Pasco School District staff and students say arts programs build leadership, cultural connection and confidence
Summary
District staff and students told a Pasco presentation that arts classes foster leadership, teamwork, cultural pride and school engagement; speakers included a district director, teachers and a student who offered first-person examples and the phrase “1 voice, 1 pack.”
Speakers at a Pasco School District presentation described arts education as central to student development, saying music and drama foster leadership, teamwork and cultural connection.
Speaker 1 opened by saying, "In Pasco, the arts are more than electives. They're essential," setting the session's central message that arts programs are foundational rather than optional. Speaker 2, a director for the Pasco School District, told attendees, "It's really meaningful for me as their director to not only be a part of that for them, but also see them take the autonomy and the ownership as individuals and see that they have value through being able to participate in music." The director said arts participation yields leadership skills, collaboration, and a stronger sense of community membership among students.
A teacher identified as Speaker 3 described the visible growth when students perform, saying she sees "the growth of where they started" and emphasizing ensemble work: "Seeing them see the beauty of their voice matching with somebody else's voice... it's really, really magical." She summarized the teamwork ethos with the phrase, "1 voice, 1 pack." Speaker 4, who spoke about drama education, said it "gives students an outlet to be themselves and a place to safely play," and that rehearsals often involve laughter and learning and increase student enjoyment of school.
Speaker 5 highlighted cultural dimensions, noting many students "come from a Mexican culture where this music was played in their home," and that performing allows students to "serve almost like cultural ambassadors to the community," producing pride and joy. A student, Speaker 6, described personal benefits: arts classes "give us skills that we wouldn't be learning in any other classes," foster creativity, and make students feel connected and confident, adding, "I actually mean something to my community and, like, my city." The student also tied music participation to cultural identity.
Speakers reiterated that arts programs promote teamwork, confidence and storytelling skills. The presentation closed after remarks from teachers and a student reinforcing the district's view that arts education supports both academic and social-emotional development.
