Music in Our Schools Month (MIOSM) is an annual celebration taking place in March which engages music educators, students, and communities from around the country in promoting the benefits of high-quality music education programs in schools.

To celebrate MIOSM, we selected one student from each grade level to discuss what music means to them. Next up is eighth grader Emily Austin.

When did you first get involved with music?

I’ve been involved with music since the fourth grade. That’s when I started band and chorus. It was really weird at first because we were doing those classes online because of COVID. But once I got into the middle school and we were in person, I enjoyed it much more.

What do you like most about band and chorus?

I really love chorus. I really enjoy the people and then I also just love singing. It’s just something I’ve always enjoyed doing. And then for band, I play the clarinet. I really enjoy playing it.

We know you also participated in Mean Girls. How much fun was that?

The musical was a lot of fun. I was in the ensemble cast, but I had a couple singing roles and it was so much fun.

What would you say your goal is for music moving forward?

For chorus, I would love to participate in area all-state. For the musicals, I would love to get some bigger roles. Of course, it would be fun to be featured more as I learn and grow.

You recently participate in both the band and chorus MIOSM concerts. How much fun are those concerts?

It’s so amazing when we do our group song with all the students. It’s so nice to hear every performing together. And I think it’s so nice to have all of the parents in the audience at the same time. They get to see how much we grow as we continue through the program.