Every parent has witnessed each of their children’s innate and unique traits. Our kids are born with individual personalities, special gifts, and even unique learning styles that combine to make them the wonderful people they are. As a parent, we want our unique and individual children to have the best education available to them, and the key to finding the right opportunities is to understand how they learn best. 

Musicality As A Type Of Intelligence

According to Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences, there are eight types of intelligence: logical-mathematical, linguistic, spatial, bodily-kinesthetic, intrapersonal, interpersonal, naturalistic, and musical. This theory makes sense of the phenomenon we’ve all seen and experienced where a person (maybe even you) has a naturally strong knack for some kind of skill or behavior. Like how 18-year-old Lebron James was able to compete in the NBA at such a young age or how some kids graduate high school and attend college before they’re old enough to drive. All kids have their unique gifts, and for some, it is the ability to understand, play, sing, or even compose music.

How The Arts Benefit All Types Of Learners

While most children will not grow up to be musical savants, all children can benefit from exposure to music. Music activates the brain and is an essential element of any educational program. Research shows that music education helps children develop the skills they need to be successful in all of their courses. The development of language and reasoning, memorization skills, pattern recognition, and emotional intelligence are all linked to music education. Plus, students who participate in the arts also gain self-esteem, experience a sense of achievement, learn discipline, and stay engaged in school. Plugging kids into musical opportunities is more than a way to highlight their talents. It’s an investment in their future and a vital element of a well-rounded education.

Part of the fun of watching your children grow and develop is to guide them into extracurriculars in which they can flourish. But it’s important to remember that a student doesn’t have to be the best musician in the class to enjoy or benefit from an arts education. There is a place in the fine arts for everyone. We may not all make it to the Grammy’s or onto the stage at Carnegie Hall, but, as you see, there are significant benefits to participation in the arts for all.

Fine Arts Extracurriculars At St. Barnabas

The extracurriculars offered to students in the St. Barnabas School community are top-notch. Ranging from academic clubs to fine arts and our incredible athletics offerings, our programs are thoughtfully created, aligned with our values, and support our students’ academic, social, and emotional growth. Some of the fine arts extracurriculars that we offer are our choral program, bell choir, and our vibrant visual arts program. 

Over the last few decades, we’ve watched public schools in Florida and around the country slash funding for music and other arts programming in exchange for more testing. But, at St. Barnabas, we’ve done just the opposite. Having seen firsthand the positive impacts fine arts extracurriculars have on our students’ academic performance and overall well-being, we’ve leaned into our arts programming. The results show in the quality of our programming and the positive experience our students have on campus.

At St. Barnabas, our mission is “to empower each student to achieve academic and moral excellence in a faith-filled environment based on God’s Word.” We believe that a vibrant music program is one of the tools in our toolbox that we can use to empower students to do their best. Whether your child has natural musical intelligence or simply loves to make a joyful noise, there is an extracurricular program here at St. Barnabas. Contact our office today for more information about our extracurricular programs.