Hannah Gonzalez

High school administration implemented a new system allowing music to play in the hallways during passing period. Dismantling the music system would benefit students by limiting overstimulation and heeding to student satisfaction.

Over the summer, the high school administration implemented a new system allowing music to play in the hallways during each passing period. The melodies are intended to encourage punctuality and promote a cheerful environment but have since stirred conflict. 

Administration has failed to utilize the new music system in the way they intended and should either discontinue or brainstorm a less destructive use for it in the future. 

 The choice of whether or not to implement this system should have gone to students, not administrators. Currently, students are forced to listen to the music each passing period. While the idea is lighthearted and meant well, students were never consulted in the matter; had they been, many would likely have opposed it. The music sets students up to glamorize their minutes in the hall. While this is fun for those who wish to fulfill their character arc, for others it is, for lack of a better word: cringe-worthy. Not only is the music outdated, but it is the same songs each day without exception. The songs “Viva La Vida” by Coldplay and “Dynamite” by Taio Cruz, both of which were released almost 15 years ago, are examples of this. Many students simply find the music overstimulating. In 2017 at Legacy High School, the “The Gummy Bear Song” by Gummibär was played each period as an incentive to raise money for an individual battling a threatening disease. The motion, named “Stop the Music,” employed student frustration to raise the $1,500 as quickly as possible; the music stopped once they reached the goal. In our hallways, the music does not stop. Although “The Gummy Bear Song” was intended to evoke frustration, listening to it each passing period is what students found disturbing; the same phenomenon is transpiring here. 

Do you enjoy the music in the halls?

• Yes.
• No.
• I'm ok with it.

View Results

 Loading ...

Districts like Frisco ISD have used the current system for years. Historically, the songs changed quarterly, but their system is nearly a decade old. Administrators should not be so quick to apply policies strictly because other schools have done so. Rather, they should value district individuality and student approval. If administrators were to take up student requests for the music, the initiative would be much more well-received. Still, many would argue that one-quarter of the same songs are too repetitive. Sustaining student approval would require administrators to update the music to accommodate student requests on a weekly basis, which is too heavy a load for one individual. The only solution is to remove the system entirely or reserve it for special occasions. Altering the music to play only during a particular time of the year, such as Homecoming week, would limit agitation by specifying a set ending time and heightening school spirit. 

Dismantling the music system would benefit students by limiting overstimulation and heeding to student satisfaction. If administration is to continue implementing new policies that directly affect student life, students should be welcomed in the decision-making.