March 18, 2024
By Drew Bancroft
Staff Writer
This article is part of an in-depth reporting project for Music in Our Schools Month.
Senior Sofia Ospina joined their school’s band program in fourth grade playing saxophone, a decision which they say changed their life for the better.
Ospina is one of 112 students involved in LHS’ music program, which includes the concert band, jazz band, marching band, concert choir, select choir and chorale. Except for chorale and jazz band, these ensembles are open to all students.
Additionally, upperclassmen in the music program can apply to become part of the Tri-M Music Honor Society, which promotes music education through monthly meetings and a recital during an induction ceremony held annually in March.
These individuals believe classes and organizations such as these, and music education in general, are beneficial components of the high school curriculum.
“Everyone, regardless of demographics, deserves to have a hobby that they can use to express themselves.”
Ospina, who has been a member of the school’s concert and jazz band since their freshman year, said the music program has caused them to become more sociable and has provided them with an outlet to express themself.
“The music program has helped me improve my rhythm reading skills as a musician, but it has also helped me come out of my shell more and be more outgoing,” Ospina said.
They said music is a form of escape from daily life.
“[It is] an art form that is built up from the ground. Anyone can play a song, [but] only [a] few can perfect it,” Ospina said.
According to an article published by the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, music education improves students’ levels of creativity, emotional stability and mental health.
Similarly, a study conducted by neuroscientists at the University of Southern California found that music instruction accelerates brain development in young children by strengthening areas of the brain responsible for cognitive functions, such as processing different languages or sounds.
Although her commitment to music is time-consuming, senior Olivia Oliveira, who plays tenor saxophone in both concert and jazz band and is in chorale, said trying to achieve balance in her busy schedule helps her succeed.
“Because being involved in the music program at LHS takes up the majority of my time, I often have to use my free time to keep up with schoolwork. It can become stressful at times, but I am usually great at managing it all,” Oliveira said.
She credits the music program’s success to the teachers who have established it as a community where all are welcome.
“I have not only learned how to become a better musician but also a better person and student from the LHS music teachers,” Oliveira said. “They teach us life lessons [regarding confidence and empathy] that cannot be taught from teachers outside of the Music Department.”
Despite the benefits of music education, not all schools have a music program.
According to the National Association of Music Merchants, a trade association for music-related events, 3.1 million students in U.S. public schools do not have access to music education programs, while an additional 2.1 million students go to schools without any art education, including theater, music and visual arts.
INFOGRAPHIC BY LILY ANDERSON This infographic includes data from the Music Department and survey results from 51 students in the music program.
Sophomore Isabella Bartlett, who joined the chorale this year, said all students should have access to music education.
“Music has always been an outlet for creativity, and stripping that away from someone is unfair,” Bartlett said. “Everyone, regardless of demographics, deserves to have a hobby that they can use to express themselves.”
Even though this is Bartlett’s first year in the music program, she said she recognizes its value.
“Music is important to me because it is a way to form bonds. Music has been a huge part of my life since I was young, and it is how I have connected with many people,” Bartlett said.
Junior Savio Nguyen, who plays guitar, mallet percussion and piano, said studying music at LHS is important preparation since he plans to pursue it in college and perform in a professional orchestra. He said LHS’ music program taught him to be trained by ear, which is when one relies on listening and imitation to understand and replicate melodies, rhythms, sounds or techniques.
“This is not an easy thing to do in a day because you need to know something called intervals,” Nguyen said. “Because of Music Theory, I feel more confident in trying to become a professional performer.”
Aside from teaching him useful skills, Nguyen said the music program serves as a family, providing support whenever necessary.
“Music is able to bring people together,” Nguyen said. “It’s hard to put into words, but music is magic to me.”
