I've been involved in school music programs my entire life and one thing, other than my love and dedication, has stayed the same since I started; it's seen as a luxury, and that really needs to stop. Music is as much a part of the school experience as anything else, and it's time that it's seen in the proper light.

I can't even begin to count the amount of times the budget vote for my home district has worried me. That fateful day has included me crossing my fingers and toes because I know austerity comes with the possibility of cutting the music program. But here's the thing- It shouldn't be cut because, quite honestly, we need music to stay in the schools. Kids can learn so much from being part of a school music program, even things that extend beyond the notes and rhythms. Music teaches kids to be creative and to have imaginations, two things that seem to diminish as they get older. There are so many aspects of other classes that involve doing things by the book, leaving no room for interpretation, but the music classroom is the one place that allows students to do something a little differently than the kid sitting next to them. Kids need that so they can grow up and be able to think for themselves and have their own opinions.

Music also teaches kids to express themselves. For some, saying what's on their mind is not an easy task, but those same kids may be able to express what they're feeling by pouring their heart and soul into their music. That's part of what makes music such a beautiful art. It allows you to express yourself without having to look someone in the face and say, "hey this is what's bothering me".

And of course, there's the ever-important role school music programs can play in the lives of high schools students. Personally, being part of my high school music program was the only thing remotely enjoyable about those 4 years. Not only that, but I became friends with so many people solely because of my involvement in the music program. If we weren't part of that same subcommunity, there's a huge chance we would have never even exchanged two words with each other. Experiences like this are highly common for high school musicians, and to take that away would be the biggest mistake anyone could ever make. For those high school musicians that feel a sense of family in their department, the music wing is their escape. High school can be rough, but at least they can feel safe surrounded by their music family doing something they love. And if something happens during the day that makes them feel like their world is falling apart, they know exactly where to go to pick up the pieces. My experience was exactly like this. I would've hated high school if it wasn't for my music program, and there's an endless amount of high school students out there that feel the same way. They don't all go on to be music majors in college; in fact, only a small handful actually do. But their school music program had an insanely positive impact on their life and helped them find a passion and love for something bigger than themselves. It created positive memories of high school, and school in general, that not all people have the pleasure of having.

So why do we need music in the schools? We need music in the schools because it helps students become well rounded individuals with the ability to be their own person. We need music in the schools because it teaches kids that it's okay to feel and express themselves, regardless what those around them may think. We need music in the schools because imagination and creativity should never disappear. And we need music in the schools because it shows kids exactly what hard work and dedication can do. Through music kids can see that they can accomplish anything if they work for it and put their mind to it.

Music is just as relevant to a good education as anything else, and it's high time that it stopped being viewed and treated as a la carte.