For most students, school and work can become highly overwhelming; even seeming impossible to attend some days. Although each individual may have a different coping mechanism when it comes to stress, there is one reliever that seems to be the same for everyone; music. Music is a beautiful tool because there are various genres, artists, and moods to choose from. Sometimes music just has a good beat, but some songs help individuals cope and survive through tough times in their lives. There is something for everyone. Students at Oliver Ames agree that music is a way to escape reality for a little while.
“I like to think of headphones as an escape tool because whenever I am stressed or overwhelmed at school, I can just put my headphones in to tone out everything around me,” Sophomore Oliva Petrillo said. “I think we should be allowed to listen to music when we are doing independent work because for me, music helps me focus.”
Aside from listening to songs on a phone or other device, music is offered as a class at Oliver Ames. Within this course, students are allowed to pursue their musical side, whether that is instrumentally or vocally. There are also many opportunities for students to express themselves in plays and musicals, such as Legally Blonde.
Mariead Tarpey states “I like listening to songs that pertain to how I am feeling, so for example, if I am in a good mood, I will put on a happy song. Music also helps me complete my work, even though it is known to be distracting.” She adds “I am a part of the show choir, which allows me to have fun with my friends while strengthening my singing and dancing skills at the same time.”
At Oliver Ames, it is clear that music is a core value. Music is a good way to connect with others, especially if you share the same music taste or similar passions. In that case, The Daily Olivian will be starting a new segment where we share students’ 5 current favorite songs. Sharing music allows students to expand their horizons by listening to songs and genres they have never heard about. To start us off, Sarah Cathie shared with us her top five favorite songs of 2021…
- Forever & Always by Taylor Swift
- Drew Barrymore by SZA
- False God by Taylor Swift
- Infinite by Lyn Lapid
- Set Me Free by Joshua Bassett
Feel free to email us your favorite songs @ The Daily Olivian!