In the world of high school education, certain classes are often seen as mere requirements rather than opportunities for growth. One such class is Music Appreciation, frequently chosen by students who need an art credit but may not excel in traditional visual arts. However, at Crookston High School, this course has become much more than just a means to an end. Under the guidance of teacher Adrianne Winger, students have discovered that music can be both enjoyable and enlightening.

A Day of Musical Revelations at Crookston High School

On a crisp autumn afternoon, the halls of Crookston High School buzzed with excitement as students prepared for their Elements of Music Final Presentation. The event showcased two distinct acts, each highlighting different aspects of musical expression. In Act One, titled "Elements of Music," students took turns presenting various components of music theory through an interactive PowerPoint. They also demonstrated rhythmic skills using drumsticks while reciting Dr. Seuss's whimsical tale, "Hop on Pop."

Act Two, "Music as a Performing Art," truly captivated the audience. The class performed a creative boom-whacker rendition of Ozzy Osbourne's "Crazy Train," followed by a charming ukulele version of John Denver's "Take Me Home, Country Roads." Next, they played "Eye of the Tiger" on recorders, adding a unique twist to the iconic Rocky theme. The grand finale featured a student-composed piece called "Bread," written by Timothy Brule, Dylan Thode, and Isaiah Donarski, which left everyone in awe.

The performances were met with enthusiastic applause from fellow students, parents, and faculty members. Many attendees remarked on how impressed they were by the talent and creativity displayed. Senior Riley Helgeson noted that the class was unexpectedly fun, allowing him to bond with classmates he wouldn't normally interact with. Another senior, Hunter Nicholas, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the joy of playing games and making music together.

Dylan Thode shared his surprise at learning to play the ukulele during the course. "I never thought I'd learn an instrument in this class," he said. "It was a pleasant surprise and added a lot of fun to the experience."

From a journalistic perspective, this event highlights the transformative power of education when approached with enthusiasm and creativity. Mrs. Winger's Music Appreciation class demonstrates that sometimes, the most unexpected experiences can lead to profound personal growth and newfound appreciation for subjects we might initially overlook. It serves as a reminder that every opportunity, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, has the potential to make a lasting impact on our lives.