Children Grow Though the Arts
Children Grow through the Arts
We all know the many benefits of music/arts study. The statistics that prove that children benefit from the arts don’t inspire me. What inspires me are the children’s’ stories of personal growth.
Jeff mentioned being a shy child. It reminds me of the many young people that come through our doors every season who begin the year very shy—even painfully shy—but, slowly but surely, they come out of their shells. Through participation in the arts, particularly the performing arts, students learn discipline, teamwork, self-reliance, time-management, responsibility and so much more.
These stories are a big part of what keep us doing what we do. The stories keep us motivated, even when cranky parents call (and you know they do). They’re daily reminders that we make a difference in the lives of children every day.
One of the stories that stands out for me is of a student who had a particularly meaningful experience during her first year with us in MYSO’s Progressions program (which will be discussed in more detail at the Symposium). Her mother sent the comment below during her time in the Progressions program.
“Progressions has changed my daughter! Playing violin has given her confidence in a way I never could have imagined. Prior to the program she struggled with math and her social skills. Now after learning timing with music, her math skills have improved greatly. She has also grown socially. She was afraid to talk to other children her age and now that shyness seems to have melted away. She is smiling more, talking more and overall is happier with herself. Overall, Progressions has become a blessing in our lives!”
This young lady has gone on to successfully audition into our String Orchestra and continues to play in MYSO. This past season, she was Principal second violin in her MYSO orchestra. She has become a leader musically and is much more comfortable socially. She has developed many friendships in MYSO and looks forward to coming to rehearsals and other MYSO events. She also joined First Stage because of her exposure to it through her attendance at MYSO rehearsals, which take place in the same building! Very cool!
I’m sure you have stories that are just as meaningful for you. I’d love to hear them!
Amber Oosterwaal
Director of Development and Program
Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra