Fine arts are an essential part of Judson High School. They help students express themselves and their interests, build everlasting connections, and hone in on new and existing skills.
According to an article by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), fine arts programs offer opportunities for students to learn the values of teamwork, individual and group responsibility, physical strength and endurance, competition, diversity, and a sense of culture and community.
Senior, Iliyas Gonzales, is a member of the theater department, and has been ever since his sophomore year. He believes that the program is an amazing way to establish and reinforce connections between students.
Theater is largely known for being teamwork-based. Everyone has a role to play, from the actors to the crew, everyone’s efforts are needed to ensure things run smoothly. Which is why teamwork and communication are so crucial to success in the department.
“I’ve made some of my best friends [in theater] and I hope those connections will follow me out of high school,” Gonzales stated. “Mr. Bailey [theater director] is always telling us we need to learn to work together.”
It is evident that Gonzales has changed throughout the years, thanks to the department. Considering a large amount of the arts revolve around performing one’s talents, it’s no surprise that members are expected to develop their social and performative skills.
“It’s really helped me in becoming more extroverted. I’m definitely not the same person I was my sophomore year.” said Gonzales.
Developing social skills isn’t restricted to theater though. Other departments also offer the opportunity for students to improve their communication.
Junior, Olivia Perez, stated, “I definitely think I have that leadership skill due to ceramics.”
Perez is in Judson’s ceramics program, and has been since her freshman year. Despite her initial nervousness when she first joined, she’s become a helpful role model to others in her field.
“If I see someone that needs help, I’m going to go help them.” Perez stated. “I also made my best friend my freshman year, when I first joined.”
While social skills and teamwork aren’t as vital in art as they are in theater, this doesn’t mean they are completely unneeded.
According to Perez, “A lot of the things that involve art get me to go to things that involve networking and meeting people.”
Art programs also provide some opportunities for students to get to know each other based on common interests and struggles in some cases. Students in these programs are still encouraged to communicate with others and have a strong self image if they want to succeed.
On the musical side of things, choir provides students with a safe space for students to express their interests.
Junior, Waylon Aryola stated, “I get to sing, and not get judged for it.”
Aryola joined Judson’s choir program his freshman year, however he has been doing choir since 4th grade. He has had an interest in singing since a young age, and believes the program has provided a place for him to combine his life-long passion and make friends along the way. Aryola also believes he’s greatly changed as a person because of the program, despite his initial nervousness when he first joined.
“I’ve made some of my best friends, and they’re all amazing teachers when they need to be.” Aryola stated. “It [choir] has really taught me to have self confidence.”
These skills can translate outside of the program as well, “I feel like it [choir] has taught me that no matter where I go, I can just be myself,” Aryola stated.
On top of all this, students can benefit from fine arts programs after graduating high school.
Perez said, “You can even get scholarships if you get recognized, which is really really good.”
Fine arts departments provide spaces for students to come together and learn more about themselves and others, while sharpening skills useful for their future.
As Aryola stated, “I’d say join it, if not for singing, then for the people, because you might make some really good friends there.”