Music Study vs. Team Sports

First of all, I am a sports fan. I love basketball. I am a fan of baseball. I am even learning to appreciate football. My favorite teams are all very dear to my heart. Therefore, what follows should not be construed to be anti-athletics, but rather a call to more support of music and the arts.

It is clear to me that the study of music is at least as valuable as participation in team sports at the local school level. This can be proven in a number of ways.

1. Both activities, music and sports, teach discipline. The individual involved in both activities must practice to master his discipline, be it the cello or the jump shot. Hours of practice are required. Exercise and physical training are necessary to accomplish positive goals.
2. Both activities teach participants about teamwork. One baseball player working by himself on a field is of no use without a team around him. Likewise, the altos must learn to sing at the right time and in the right key to blend with the rest of the choir.
3. Persistence is a value of sports and music. A person who gives up to soon will never get a decent note out of their violin. In the same way, someone who does not continue practicing will never be able to kick a field goal.
4. The importance of performance is taught in both activities. All music is designed for the listening pleasure of someone. In the same way, sports teams work hard so that they can perform for ever-larger crowds.
5. Competition is taught by both. In athletics we see this readily. Every Friday night in the Fall there is a football contest to remind us competition. In the marching band, however, there is competition as well. The trumpet players compete against one another to see who will sit in the 'first chair.' The band competes against other bands to see who is the best.
6. Both activities give a life long skill and appreciation. Here is where we may draw a distinction between music and sports, however. Although both music and sports can be loved for a lifetime, your body will only allow you to play defensive tackle for so long. You can participate in music for your whole life.

I do not hope to convert anyone by these statements. In fact, I would be pleased to just create a discussion. Let us consider the value of music to make our lives better, at all stages of life. Music should be more than just background noise while you wait in the dentist's office. Sports should not consume all our time and attention. Consider this a call for a discussion and a new balance.