Music education helps students thrive
BOWLING GREEN Ky. – For student musicians, it’s time to shine.
The Kentucky Music Educators Association competition took place on the campus of Western Kentucky University Wednesday, where students performed for a panel of judges, in addition to also performing an impromptu piece to be scored. This is called sight reading.
For those who take it on, music is more than just notes and sounds. It’s an opportunity to work as a team.
“You have to work together. You’re not the most important person in that orchestra. You have to learn how to compromise and work together with other people. I think that’s super helpful, especially in the workforce,” said WKU string orchestra student Evan Patriatan.
Warren Circuit Judge Steve Wilson is an example of someone who has maintained a life immersed in music in addition to his law career. By day, he is a judge. By night, he is the front man for local ban, Dizzorderly Conduct. Wilson explained why a music filled life is important for school life, and life in general.
“In music, you’ve got to practice. In life, you’ve got to practice. You’re not going to be as good at your job if you don’t continuously work at it. Music is the same way. You are absolutely trying to perfect your craft, and music is a great teacher for that,” Wilson said.
With all these factors in mind, string orchestra director of Bowling Green Junior High School, Landon Case, said the arts are essential to enhance the lives of these talented students.
“The arts can’t be emphasized enough in our public-school systems. If they go out, then so much of the creativity, so much of the critical thinking skills, so much of the hard work and dedication, and hitting the wall where they have a hard time getting through, having to have that grit to get past is so important for these students, so I hope it continues forever,” Case said.
