Anna Orchard-Hays

A violin with sheet music rests on a keyboard on Nov. 23, 2024. Orchestra and Piano are just some of the musical classes offered in schools.

Music is woven into the fabric of life. It has the power to spark emotions, evoke memories and calm the soul. Music makes the world go ‘round. 

The benefits of music and music education are boundless. Music education helps to relieve stress, improve social skills and enhance memorization, according to Stage Music Center. 

Band, chorus and orchestra are just some of the many musical classes offered at Ocean Lakes and schools around the globe. 

“I love playing music, and I love the community that we have here [at OLHS],” band member and sophomore Ella Mathis said.  

Through learning and practicing different melodies, students can develop memorization skills and acquire creative outlets. Music and music education also give students chances to free themselves from academic stress as they soothe and heal the mind and soul. Additionally, music classes serve as ways for students to build collaborative skills and provide them with chances to meet new people. 

“I think that band helps [greatly] with your skills in that regard, such as cooperation and teamwork,” Ella said. “Music’s also a great way to relieve stress. I always have such a fun time in the band, and there truly is never a dull moment.” 

The opportunities music brings to schools are endless. In fact, the OLHS choir had the chance to travel to Orlando, Florida and perform in the Disney Candlelight procession for six years. 

“The performance at Epcot involves a 250-member choir, a professional orchestra, a professional Disney cast singing group, and a celebrity narrator,” choir director William Boardman said.

Opportunities similar to these are unique to music programs and are just some of the many benefits of taking a music class.

In addition, taking music classes in school can open up a world of opportunity in college and beyond.

“I chose to continue chorus in college because it’s something I’ve always enjoyed and excelled in,” class of 2024 alumna Keri Halko said. 

Keri joined chorus in high school where she continued to nurture her love for music. After graduating, she joined the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (VT) Treble Choir where she has already been given remarkable opportunities within the choir. 

“Since joining numerous choral organizations, I’ve been given the chance to sing at Disney’s Epcot, St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City and New York City,” Keri said. “A select few of us [at VT] have been invited to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York in the summer of 2025.”

Events such as these can be memorable for students and allow for opportunities beyond the four walls of a classroom that they otherwise might not have outside of a music class or ensemble.

While passions for music are discovered in countless ways, teachers play tremendous roles in unearthing them, which is why music education serves an important part of a student’s life. 

“I chose to become a music teacher because I wanted to share my passion for music and help others experience the joy and growth that comes from creating it,” band teacher Katelyn Proffitt said. “As a teacher, I’ve had the opportunity to lead students to competitions and performances, where they’ve showcased their hard work and talent.”

Whether it’s singing with the choir or plucking the violin in an orchestra, music is present all around the world and in everyday life. It brings people together, inspires creativity and provides chances to travel the world, deeming it a fantastic course to take in school.

“Music is more than important; it has steered my entire life path,” Boardman said. “ So, to borrow a popular music quote, life without music would Bb [be flat]!”