What’s Playing at Sci-Tech High School?
Music tastes are as diverse as the student body at Sci-Tech High School (STHS) in Austin, Texas. In recent weeks, students and administrators alike have been opening up about their personal playlists.
STHS Principal Mr. Sosa enjoys a wide variety of genres, from instrumental to metal to country and 80s rock. “The lyrics don’t really matter to me, but the music has to connect,” he said. According to Sosa, he would allow classroom music as he believes “music is a story.” However, he prefers no profanity.
Assistant Principal Hoffman agrees students shouldn’t have earbuds in class, but sees value in a teacher playing background music. His own tastes run more East Coast these days, listing Nas and Notorious B.I.G. as current favorites, along with “zen music.” As for mumble rappers with face tattoos, Hoffman is less enthusiastic: “I don’t get it.”
Student Jaylynn Arnold pushes back, arguing she mainly listens to newer rappers and enjoys it.
Sosa says the message of a song determines if it’s “school appropriate.” He believes music can “talk about the darkness of life” without promoting hate or abuse. Arnold agrees appropriate means “clean” lyrics.
The debate continues over whether STHS can support a band again. Sosa wishes to reinstate the program so students can “tell their story through music,” believing music provides a narrative.
For now, you never know what tune is playing in the halls of STHS. With an administration open to dialogue, the soundtrack likely features both classic anthems and today’s rebel rhymes.
