Students benefit greatly from fine arts classes

Abby Doriot | Staff Writer

Fine arts classes are a requirement for the Academic Honors diploma, but many students prefer to take them even without the requirement. They enjoy the way they are able to let loose in those classes and have fun. Students and teachers alike believe that fine arts classes benefit them in many different ways.

“I think that [art classes] give students a chance to be creative, and it’s kind of like a mental break from all the other classes,” said Melissa Lyles, Scottsburg High School art teacher.

“When I walk into the dance room, the stress and tension from that day is completely released from my shoulders. I forget what upsetting things happened that day and just try to focus on dancing. I am able to express myself through dancing, which makes it more personal for me as an individual,” Brooklyn Watts (10) said.

The classes provide a safe place to relax and let students bring out their creative sides, whether it is a class at the high school or an extracurricular outside of school. They also teach students to be themselves — no matter what other people think of them.

“[Fine arts classes] can unlock hidden talents that people didn’t know about…They also show you to never worry about what other people think because it’s something to be proud of,” Keyton Hollan (11) said.

Fine arts classes open up students’ minds to see what they have been missing. Some students may go their whole high school experience without being exposed to new things that they could shine in.

“I think our fine arts program is an absolute necessity. I mean, you’ve got a ton of students that are artistically inclined… Not everybody is mathematically inclined or English based, so being able to express yourself artistically, whether it’s in one of [Mrs. Lyles] classes or in choir or band, fine arts is a must,” said Brian Schmidt, Scottsburg High School guidance counselor.

The things students learn in those fine arts classes can help shape the rest of their lives. In those classes, they learn soft skills that other classes cannot teach them, such as how to express themselves, how to be confident in who they are and how to have fun in the midst of all the stress brings.

“I think that it opens their eyes to new things, and it makes them realize that they can do things they wouldn’t do without having someone assign a project to them,” Lyles said.