Why the arts?
So often the performing arts are thought of as add ons, extras, additions and options. Sadly, we at times consider them elements of society that we include “time permitting”.
I feel fortunate to work in a community that holds music, dance and theater in high regard.
The arts really should never be considered a second in the order of life’s priorities. Rather, the opposite, the arts should be front and center.
How many times have I approached a student encouraging them to pursue music in college and beyond, only to hear the response, “It isn’t practical”. “My parents don’t think I will be able to support myself”.
Well, these are valid concerns, no doubt. But then again, life is full of risks. A career as a musician, composer, arranger, music teacher, music sound engineer, agent, promoter are just a few in a long list of arts related careers that are both honorable and worth dedicating one’s life to.
One could only imagine how less we would be as a society if at one point somebody convinced Leonard Bernstein not to pursue music? Or for that matter, Johanne Sebastien Bach, Paul McCartney, Ed Sheeran, John Legend, John Williams, Hans Zimmer, Dizzy Gillespe, Count Basie, Charlie Parker, Elvis – I suppose the list goes on and on.
When I return home after a long and stressful day, feeling tired, run down, stressed out and frustrated, I sit quietly in my family room with my wonderful wife and yes, my 2 dogs. We watch a little TV and take in a few laughs. Within an hour, already I am feeling better. Before bed, I will listen to some of the music that I enjoy. Before long, I am rejuvenated, recharged and ready to take up the challenges of life and move forward.
Yes, the arts are not optional. They are necessary, and vital to our existence a race.
We need our music.
We need our orchestras
We need Broadway
We need marching bands in our parades on the field and in the stands.
We need madrigals
We need jazz cafes
We need the Blues
We need the happy Blues, the sad Blues, the 12 bar Blues, the “I lost my best friend Blues”
We need stadium rock concerts
We need solos, duets and trios
We need acapella.
We need the instruments – All of them.
We need chorales, canons, fugues and minuets
We need concertos
We need symphonies
We need choirs in our churches
We need cantors in our temples
We need that special song that moves us in a way that nothing else can. So then, we can sing regardless of how we sound or who is listening. We can dance regardless of who is watching.
In the arts, humanity is brought to it’s highest level. We need the arts.
So then, sing, dance and play that song. Don’t ever stop. Let the arts raise up every aspect of our being to the highest level of consciousness.
Mr. Janney