows school spirit. Band helps kids have a fun class in school. It also helps them with making new friends and finding people with the same interests as you. Some valuable skills Hollow says you can learn from taking band are “teamwork, discipline, musical literacy, creativity, a strong work ethic, listening skills, communication skills, self-confidence, how to preserve and work towards a common goal.” Band is not that difficult if you put effort into what you are doing. Learning an instrument does take time but with dedication and a desire to improve, it is easier.
Band is an important part of our school curriculum because it can help teach discipline, teamwork, commitment, and is a good way to express their creativity. Bands also help students grow by developing their cognitive skills. According to Medical News, Life Science & Medicine 6/16/16, “Music instruction appears to accelerate brain development in young children, particularly in the areas of the brain that are responsible for processing sound, language development, speech perception and reading skills, according to initial results of a five-year study by USC neuroscientists.” Band enriches high school experience by providing valuable skills and promoting personal growth.
Taking band is a fun and enriching experience with no downsides. “The best part of teaching band is the relationships you form over time with the people you teach. Music is just the vehicle for teaching people how to be better humans.” says Hollow. And “the hardest part of teaching band is when kids quit your class after taking it for a year. We are always fighting to keep kids interested and invested in band.” Band is a great creative outlet which contributes to personal and social development and the skills you gain from band are invaluable in their lives.
