The lights go down in the crowded venue. Cheers emerge from the crowd as the first band enters the stage, filling the room with the sounds of music. A captivating performance by Arcata High students uplifts the audience as they engage in the musical talent that surrounds them.
The Arcata High Arts Institute (AAI) offers opportunities for students who are interested in pursuing careers in the arts. The music strand of AAI is particularly known for its concerts, with amazing performances of covers and original songs written by students. AAI music is especially beneficial for gaining the skills necessary for a musical career.
In AAI music, students get live performing experience, learn to write original songs and learn how to be successful in the music industry. Teacher Cassandra Moulton encourages students to have skillful stage presence and learn new instruments and provides resources involving the wide variety of career opportunities that having music talent offers.
“I think that AAI music provides students with one of the only opportunities in the Northern Humboldt school system, almost complete autonomy over their education,” Moulton said. “They get to come in and focus on exactly what kind of music they want. They create their own ensembles or solos. They can focus on writing music working on covers or making covers in their own style. It really allows students an incredible amount of freedom in musical expression, and I think that is a huge part of becoming an artist.”
With the freedom available for students in AAI, they can have full creativity in the art they choose to create. But even with so much allowance for creative freedom, Moulton shows students the many opportunities that are available to them as they advance in their musical journeys.
“She’s there to help if you’re looking into different music schools and different music programs. She’s had conversations with kids, myself included, about what each major kind of sets you up for and about what different careers present themselves, depending on what route you choose to take,” junior Jess Kaber said. “The amount of things that you can pick up and the branching out into other genres of music that I had never considered before was just a great experience,” Kaber said. AAI allows students to play new instruments and try different music styles, giving them a well-rounded knowledge of music.
Regardless of what career path you choose to take, this class will provide you with the necessary music skills.
