Many MCPS students are stressed about the importance of extracurricular activities during their four-year high school careers. Extracurriculars can help students make friends, be a part of something they enjoy doing, and can be used for college applications (particularly leadership positions). When you think of after-school electives, you usually think about sports teams: football, lacrosse, soccer, and many more activities in that subject field. However, today I am here to talk about some of the undervalued electives that pertain to art, and why students who may not be the most athletic have some great options to choose from that they may not even realize.
First off, as a student of Quince Orchard High School, I have been able to partake in the Spring Musical Pit Orchestra this year for “Hello, Dolly!” and last year for “Anything Goes.” Not every school has a Pit Orchestra, but if your school is fortunate enough to have one and you should find yourself with the ability to play a musical instrument, then there’s no reason not to join. Yes, “Tech Week” (when students have to stay after school until around around 9 or 10 pm for a week) may turn students away and can be a stressful and tiring time, but it’s during that week when I really got to know more people around me and got closer to friends. Furthermore, while the music is challenging, I have grown so much as a musician by being apart of Pit Orchestra and learned so much. Oh, and the food they gave us was great stuff!
In addition, it’s important to consider that not all worthwhile extracurriculars have to be tied to your school. For example, as a staff writer on this very website any MCPS student has the ability to join if they apply and get in. By writing the many articles I have had to this year for the “Opinions” section and last year for the “MCPS” section, I have been able to grow a lot as a writer and express my love for writing with other MCPS students. Additionally, I have learned a lot about different topics that I have had to write about and have collaborated with some great people.
However, great art electives that students can partake in go beyond just the two I have mentioned. Depending on your school, there are many unique opportunities that you have. No two schools are quite the same. No matter what you’re into, there’s no reason not to partake in something! It’s important to celebrate and preserve the arts so that people don’t undervalue their importance in society. At the end of the day, while athletics extracurriculars get the most attention, it’s the extracurriculars involving the arts that truly deserve recognition.
Article by Moco Student staff writer Matthew Minton of Quince Orchard High School