by Lynette Alice

Created on: December 09, 2008

Discipline, teamwork, creativity, and a healthy competitive spirit are all traits the leaders of tommorow should have the opportunity to build today. For many the best way to develop these qualities is through school based arts and sports programs. The sad fact is that in these days we are living in such programs are often seen as luxuries to schools with tight budgets, or diversions which draw students and resources away from other programs touted as more important.

Consider for a moment all the benefits each provides to a developing mind an body. Studying the arts allows a student to open their mind and explore a multitude of venues for expressing their individual creativity. It matters little whether a person chooses a musical instrument, charcoal pencils, a paintbrush, clay, or even the pen as the instrument they use to channel their vision. Not providing a person the tools and support neede to explore such desires is akin to saying they are unimportant, that they hold no value, and are trivial.What a drab and colorless world we would have without the artists! Lest we forget many of the worlds great minds combined the arts with other pursuits to work they way towards great achievements. We can only wonder if Leonardo Da Vinci would have made such astounding breakthroughs had his creative side not been nurtured.

The arts go beyond providing an outlet for ones creative bent, they in fact reinforce individuality and co-operative work at the same time. Individuality can be seen in the hours one spends honing their skills as perhaps a flautist. Alone the flautist may create beautiful moving music which is a joy for all. However there will be times she or he is called upon to join with other musicians and combine their individual talents refined through individual practice to be a part of an orchestra where all must work as one in order to achieve the goal of making music.

Sports are no different in this regard. The football team is no good if each member plays as an individual. One man or woman cannot defeat a team. However by playing as a unit the linemen work together to protect their quarterback, the halfback stays back to further ward off potential pursuers of the quarter back. The tight end may run a diversionary pattern so that the wide receiver can find that one open spot on the field where the quarterback can perfectly place a pass to achieve the gain which is sought. That doesn't all happen by chance, it is hours of practice each day to learn the skills

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