Music is more than rhythm and sound. It connects people to their roots and shapes both personal and national identity. From traditional songs to national anthems, music helps communities remember their history and values. In schools, it also teaches teamwork and respect for diversity.
Choir and orchestra programs give students the chance to learn together and express themselves. Singing and playing instruments build listening skills and cooperation.
“I’ve had students who studied Indian classical music help us learn about that,” said FHS choir teacher John Filice. “Music helps students relax and focus. It also provides stress relief during the school day.”
Music teachers play a big role in guiding these connections. They not only teach notes and rhythms but also share the stories behind songs who wrote them, what they represent, and why they matter. This helps students understand that music is a form of history, emotion, and identity all at once.
Performing with others helps students feel like part of something bigger. Many find pride in sharing songs from their culture with classmates.
“For example, students from Portuguese, Mexican, Spanish, and Indian backgrounds sometimes introduce songs like ‘A Portuguesa’ from Portugal, ‘Cielito Lindo’ from Mexico, or ‘Vande Mataram’ from India or more songs with different hits, ” Filice said. “They teach their classmates how to pronounce the words and explain what the lyrics mean.”
These lessons help students respect other traditions and understand that every song carries meaning. For those born in the United States with immigrant parents, traditional songs can create a powerful connection to their roots. Listening to the same music as family members abroad gives them a sense of belonging and pride in their culture. When students share these songs in class, they also share a part of themselves, their memories, values, and the sounds that shaped their childhood.
“The rhyming of a song is more than notes on a page,” Mr. Filice said. “It’s a way to bring people together, celebrate differences, and create a shared experience that strengthens identity.”
Whether it’s singing the national anthem at school events or playing cultural songs in class, music reminds students that identity is not just about where you live but what you carry within you. Every melody tells a story. One that unites people across generations and borders.
Music continues to play a major role in education, community, and emotional health. By learning about songs from around the world, students not only develop musical skill but also discover who they are and how they fit into a global community.
