Fine Art, n.

Aristotle once said, “The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance.” The Tom Tom staff is proud to belong to a school that recognizes and appreciates the fine arts. In today’s world, as budgets are stretched and education is a constant point of controversy, fine arts programs are often the first to be dismissed as “unnecessary.”  Included in this broad category are vocal and instrumental music, dance, drama, as well as the visual arts such as painting, sculpting and photography.

Contrary to this culture, we are extremely aware of the importance of fine arts education for people of every age and background, but especially for high school students.

Why high schoolers? As teenagers, we are at a pivotal place in our life, laying the foundations for a future career and family. High school is the time to test your limits and then break through them. It is the time to discover your love for piccolo or knack for watercolor, learning a skill that will last a lifetime. Furthermore, fine arts are the perfect compliment to the academic classes we are required to take. A fine arts classroom is a place where math, science, social studies, English and even physical education are combined.

Take, for instance, a choir class. Reading sheet music involves knowledge of beats and rhythms which can only be understood with math. Singers must know their own anatomy—the vocal chords produce sound, the diaphragm supports it—which stems from knowledge of science. Music can reflect the trials and triumphs of an era that is taught in social studies. Song lyrics often come from famous poems or are inspired by well-known literature that students learn in English class. And singers learn to take care of their voice by drinking water, eating well and exercising often, which are all parts of physical education.

Moreover, fine arts education also allows students to express their emotions through another medium. It stimulates creativity and engages parts of the brain that other subjects cannot.  It teaches students real-life skills like originality, perseverance and professionalism.  It promotes social skills, cooperation and problem-solving, all within an environment that is overflowing with creativity.

There is an inherent theme of discovery involved in the fine arts. Students are creating something new instead of repeating facts. They are also more attuned to their individual skills and passions while studying a subject they chose to take. In groups, such as a dance team, students learn to work together and balance their strengths and weaknesses as a whole. As an individual, such as a sculptor, students are fully responsible for their own learning and grow in self-reliance.

Besides these concrete benefits, there is something surreal about the fine arts. To produce a fine art for someone else’s enjoyment and critique is to give of yourself without expecting anything in return. These fine arts speak without words, helping students communicate with the world.

So why do many view the fine arts as something that is dispensable? It’s true that you may not enjoy or even understand every piece of artwork you experience. You may think you have no artistic talent yourself. But you can always appreciate an artist’s work for what it is:

Art produced from the heart, intended for beauty and completely indispensable.