Tech High School senior, Camryn Hafner, feels strongly about the importance of music and performing arts in her life as a student.
“I’m in band, orchestra and theater. It has really helped me come out of my shell, helped [me] with public speaking and given me more confidence in who I am, as well as in my potential of who I could be.”
Stephanie Peterson, licensed coordinator of social studies and art at District 742, couldn’t agree more.
“Music provides another language for someone to express themselves,” she explains. “Words can’t always do it.”
Research shows that students who enter into the performing arts outperform their peers on test scores, have more self-confidence and increased communication, language, social and job skills.
But perhaps most important: the social aspects of music.
“People can express themselves without fear of being judged,” says Hafner. “Instead [they] can just put their heart in the music.”
“It [music] builds happiness,” Peterson maintains, “which is really important, especially in our middle schools. It engages them with their peers in a positive way. Especially when they are learning self-identity and how to connect. They learn teamwork, collaboration, critical-thinking and creativity.”
Peterson believes that music programs have a positive impact on school culture as well. She gives an example of walking out to the football field to watch a game and the pep band is playing. Imagine the excitement and camaraderie with fellow students and community members supporting the team. Then imagine if the music wasn’t there.
“It [music] provides a feeling that only music can provide,” says Peterson. “It’s also how we connect with our community [as a District]. It’s when the most amount of people come into our school to enjoy a commonality.”
All students in District 742 have access to music and art starting in preschool. They engage in singing, playing instruments, moving their bodies and dancing. It lays a foundation for electives in the future. Orchestra is available starting in fifth grade. Band and choir are available starting in sixth grade.
There is a rich history of excellence in District 742 music programs. Both Apollo High School and Tech High School have students who compete at regional and state performances, most often receiving superior ratings. Elementary and middle school programs are strong as well.
Being 742 Proud in music strikes the right chord.