This summer I had the privilege to help coach the percussion section at a local High School Marching Band Camp. I teach elementary music, so this was an opportunity to fill my need for marching band. The director is a thirty year veteran in education and he has build a solid instrumental music program, along with a successful marching program. As an elementary teacher, it was amazing to see how much responsibility drum majors and section leaders were given. Even more amazing, was the quality of leadership that those in these roles showed. It was a great experience to see students leading students and working together towards a common goal. I also saw the power of expectations. The director has high expectations and they are drilled into band members as freshman. Students hold each other accountable for the success of the band.
The whole experience of seeing students learn and use leadership skills reminded me that this is why we must include music programs in our school curriculum. Just like sports, the aim of the arts is not to produce professionals (I coach youth sports to teach valuable life skills, not so I can coach the next superstar). The arts and sports teach many life skills that are vital for success in life: time management, goal setting, team work, responsibility, self respect, work ethic and perseverance. Not all students are athletic, just like not all students are artistic. This is why we need to provide both opportunities for our students. Cutting one, limits the chance for all students to learn important skills. Our focus should be on the purpose behind the activity. I know athletics are more glamorous than the arts, but they both teach similar skills that are important for our students to learn. For the non-athletic person, the arts may be the only opportunity for them to learn life skills.
Do you believe the arts and athletics should be on the same level? I would love to hear about your philosophy on the place of the arts and athletics in our education system.
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