Confidence is a word that everyone has heard, but not everyone has felt. Many people discover confidence through activities they enjoy, whether it’s sports, clubs, or the creative arts. At FHN, many students express themselves through programs such as band and choir, which provide them with opportunities to grow both musically and personally.
These places create a safe and welcoming environment where students can learn from mistakes and take chances. For those who are usually quiet or feel left out, these classes offer a space to push themselves, speak up, and discover their voice.
“Since joining choir, I’ve definitely come out of my shell a little bit,” senior Jaiden Minnella said. “It’s helped my overall confidence and being more secure in who I am, which definitely helps me in group settings more.”
For many students who join musical activities, they find a new part of themselves. They step into a classroom with students who have all chosen to be there, unlike normal required classes, where students are required to be there. Locations like these can make students more comfortable, leading them to take greater risks and step out of their comfort zone.
Students notice changes not only in their performance on stage, but also in how they interact and connect with each other, turning the classroom into a family rather than a roster.
“I’ve seen differently that I’m kinder and I broaden my horizon with people,” Bentley said. “I feel like I’m part of a whole big family in class.”
Joining a class or an activity outside of regular subjects can give students a chance to try new things and build confidence. Athletics and the arts let students practice and perform in ways that are visible not just to teachers, but also to classmates and an audience.
“Time on a task builds confidence in that specific section,” band director Ryan Curtis said. “Certain subjects or activities help branch out beyond just school, like athletics, music and the arts, because they’re visible not just to the teacher, but to an audience or spectators.”
Playing a solo, singing in groups, or performing in a concert forces students to trust their abilities. With each rehearsal and performance, mistakes become learning opportunities rather than setbacks. Over time, students begin to feel more comfortable being seen and heard.
“That comfort in class often turns into confidence that reaches beyond the music room,” Curtis said. “I do think it’s a life skill that they take to not just class, but outside of the school.”
Confidence doesn’t always begin with applause and satisfaction from others. It grows as students make mistakes, take risks and push themselves. Over time, these little wins build a sense of self-assurance that doesn’t just stay in the classroom but continues into the rest of their day.
“I used to think confidence was either something you had or you didn’t have,” Minnella said. “But being in choir, I’ve noticed that you can build it from nothing. Some of the most confident people I know were even silent their freshman year.”
