This is a phrase that my wife and I, as teachers of the visual and performing arts, constantly say to our students. Today, all cultures are bombarded with innovations. Everything that we touch, everything that we see, everything that we believe began by someone thinking and acting on, "What if... ."
How dreary would our lives be if we did not have innovative thinkers, imaginative visionaries, or creative purveyors of new and fresh ideas and thoughts?
At one point, somebody imagined what Foundation Park could look like. The idea was unique for it did not include what usually is found in a city park. No jungle gym or skatepark exists yet it is a well-received venue. They asked, "What if...". Years ago, someone else envisioned the capabilities of The Woodward Opera House and Mount Vernon's Memorial Theater. They asked, "What if... ." These features make our community unique and special and they illustrate, in our view, the importance of imagining things that would be beneficial that do not exist now.
To bring anything into being a person must be able to perceive the impact of the "What if... ." What will it enhance? How can it be an attribute to culture? How will it empower growth? Each of these questions are the root of imagination and creativity. Relate these questions to the arts and one can easily assess the outcome. A performing arts experience enhances the appreciation of bringing a story or song to life. It encompasses the vast array of tangible life experiences and it reaches into each of us to stir up personal connections of growth and abilities, goals, and aspirations.
It is everyone's responsibility to hold up and maintain the "What if..." with each other and specifically our youth. Through the arts we can suspend reality. Through the arts individuals can be challenged beyond their comfort zone while enhancing self-awareness and pride. Through the arts a deeper sense of appreciation is developed when, for example, the young ballet dancer practices the correct steps for a Battement {bat-MAHN] and then attends the ballet and observes that move done to perfection. What if the child who picks up the outdoor chalk and begins to scribble is then exposed to professional sidewalk chalk artists? What if the child began the skills needed to learn the capabilities of an instrument after watching Tommy Emmanuel or Yo-Yo Ma? What if the person begins voice lessons after receiving a complement in the wake of presenting a high-quality solo? What if? What if? What if?
What if we encourage all individuals, of any age, to try new and innovative activities? And what if opportunities existed for people to attend fresh and pioneering moments that encouraged growth and enhanced everyday living? To do this, we must imagine it already there.
Marty Bell is the vocal director for the Mount Vernon Middle and High School Music Program.
Joseph Bell is a retired art teacher and is a co-director of the Mount Vernon Music and Arts Festival with Trina Trainor.
