This April, I played Action, a teenage hoodlum, in the Albany High School production of "West Side Story."
Near the end of the play, after an act of violence and rage, my character is told by an adult "You kids make this world lousy." Action replies: "That's the way we found it!"
Violence, poverty, school failure: The world can be lousy.
But there is a bright spot in the world that repels and negates the lousy things in life: Music. Known as the universal language, it brings joy, beauty and creativity to anyone who embraces it. Musical mastery requires skill, passion, discipline and drive; it can take a lifetime. Musical appreciation, however, is available to all of us regardless of language, race, religion, economics or culture
In the world of Albany High, music is a shining achievement.
Every year brings a full-scale musical and performances by the jazz ensemble, wind ensemble, string quartet, orchestras, gospel, vocal and select choirs, female and male ensembles, symphonic and marching bands.
Last month, select choir and advanced orchestra, members of Albany Pro Musica, a sister choir from Long Island and artists from the region performed Faure's Requiem to raise money for cancer research.
Students, teachers and parents were shocked to learn last week that half the AHS music faculty had been cut for next year. At Thursday's school board meeting, the public comment period was extended to 1½ hours because so many people signed up to speak in defense of music, including a Vietnam veteran who said that music had saved him from suicide.
Over 1,300 people signed petitions requesting the restoration of the music faculty.
In the lousy world of "West Side Story," kids and adults are at odds. Not at AHS. We all want our music back.
The writer is a sophomore at Albany High. He plays guitar in jazz band and sings in men's ensemble and select choir.