I think that in our society today, the arts are invaluable to our cultural identities.  We can find a common source of beauty and comfort through the arts, regardless of language or cultural barriers.  We can gain understanding of other cultures.  Most importantly, the arts are a way to represent, examine, and when we deem it necessary, to change our way of life and societal standards.  The arts provide an opportunity for creation and discussion across and within cultures.
      Music has always been present in my life and in the community around me.  I joined a chorus called Boston City Singers in the fourth grade that, through music from places like South Africa, New Zealand, and Japan, has taught me to appreciate the musical styles of these cultures and, in the process, the societies that gave them voice.  BCS has also helped me to connect to the city of Boston through events around the city and through songs like "I Will Ride", a song about Paul Revere's midnight ride, which occurred just outside Boston.
      Even more life-altering than the songs have been the people I have met through BCS.  I do not think I could have made such close friends any other way.  One of the greatest things about music is that you cannot create it alone.  In my experience, love of music often translates into love of the people you make music with and a knowledge and appreciation of the cultures in which that music originates.

-Bridget