It should come as no surprise to anyone that kids need encouragement from the adults around them - parents, teachers, you name it - in order to succeed.  More evidence, reported by the American Psychological Association, suggests that especially for children who have trouble with schoolwork, support and encouragement in the arts and music can mitigate the dangers of depression and low self-esteem in later years. In short, the study said that most of the girls who had trouble in first grade also suffered depression and low-self esteem by junior high. (Journal of Counseling Psychology, Volume 55 #3)

Depression in junior high school. 

Unacceptable.

This particular study focused on urban African-American children - and found that girls in particular had a rougher time in junior high if underperforming in first grade - but reached the same conclusion as similar previous studies done with Caucasian children. 

In other words - and this is just me talking here - ethnicity is irrelevent when it comes to encouraging a kid's artistic and musical gifts, abilities, or interests. The arts can and do make a difference, regardless of ethnicity.  Anyone out there surprised? I'm not.

Now, I'm not a first-grader nor African-American. But I can tell you that having my artistic inclinations praised and encouraged from the time I was very little up to this very day has gone a long way toward how I feel about myself.  And I was no wiz at math, let me tell you.  I'm not sure why we needed a study to tell us what common sense already should - that kids should be allowed to express themselves artistically.  Not at the expense of their education, but certainly in tandem with it.

Over and over and over again, experts show that the arts benefit kids. Period. So before they fire up Halo 12 again or spend 8 hours MySpacing (is that a verb?), start now getting them involved.  Theatre, music, painting, writing...whatever they're inclined toward.  It might not lead to a role in a summer blockbuster, but it might just help them get through adolesence with their mental health intact.

Rant off.  Go read a book.

~ Tom

The opinions stated here are the author's, and not those of Chyro Arts Venue, Inc.

Read about the study here.

On June 27, 28, and 29, Chyro will be hosting its first annual Music Festival, featuring old favorites and new bands alike. 

Friday night begins at 7 pm with Yukon Ho!, The Overpass, The Great Fate, and more.  Tickets are just $8.

Saturday begins early at 330 pm with a wicked cool jam with the Jazz Poets, the valley's sweetest jazz.  Then follows Goodnight Darling, The Epilogues, and more - just $10 for a whole afternoon and night of great music!  Friday and Saturday are hosted by Fiasco Shows.

Sunday keeps things rolling at 7 pm with more local indie rock, including Say Hello to Sunshine and Just This Once.  Only $7!

This weekend, all proceeds go to benefit Chyro, helping us keep our doors open another year.  Please consider a donation at the door when you come to enjoy the music.  Chyro is South Scottsdale's only independent music and arts venue, and the folks keeping things running are 100% volunteer.  Help make 08-09 our best season yet!