Grace Larson. Courtesy Photo
Immeasurable growth occurs in the years between a high school student’s first day of freshman year and last day of senior year. With numerous new academic and social experiences, and the newfound freedom that comes with age, high school students undergo what often seems like a complete transformation. Among the opportunities offered in high school, joining band class is one of the most valuable and character-strengthening experiences available.
The dedication and commitment required to be a member of a musical ensemble truly strengthens a student’s character. By challenging themselves to continually perfect technical skills, slowly develop concert sets over a series of months, and gradually improve to a more professional level of musicianship, students learn the value of dedication to a skill. They tangibly experience, through their steady musical improvement, the rewards of perseverance to reach a goal.
Uniting themselves in a joined purpose, individual students form a cohesive family in a band. In bands, students must learn when to play out and when to let other instruments shine through. They learn to balance acting as a leader with stepping down and acting in a supporting role. They learn to celebrate the successes of others, because those successes benefit the group as a whole. Members of a band know the beauty that comes from working as a community. They form a close family built from mutual encouragement and respect.
Band programs also equip students with valuable leadership skills. In a community where so much growth happens from one grade to the next, older students are crucial to the development of their younger peers. They set an example for behavior, demonstrating the level of practice and dedication required in their roles. They model attitudes of encouragement toward fellow members of their band family and exemplify the rewards that come from dedication to their instruments. With such a beautiful opportunity for mentorship, students form leadership skills important to their success throughout school and far into the future.
Among the multitude of new ways high school students can expand their abilities, band is an exemplary tool for successful growth on many levels. The social skills learned, character growth accomplished and leadership skills formed all equip students with valuable skills. Band empowers youth to succeed throughout their time in high school and in all their future aspirations.
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Grace Larson, 17, is a senior at Century High School in Bismarck, where she is involved in band, pit orchestra and student council. She enjoys reading, music and spending time with friends. Grace is the daughter of Don and Julie Larson, who are members of Capital Electric Cooperative.
