National Signing Day

Today was National Signing Day. While I love the fact that these young people get to go on and play sports in college..why do we have to watch it on the news? Why don't they interview the ballet dancer who is going to Juilliard, the jazz player who is going to North Texas, or the tuba player who is going to Northwestern? We announce that some baseball player committed to a community college, but we can't announce that a bassoon player from a small town made it into the music program at Notre Dame?

Let me first start by saying that I support all of my friends who are student athletes..I love you all and am so proud of you. 

But the truth of the matter is that people who go on to study music, dance, or theatre in college are practically student athletes. We put in long days full of classes, rehearsals, and individual practice time..not to mention the homework from our classes. We have many performances to not only perform in but to also attend..we go on tour..we have other gigs outside of school..we have jobs..we we teach lessons..the list goes on.

We don't receive the recognition that student athletes receive. We make it to All-State, receive scholarships, win solo completions, get accepted and "commit" to top schools, and yet no one interviews us and puts it on the news..

Why?

"Viewers" can come and watch our performances just like they can go watch a basketball or football game. You can find entertainment by watching a play or musical, just like you can from watching a softball game. 

So here's to all of my friends who are auditioning and/or got accepted to go on to study music in college!