Piano, key, close, piano keyboard, musical instrument, piano keys, black, white, shiny, smooth, keyboard instrument, Public Domain. Retrieved from https://www.pickpik.com/piano-keys-close-piano-keyboard-musical-instrument-piano-keys-116648

With the new school year settling in, Convent & Stuart Hall students are adjusting to the schedule’s new block, like the FLEX period and the office hour block. However, the addition of the Performing Arts (PA) block led to many mixed feelings and is considered the biggest change to the schedule this year. The inclusion of PA makes sense for those who want to sing, play an instrument, etc. But how do students who don’t do PA feel about this? 

“I was reviewing Pascal’s Triangle [PA block class], which was monotonous and mind-numbing. Afterward, we were supposed to build tetrahedrons (basically pyramids) out of marshmallows and toothpicks, I instead thought I would just do it in a 3D modeling software, reducing waste and at least doing something mildly entertaining,” says senior Nicholas Ludwig. 

For some, the PA block is just a waste of time as students are forced to do things that they feel aren’t captivating. However, opinions from a current vocalist in the PA block seem to suggest otherwise. 

“I think it’s [PA block]  pretty good. It’s very hard to balance incentivizing it while also having something fun to do in the meantime that doesn’t exclude the PA people,” says senior Joaquin Vasquez. 

Those who want to continue enhancing their PA skills should be able to have that opportunity without any risk that it will affect their academic performance. Yet the feedback from students is that there is a need for something engaging and worthwhile for non-PA students to do. 

“Some things that could be improved upon would be: Giving faculty ample time to prepare their academic enrichment lessons,” suggests senior Nicholas Ludwig, “ while providing a system for those who wish to do academic enrichment instead of performing arts to vote on what enrichment activity they want to engage in.” 

These suggestions can improve the content taught to non-PA block students while also allowing for more freedom. 

“With all the different new blocks, they are enforced, rather than optional, so it feels like a restriction of choice rather than an expansion of options,” says senior Joaquin Vasquez.

While Nicholas’s and Joaquin’s remarks differ slightly, they share one key similarity: students feel limited in what they are allowed to do. With this year’s theme being “Discovery,” integrating more flexibility and creativity into the PA block can help one discover something new and leave with the feeling of time well spent.