Imagine looking forward to prom for years. Imagine the meals, the pictures, but most importantly the music. Something is missing, though, and that is the perfect blend of music.
In the past, my friends and I recognized that at prom, the music was not representative of the fact that not everyone enjoys one type of music, and we need to switch it up.
“I feel like this small change would have a huge impact not only on me but other Hispanic students,” said OH senior Javy Vargas.
“Not every student speaks fluent English, or does not like the style of music that is being played. There has to be a variety of different genres of music played,” he added
There is a lot of different music, not only for Hispanics but for everyone. Music played at prom should reflect that.
Hispanic music also offers all kinds of different styles of dancing moves that engage each individual like no other. Our goal isn’t to stop the music, just to make it worth it for all students.
“It depends if the vibes are good [at prom] and if it’s worth staying longer after the food,” Vargas added.
A lot of students may decide to leave prom early as they say it gets too boring. This could mean that the planning committee might be doing something wrong or missing out on an opportunity.
With prom happening this past weekend, I can confidently say that the music and vibes were repetitive, as if I were living the same experience again. Why not switch it up a bit?
“I think that there is such a wide span of music that comes from so many different cultures that it is a great way to promote cultural understanding,” said OH Spanish teacher Gianna Purdom.
“From bachata, to salsa, to merengue, to flamenco to reggaetón. You can learn so much from all of these different genres of music,” she added. “And they all have such a unique style. It also is a great way to promote identity, language, and history.”
This learning doesn’t stop at the classroom. It can happen outside of it, too. So because there’s always next year, perhaps the prom committee could consider asking the DJ to switch it up a bit.
If you did, it would be music to my ears.
I am a senior at Oswego High School, this is my first year being a part of the 42fifty staff. I am an Avid student and have been on varsity soccer for 3 years.
