Through my years at Port Angeles High School, I have involved myself in both music programs and athletic programs. I plan to continue to play volley­ball in college, while graduating high school will most likely be the end of my in-school mu­sic career. Though I value both programs and they have each taught me unique lessons that I am sure will continue to help me throughout my life, I have noticed a perception that mu­sic programs, along with art programs, are underappreci­ated when compared to athletics.

I have been on the varsity vol­leyball team and involved in the PAHS wind ensemble since the 2009 school year. Over the past three years, both programs have served me well, but I have defi­nitely noticed that some individ­uals seem much more concerned with the success of a sports team than that of a band or musical ensemble. While I understand that sports are more culturally-engrained in our daily lives, I think it is impor­tant to recognize the importance and influence of music in our lives, and to value the musical programs both in our community, and in our schools.

Many schools nation-wide are beginning to resort to cut­ting art, music, and occasion­ally sports programs in order to solve budget woes. Though ath­letic programs are also at risk, it seems that music programs are much more apt to get cut from public school programs. In my opin­ion, decisions like this are a dire mistake.

Both sports and music programs are incredibly beneficial to students across the nation. Statistically, students involved in either program are more likely to graduate from high school. Both programs generally have guidelines to regulate a student’s GPA in order to participate, and both programs take solid dedica­tion and work ethic in order to be successful. These types of rules and regulations help stu­dents to be more successful in other areas of work and school.

In my opinion, neither music programs nor sports programs should be more important than the other. Both programs are incredibly beneficial to stu­dents, and can teach lessons of respect, and responsibility. More than that, both programs teach you how to be a depend­able part of a team, while also instilling the concepts of self-worth and independence.

So when will the tides of perception change? It’s hard to predict when people will begin to understand or even consider the fact that sports and music programs could be equally beneficial to all types of students. We should certain­ly celebrate when a sporting team makes it to playoffs, just as we should celebrate when a school band, choir or orches­tra does exceptionally well at a music festival. These art programs, from band, to choir, to orchestra, represent a large chunk of our student body, and deserve to be recognized.