Jessica Seok '07

Chemistry problem set, math test, history paper, and athletic practice the list of requirements for an average Deerfield student seems to go on forever. As many students go through daily battles of time management, they find it challenging to commit to other extracurricular activities. Music, art, dance, and theater are miscellaneous subjects that come after academics and sports.

Everyday, talented art students face a dilemma between pushing themselves to practice their talents and studying for upcoming tests.

Those interested in experiencing the arts hardly get any opportunity unless they choose to drop classes that are "highly recommended for college." Clearly, many students and faculty members are frustrated with such lack of appreciation and support for the fine arts.

The first challenge that students face is the lack of opportunity for new students to experience fine arts. Though some students manage to take a fine art class as credit, there are many others who cannot fit in this extra class without holding back on a required course or giving up a free period.

Theater student Carolyn Holding '05 certainly feels this way. "I've always wanted to try dance or chorus, but there just isn't enough time to participate in more than one performing art without cutting back the number of academic courses." Many students feel nervous about making time to participate in fine arts because the community is driven by the notion that excelling academically is the most direct road to a successful high school career and in turn a prestigious college.

Amy Kang '05 often feels "trapped" in Deerfield when it comes to her musical and artistic pursuits. She said, "Because this place is so academically driven, students have to depend upon their own motivation from within to find any success as an artist or a musician."

The school offers alternatives for students who cannot fit art courses into their schedules. The answer is art exemptions. Unfortunately, art exemptions do not fully satisfy the needs of the students. They are independent projects for advanced music or art students who want more time to enhance their skills. Nevertheless, students who do not have any prior experience in music or art are not eligible, as most of them are assumed to be incapable of pursuing a project independently without any assistance. While such assumptions tend to be true, students should still have an opportunity to accumulate experience in the arts.

Moreover, students who opt for exemptions are frustrated because the school now demands that in addition to their exemption, they need to get physical exercise. Kevin O'Neil '06 is discouraged by such a requirement because it takes time away from his drawing. "I wanted the art exemption to draw, and finding time to workout in the gym takes time away from developing my artistic skills." said O'Neil.

Nonetheless, the obstacles that students face during their time here are only the tip of iceberg. Arts programs are being cut from public schools' tight budgets. Many colleges across the country prefer supporting students who are academically or athletically exceptional over those who are artistically gifted.

Compliance with the emphasis on academics might help more students get into prestigious colleges. Yet, as Director of Theater John Reese said, "Deerfield Academy is a high school, and this is the time when students should be able to experiment with courses in a variety of fields." The first goal of education should always be to guide the students in finding their interests, and to broaden their perspectives.