How arts education is shaping the future of Hamilton students.
American Author and theologian Howard Thurman said, “Don’t ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” But what if the thing that could make you come alive…is missing from your world. What if it’s never been fostered and grown into something that has the potential to not only change you for the good, but to change the world around you as well.
For many students, all across the country, that’s exactly what’s happening to their fine arts programs. Nearly 80% of schools in the US have drastically cut their Fine Arts funding, with 17% of schools offering no arts programs at all. It’s seen purely as an elective. But the reality is that the Arts are a valuable piece in the educational puzzle. Statistically speaking, students who are involved in the arts are four times more likely to do well in math and science and students who have been exposed and participated in the fine arts are 80% more likely to reach academic achievements. The impact the arts have doesn’t stop there though. Low income students who take part in the arts are more than twice as likely to not only graduate high school but also attend and graduate college or trade school. What happens though when those opportunities are taken away and a driving force in helping us find what makes us come alive, is removed from the educational system? The results can be utterly dispiriting.
Fortunately, for students within Hamilton City Schools, an education void of the arts, is one they’ll likely never know. Why? Because HCS has made the Fine Arts a priority. They’ve seen the worth and the value that the arts bring to education and have created an abundance of avenues for students to find what truly brings them joy. Whether it’s the arts, or academics, athletics, or a combination of them all, Hamilton City Schools is working tirelessly to ensure every child has a chance to figure out what has the power…to truly make them come alive.
Starting at a young age, students at each elementary school are given the opportunity to be part of a performing arts group. For some, it’s performing in a choir. For others, the path is more instrumentally paved. Whichever path they choose though, it most assuredly brings with it opportunities to learn, grow, and share what the arts have taught them throughout the school year. From performing at the City of Hamilton’s Christmas Tree Lighting (Linden Elementary Choir), to singing the Star Spangled Banner at the boys high school basketball game (Bridgeport Elementary Choir)...the opportunities are as exciting for the students as they are numerous. The occasions to shine aren’t limited to the choirs though. Brookwood Elementary for example has an exciting percussion band, coolly called Zap. Recently, at the school's Winter Concert, Zap thrilled the audience with a special rendition of Carol of the Bells. A number that undoubtedly got everyone ready for the Holiday Season.
As students get older and they learn more about what they like, the doors of opportunities continue to swing open, allowing them to foster their gifts and talents to the next level. Whether they decide to focus on their vocals by sticking with Choir, or by branching out to Showchoir, where they’ll sing as well as dance and compete at numerous competitions…students will continually be challenged to be their best self. And if they decide that band, marching band or an ensemble is their favored path, they’ll be guided, encouraged and supported as they work to be the kind of musician they’ve always dreamt of being. There’s also the exhilarating Color Guard and Winter Guard, Theater and more recently, the addition of an acapella group…which is already winning awards…named: the Enharmonix.
Whichever direction a student decides to go musically, HCS is committed to facilitating those dreams. They haven’t focused solely on the performing arts though. They’ve also invested their time and energy into other mediums as well. There’s basic art classes for students who are looking to test the artistic waters. Then there’s more advanced classes for students who have already found their artistic style but are maybe looking to challenge and push themselves past what they ever felt capable of .
For many years Hamilton City Schools has had an amazing Art department. Due in large part to HCS having made a concerted effort to grow and evolve with the times. In the last several years alone the Visual Arts programs have nearly tripled in a move to keep up with the changing times as well as the demand amongst the student body.
With the increase of mural paintings, both here in Hamilton and all over the country, HCS saw an opportunity to teach students the process that mural artists use to make their stunning displays. After learning that process students are then afforded the opportunity to practice the skills used in this impressive art form. The class, Public Art as it’s called, has become incredibly popular amongst the students. It’s not the only popular class though. Ceremix for example, has grown so steadily that they now offer 3 different levels. Additionally, other classes have grown by leaps and bounds too; Metal arts now has 2 levels of study, with classes like Dimensional Art, Photography, Drawing and Painting, all offering various levels for different skill sets. The need is great and Hamilton City Schools in meeting that need head on.
Just like with the students involved in the performing arts, the visual arts students have had some pretty incredible opportunities to showcase their talents as well. Last fall for example, 98 photos from students in grades K-12, were showcased alongside professional photographers at the Fitton Center. It was a powerful moment for both the students as well as their families. Those are the moments that are so valuable. Both academically and on a deeply personal level.
In a recent poll, 91% of people believe that the arts should be a part of our Education System and that they help create more well rounded citizens. Which is true…but even before they graduate and walk out the doors of their schools, the arts have a major impact on their academic career and the kind of student they are, day in and day out. Kids who love the fine arts are kids who come to school. They’re kids who participate, who are being challenged both intellectually and creatively. The arts, much like sports or academics, can provide a circle of friends for kids. Friends that they’re excited to come to school and see, in an environment that feels like it was created with them in mind. It’s a tough world that kids are having to grow up in. For them to be able to have something they feel a connection to, with a community of friends they can connect with, while being taught and mentored by teachers and administrators who care…it matters and could very well be life changing and even life saving.
The students who are walking the halls of Hamilton City Schools everyday, from grades k-12, are very much like an intricate, complex, yet stunning puzzle. Each piece is unique, has its own purpose, and when those pieces find where they fit in, they make a connection that leads to an image that will leave you in absolute awe. And when those unique, purpose made pieces, find what makes them come alive…just imagine the kind of gift that will be to the world around them.
