Fine arts students fight for spotlight, struggle to receive recognition

Fine arts students fight for spotlight, struggle to receive recognition

Did you know that the theatre department is sending students to state for the first time in 20 years? Or that the art department has students exhibiting their artwork in at least five shows this year, in addition to seven competitions with scholarship awards?

Maybe you didn’t hear about Show Choir travelling to Nebraska to perform at the Peru Choir Festival, or about the four orchestra students who were asked to perform a prestigious gig at the Brownstone in early November.

Some students are good at basketball or soccer or volleyball, and display their skills through sports and other activities. But there are also all-stars in acting, singing, making art, or playing an instrument.

Many people do not hear about students who excel in the fine arts program as there are many other sports and activities going on in the Seaman community. However, those students are just as committed and deserve just as much recognition and support for their accomplishments.

Students practice their talents in different ways; however, many people do not realize that those of the creative departments put forth equally as much effort as athletes to improve their creative gifts.

For example, theater students spend 10 hours a week for over two months straight preparing to perform for their annual play and musical. Orchestra students have classes daily and many attend lessons outside of school. Art students work on their pieces for weeks at a time in and out of school to perfect their techniques and prepare for competitions. Choir students practice weekly and are loaded with performances year round, especially around the holidays.

They dedicate their time in and out of school to prepare for performances, shows, exhibitions, and concerts, just as athletes do.

So why do we not bring attention to those talented students? They deserve to be acknowledged for their hard work and lifted up for their accomplishments. Because even if art, music, and acting are not everyone’s cup of tea, that does not mean those students deserve less appreciation and attention than other involved students.