Rumors are circling around that BSM’s orchestra is too small to have a class this year. However, that’s not the case. It’s very small, that’s true—eight students plus director Emily Chmielewski– but there are still musicians. Nevertheless, these numbers have been declining as fewer and fewer people take orchestra.
One of the reasons the orchestra’s numbers are declining is because of scheduling issues. There was a new history requirement added this year for incoming freshmen, and more elective options have been added as well. “I think as we add more electives in the senior high and as we add more requirements for freshmen like we did this year, the space for people to take orchestra just diminishes,” Chmielewski said.
There’s only one period that the orchestra practices, and there are other classes that can only happen during certain periods. Often, this forces students to choose between classes. Junior Sam Rude has played bass since fourth grade at her elementary school and wanted to continue playing in the orchestra. In order to do this, she had to change her schedule and choose a different class. “I did drop my Spanish class, so then I had two free hours…I had to just pick another class,” Rude said.
A lot of the other fine arts classes, like band and choir, are in the same boat because students want to take other classes. However, fine arts are important classes. According to the American Psychological Association, students who have played a musical instrument for several years are, on average, about one academic year ahead of their peers in English, math, and science. “There are lots of studies that show it benefits your brain. So I think it’s a valuable thing at BSM, and if for no other reason, then we need more beauty in the world. And music is a beautiful thing,” Chmielewski said.
Many students and teachers find that music classes are a valuable part of their day. “I hope music ensembles, not just orchestra, can be a place for people to find community and find joy throughout their day. So to take that element away would be a sad thing,” Chmielewski said.