As we progress through this global pandemic, the world has had to deal with the problematic question of quarantine. As Americans, we have had to grapple with the difficult question of who, how, and when to quarantine.
The decision regarding quarantine rests on the understanding of what is and is not considered an essential service.
There has been no public understanding or acceptance as to the definition of "essential services," and each community has been left to determine for itself what is necessary for survival.
And while there is no universal definition, certainly we can all agree that health, medical, and emergency services qualify. But, everything after that seems to fall into an area of social-discretion. For me, Costco has proved itself so essential that I am considering naming in my next child after them. Costco Netflix Lang; it has a nice ring to it, doesn't it?
But where does the list end, and who should decide that? Some states have included barbershops and nail salons, while others have allowed restaurants and tattoo parlors to remain open. The movie theater industry is currently lobbying heavily to be allowed to reopen. And in North Carolina, for reasons beyond my understanding, NASCAR has been deemed an essential business and remains open while states, offices, courts, and schools remain closed.
In short, for one state, NASCAR = essential, government and schools = non-essential.
As we zig-zag our way through a staggered reopening, we will once again be forced to assess and prioritize what is and what is not essential.
This is as true for education as it is for our economy.
When schools reopen, they will have to address pressing issues related to health & safety, facilities, finance, scheduling, and staffing. In short, our schools will be forced to examine and prioritize what is and is not considered essential and what is needed not just to survive but to thrive.
And it must be made clear that MUSIC IS AN ESSENTIAL SERVICE!
I understand that this is not likely to be the prevailing sentiment, but it is the correct one. And, I am basing my belief on sound, rational logic.
Set aside all of the data regarding music and brain development. Let's ignore for the moment all of the studies which correlate music-making with social/emotional wellness. Forget about the fact that music engages parts of the brain that are otherwise left unengaged.
MUSIC IS ESSENTIAL TO SCHOOLS! Furthermore, music and schools have a unique and symbiotic relationship. They need each other to survive and thrive.
I am NOT making the case that music is more important than math. Nor am I saying that music should supersede English because I do not believe that it should. What this crisis has taught us is that:
You CAN teach a math problem at home.You CAN learn an English lesson away from a teacher.You CAN study history without fourth period class.
It is not optimal, but you CAN do it.
But, none of these are true with music.
You can't make harmony alone. You can't blend and balance in solitude. You can't respond in an artistic way to a conductor's gesture on a website.
And schools need music just as much as music needs schools. And music is not alone in this, sports, clubs, and activities make our schools' well-rounded experiences that help grow students' minds, bodies, and souls. We need schools to stay alive, but they need us to bring them to life!
Some experiences and learning moments can't be done remotely, through distance learning, or in an online class. And, if we are to TRULY and objectively prioritize what is essential in our schools, we must start by ensuring that we provide for the things that can ONLY be done in school.
For me, one of the most significant takeaways from this awful crisis is a stark reminder that our schools are more than places of learning; they are facilitators of experiences. In addition to teaching students things they do not know, we must also help them do things they could not or would not otherwise do.
And in that way, MUSIC is an essential service.
NASCAR, not so much.
p.s I hope you are planning on joining our virtual HAPPY Hour Friday night. It's BYOB (Bring Your Own Broadband) and will be an hour filled with giggles, fun, and surprises. We have some GREAT guest bartenders, so click the button to join.