In classrooms and rehearsal spaces across the school,musically-involved students spend hours practicing, performing, and perfecting their skills. These shared experiences often turn into close friendships, giving students chances to connect with peers who share similar interests.

Lyla Gatza, 10, explained how orchestra introduced them to people they might not have met otherwise.
“Being in an orchestra has introduced me to many different kinds of people,” Gatza said. “It has been great to meet people that I never would have known. I love that I am surrounded by people who have a passion for the same thing I do.”
Gatza, who has played cello for five years, said music strengthens friendships over time.
“These are lifelong friendships that I am glad music brought us together,” they said. “I believe that music makes friendships stronger because it is something to bond over, and in general music is a great way to bring people together.”
For Lilly Hunt, 12, band and jazz band helped them create strong connections with classmates.
“I started playing the piano when I was younger, and I wanted to participate in music more in elementary school,” Hunt said. “I’ve always wanted to play the saxophone, so of course that is what I play in band.”
Hunt said students form trust and bonds through shared experiences.
“I have several friends in music that I would not have if I were not in it,” they said. “We’ve all seen each other grow since middle school, and it forms strong connections.”
Olivia Ostermann, 10, said band helped them feel more confident in and out of rehearsal.
“When I’m in band, I don’t care at all about what anyone thinks because we’re all just trying to have fun,” Ostermann said. “It has also helped me form connections I wouldn’t have formed otherwise which helps me be more confident out of band and be more social.”
Ostermann said marching band in particular strengthens friendships through dedication and shared effort.
“Band builds maturity because you have to work very hard for a long time and do hard things,” Ostermann explains.

Ashlynn Smith, 12, said choir helped them become more outgoing and improved their communication skills.
“Being a part of choir has made me come out of my shell more because I’m forced to talk to people,” Smith said. “In Madrigals specifically, the people made me want to be friends with them, so now I’m way more talkative than I used to be.”
Smith said performing together helps students express themselves and gain confidence.
“It feels great to be part of a group,” they said. “When you’re all struggling as a group, it feels really rewarding when it all comes together to sound awesome.”
Based on these statements, it is clear that students across band, orchestra, and choir appreciate the opportunities they are given through music to communicate and connect with others who share the same interests, helping them make friends and feel more confident in and out of rehearsal.