High School Nation
by: Maribel Garcia '18
Where students and artist share the stage.
High School Nation is dedicated to helping public schools advance in music, arts and sports. Music, arts and sports are important to high schools.The programs often need the support of outside financial benefactors to be successful. Although arts and music programs tend to be seen as less important than reading, math or science, research has shown that arts education is academically beneficial.
Skyline High School welcomed for the second time, High School Nation Event. On Tuesday, October 24th, 2017 High School Nation gave an opportunity to a few schools and Skyline was lucky enough to get chosen again. The even started at 2:00 pm by the Mayo Gym. Companies like ICE, Papa Johns, Takis, and much more participated. For the main part, there was music and lots of dancing. All the singer and performers were amazing. "I enjoyed every bit of it," said Maribel Garcia. "I even got meet Drake Bell, who was so sweet and friendly".
The weather was perfect for an afternoon field trip to the parking lot. Selected students made new friends and enjoyed the nice beautiful weather. "I hope High School Nation gives us another opportunity to come again and be welcomed one more time," said Bryan Benitez.
The Benefits of Music Education
Whether your child is the next Beyonce or more likely to sing her solos in the shower, she is bound to benefit from some form of music education. Research shows that learning the do-re-mis can help children excel in ways beyond the basic ABCs.
Research has found that learning music facilitates learning other subjects and enhances skills that children inevitably use in other areas. “A music-rich experience for children of singing, listening and moving is really bringing a very serious benefit to children as they progress into more formal learning,” says Mary Luehrisen, executive director of the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation, a not-for-profit association that promotes the benefits of making music.
Making music involves more than the voice or fingers playing an instrument; a child learning about music has to tap into multiple skill sets, often simultaneously. For instance, people use their ears and eyes, as well as large and small muscles, says Kenneth Guilmartin, cofounder of Music Together, an early childhood music development program for infants through kindergarteners that involves parents or caregivers in the classes. “Music learning supports all learning. Not that Mozart makes you smarter, but it’s a very integrating, stimulating pastime or activity,” Guilmartin says.
