In Defense of the Arts in Education

In today’s world, where instant is everything - where we seemingly are more connected than at any other time in history, as an arts advocate, I would assert that in many ways we are more distant than at any other time. We don’t talk to one another, we email, text and twitter. In the digital age, Youtube and facebook are the sources of entertainment, discussion, and information . While all of these technological advancements have made an indisputably positive contribution to our society, their power has also made the role of the arts all the more important and vital to the culture. There is no replacing the experience of a live performance - whether it be in the theatre, at a choir performance, or in the concert hall listening to an orchestra – each of these art forms is brought to an audience by living, breathing human beings.

Students of the performing arts learn what it means to practice, to commit to a discipline, to rehearse and to channel the energy necessary for artistic expression. They understand that there is nothing instant about achieving excellence – but rather, it is the very opposite – time - that allows the musician, singer, artist or actor to develop in her craft- and it is a life-long pursuit. Passion, desire, drive and love are at the heart of this commitment. Creativity is the divine, God-given energy that flows through every human being – and the artist is the channel for that energy. Imagine a world without beauty. A world without the music of Mozart, the poetry of Shakespeare or the biting societal commentary of Arthur Miller. The musicians and the dramatists reflect our world back to us – holding “the mirror up to nature” as Shakespeare so eloquently wrote.

Social networking cannot replace the authentic relationships, respect, and community that are created in a performing arts ensemble. The teamwork required for collaboration transcends technology and relies entirely on interpersonal communication and emotional sensitivity. High touch may have been replaced by high tech in most areas of our life today – but not to for the cellist, guitarist, or singer. Not to the actor or dancer – To the artists, it is all about high touch.

And the greatest touch of all – is the one that touches our hearts – makes us feel and, as Arthur Miller said, become “more fully human.”

Resources: Educational Theatre Association