I really enjoyed conducting these student interviews. I found it very fascinating discussing the things we have been talking about in class with non music students. I think their opinions are incredibly important to building a strong music program. Both of the people I interviewed actually had a small background in music and both really enjoyed music class. Both of them choose not to take high school music, however, which I found really interesting. Both had slightly different reasons, but for the most part it was because they did not want to participate in band. This really struck home with me because that was exactly why I did not take music in high school. This really showed me that a strong and open music program needs to offer alternatives and different kinds of courses. The schools with large programs and many classes show to have a much higher participant rate over the schools that just offer one band music class. The other point that was mentioned in my interviews was that band was challenging because it was an extra curricular and required lots of outside of school time. Most students in high school are already incredibly busy with academics, social lives, and often a part-time job, and I hate the idea that they can only choose one or two activities to participate in around their school. I think having a larger program and more classes would give students who enjoy music but do not have time to participate in band the opportunity to still participate in the program. These interviews really opened up my eyes to new and different ideas for a successful music program. Every one listens to and enjoys music, but finding the way to reach out and connect those interests in a classroom can be challenging. I think opening the communications between students and teachers (or teachers in the making), like these interviews did, is an excellent way to start.