Bond Passes, Schools Improved
Yesterday a $21.8 million bond was passed in Haskell, Texas, for the first time in the town's history. Among the various upgrades and new additions is a performing arts center, which according to the district superintendent "will benefit not only the school, but the community as a whole." Other improvements are coming to the schools within that district, but the most important is the creation of the performing arts center.
Historically, centers of art and music have served as a gathering place for any community. The amphitheaters of Greece serve as an outstanding example; during one night they served as a public forum where every land-owning male could speak to the rest of the community, and the next they were a stage for a Grecian play that entertained the community. Modern day auditoriums and performing arts centers serve the same dual purpose. For example, it is possible for a school to host the court of appeals while also preparing for a play that will be performed in a couple weeks. To simplify, auditoriums provide a great benefit to communities in the way that they allow for voices to be heard and events to be held. This function is critical to the wellbeing of a community because it allows for important events to be held, as well as satisfying the cultural need for some type of entertainment.
Another reason why this development of a new performing arts center for Haskell is so important is that by providing performing arts a place to flourish, performing arts will grow within that district. By having a place to perform, performing arts groups will expand and grow to accommodate the new opportunity. This will in turn benefit those that participate in performing arts. It has been proven that performing arts, like music, contribute much to the growth of a student. Take for example, a music education. Playing music trains the part of the brain that allows for creative function, which is quickly becoming a critical skill for employees in our modern world. According to the Boston Consultant Group, creativity and innovation are the number one skills that are looked for by companies. By nurturing performing arts groups and individuals, by giving them opportunities to hone their skills and continue their hobbies, we are in turn preparing them for the future.
The development of performing arts in a school district is critical to any society. Performing arts fulfills a need for entertainment, as well as allows for the growth of individuals within a performing group. The steps that Haskell, TX, have taken will go on to support their students in the future.
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