Reflecting on School Art and Music Programs: A Personal Journey Through Creativity and Belonging
School can be a time of both joyous exploration and awkward missed opportunities, especially when it comes to the arts. My journey through school art and music programs offers a unique perspective on how these disciplines can both challenge and inspire us.
Art in School: A Hit or Miss Experience
During my school years, my art education was a mix of successes and failures. One particular assignment required us to imagine a story around a boarded-up grocery store. Although my writing skills are decent, I found this task somewhat challenging because I didn't see the creative undertones they were looking for. My sixth-grade teacher, Mr. Homes, believed in the power of using spelling words creatively, a task that pushed me to utilize vocabulary in innovative ways. However, the most memorable and supportive art teacher was Mrs. Generaux. Her lessons felt easy and enjoyable, teaching us in a way that nurtured our natural abilities without imposing strict rules. Even today, the sense of ease and fun in her classes remains vivid in my mind.
Music: A Belonging and a Transformation
Music was a different story altogether. My love for music truly began in high school during band class. For me, there is no greater feeling than being part of a group that creates harmonious sounds together. The band at school was about 100 strong, and I surrounded myself with such talented and passionate individuals. Our director, Mr. Johnson, was a remarkable figure who deeply enriched our lives. Even now, decades later, I still fondly remember him and the incredible music we made together. His dedication and passion for music transformed a simple class into a profound experience of cooperation and creativity.
Art in Late Adulthood: Self-Discovery and Continuous Learning
As a full-time artist and crafter for the past half-century, I've come to understand that the art skills I have developed have been the result of personal interest and desire, rather than formal education. I inherited my art skills from my family and have learned from countless artists I've met along the way. Moreover, studying famous artists who can inspire me has further deepened my understanding and love for the arts. Whereas I was never particularly interested in taking formal art classes during my school years, my love for music remains intact.
A Music Class Regret
One experience that stands out was my involvement with advanced chorus in seventh grade. I assumed it would be an extension of the fun band class. However, it was quite the opposite. The class focused solely on opera, a genre that did not pique my interest. My teacher was not flexible and we could not negotiate alternative songs. Bored and disengaged, we were often criticized for our singing. This negative experience has taught me the importance of adaptability from both students and educators.
My reflections on school art and music programs show that while some experiences may fall short of expectations, others can be profoundly enriching. Both art and music hold unique powers to nurture creativity and foster a sense of belonging. Even now, I get As in art, but I still look back on the fun and creativity of these classes with fondness.