Oscar winner to kids: ‘It’s not a waste of time’
Image by alancleaver_2000 via Flickr
I know, the Academy Awards are so yesterday, but I was really struck by Michael Giacchino’s acceptance speech. He won for his original score for “Up,” and he graciously eschewed the usual shout-outs to agents and higher powers. Instead, he went back to the beginning and thanked his teachers. A snippet:
I had teachers, I had colleagues, I had people that I worked with all through my life who always told me what you’re doing is not a waste of time… I know there are kids out there that don’t have that support system so if you’re out there and you’re listening, listen to me: If you want to be creative, get out there and do it. It’s not a waste of time. Do it. OK?
I’m increasingly worried that kids today won’t have that encouragement from teachers. The common core standards released yesterday by the National Governors Association focus on English, science, and math. In a time when federal money is linked to strict adherence to these standards, anything outside the rubric will be considered extraneous. Art, music, drama – all a waste of time. In what civilized universe is that possible?
I wrote more about this on my other blog, the revised and relaunched ARTicles, which is an offshoot of the National Arts Journalism Program and features the eloquent voices of some fine former fellows. You can read about arts education here. It’s not a waste of time.
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“Art, music, drama – all a waste of time. In what civilized universe is that possible?”
It’s possible in the kind of universe where students don’t know how basic math and reading comprehension.
Art, music, etc. are all important, but not vital. One needs to master the basics before one can truly appreciate intricacies art and music.
There are a lot of Giacchino’s out there that don’t make it and never will. He has had a lucky and privileged life to be able to attend Julliard and also get a degree in history. There is nothing wrong with having a back-up plan that doesn’t involve waiting tables.