After a month of showcasing our music program at Monday assemblies, it is natural to ask why music is such an important part of our curriculum here at SCDS. Students take the time to learn how to sing in a choral ensemble, learn music theory, play instruments, read music, and play in a band. While we certainly hope that students will develop appreciation for music and continue to enjoy it throughout their lives, there is much more involved than that. Performing in a group encourages students to develop awareness of others around them, and helps them learn how to work together in order to create something wonderful. 

Music is truly another language, and just like spoken language or mathematical symbols, learning about and engaging in the structure, form, and symbols of music expands one's thinking. Awareness and responsibility, collaboration and creativity, thinking and engagement - these are the skills for the 21st century that we value so much. This is why we continue to advocate for a rigorous music education as part of the SCDS experience. We thank all of our performers this month, along with Mr. Schlaeppi, Ms. Hall, and Mr. Taylor for a fabulous spotlight on music.