Whether it is the sound of the choir harmonizing, the orchestra performing a beautiful concerto, or the bright spotlight shining on the actors on stage, the fine arts programs at West Chicago Community High School are always buzzing with creativity.

People in the community are always talking about the next concert, showcase, or musical. But what they do not talk about is the steady decline in participation and appreciation for these fine arts programs.

One major reason for this decline is the lasting impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since 2020, it has been difficult to keep students motivated—most noticeably in the fine arts department at WEGO. Many would say the changes in enrollment and interest are due to shorter attention spans and a shift in priorities, particularly after a period when students were attending online classes that required minimal engagement. Many fine arts classes such as Mixed Chorus, Concert Band, and Drama saw a decline in enrollment after the pandemic, and numbers continue to struggle.

The Numbers Tell the Story

A look at student enrollment over the past six years reveals a significant drop in participation since 2018. Mixed Chorus—an entry-level music class requiring little prior experience—has seen its numbers dwindle, while Women’s Chorale was removed entirely due to lack of enrollment. Drama, though still attracting students, has lost nearly half its participants compared to pre-pandemic years, and Advanced Drama is not running at all this year.

“I hate to be the person that always looks to blaming things on COVID, but I definitely think maintaining a fine arts program during that time was hard,” AVID teacher and WeGo Drama co-director Nicole Stadler said.

Orchestra teacher Sara Austin echoed this sentiment, explaining that the pandemic stunted involvement in music programs because students were not learning in person, making it difficult to develop musical skills. “They weren’t in the orchestra room, they weren’t in the band room, they weren’t in the choir room, they weren’t in the theater room, connecting with their peers at that beginning level,” Austin said. “And now, after the pandemic, the idea of being in a room full of people is kind of intimidating to a lot of kids.”

The Role of Social Media and Instant Gratification

While the pandemic played a significant role in declining participation, social media and digital culture have also had an impact. Stadler pointed out that many students now find creative outlets through platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and podcasting, rather than engaging in traditional fine arts. “There are different outlets now than there were before,” she said. “But I think these things are connected. If students participated in fine arts, it could enhance those digital skills, too.”

Austin also emphasized how the modern culture of instant gratification discourages students from taking on challenges that require time and persistence. “I don’t know many kids who say, ‘Oh, try something new? That sounds awesome! Let me do something I’m really bad at and have never done before!'” she said. “But that’s the growth mindset—you have to be bad at something before you get good at it. And music and art don’t provide instant gratification; they take years of practice.”

Rebuilding the Fine Arts Community

Despite these challenges, WEGO’s fine arts staff remains committed to keeping the programs alive and encouraging student involvement. Austin noted that introducing new classes—such as a third level of guitar and a new piano course—can help students find an entry point into music, even if they did not have prior exposure.

Additionally, one of the most effective ways to promote fine arts is through peer influence. Stadler believes that students are more likely to join when they hear firsthand from friends about the positive experiences of participating. “If I’m just an old lady saying, ‘Hey, you should do this, it’s fun,’ it doesn’t have the same impact,” she said. “But when other students say, ‘Hey, this is something you would enjoy,’ that’s where the power is.”

To strengthen the fine arts community, teachers and students alike are focusing on outreach, including promoting programs to incoming freshmen and even middle school students. “A lot of upperclassmen who try fine arts later say, ‘Man, I wish I would have started this when I was a freshman,'” Stadler said. “The key is getting them involved earlier.”

The Path Forward

The fine arts programs at WEGO remain a vital part of the school, fostering creativity, self-expression, and community. The challenge now is inspiring students to take that first step—to pick up an instrument, audition for a show, or join a choir.

“The community is there that supports them and keeps them pushing for it,” Austin said. “They show up because they get to do something cool, make something cool, and every day, they get a little bit better.”

By continuing to promote concerts, shows, and new opportunities, WEGO’s fine arts programs can regain their momentum and remind students of the value of the arts—not just as an extracurricular activity, but as a lifelong passion.