On the way to school, there is one uniting factor in almost every person’s trip: music. Maybe while eating breakfast, a commercial jingle starts playing, or a popular song blasts through the radio or someone just starts humming a tune while walking; it’s clear that music connects everyone. 

Music listenership can be seen throughout the hallways at RV. Despite the fact that the administration has posted “NO AIRPODS” signs throughout the school, students walk the halls with airpods in and music blasting. For many, this brief slice of privacy — even intimacy — is an important reprieve from the humdrum normality of the classroom. 

According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, “Children and adolescents typically spend 2.5 hours a day listening to music – via radio, phones or streaming services.” This can seem like a lot, but the academy also notes that music consumerism itself is not a danger to students who “lead a healthy and balanced life,” but that apps like TikTok and Snapchat can be dangerous in their focus not on musical artistry, but on self image and (often) “destructive themes.” Music can help students “explore their identities” at a crucial time in their lives and support their self expression. 

With new songs being released every day, new artists going viral, or new groups debuting, it makes one wonder, what is RV listening to?

For some, music is a way to pass the time during transitional moments in their lives, but for others music can hold a deeper meaning. 

Junior Juliana De-Los Santos uses music as a way to connect to her Hispanic heritage.

“I Listen to Reggaeton and mostly Latino artists,” said De-Los Santos. “They help me connect with my culture because specifically when the artist speaks Spanish, it makes the songs much more enjoyable to me and makes me wanna dance.”

This feeling of wanting to get up and dance is one De-Los Santos stressed was a feeling she loves.

“I listen to [Latino Artists] on a daily basis, however where I most listen to them are at parties with my friends. My favorite song at the moment is ‘Deincuente’ by Tokischa, Anuel AA, and Ñengo Flow,” she said.

Alternatively, music can inspire excitement, growth and improvement within someone. This is the case with junior Donovan Potter who listens to music while bodybuilding.

“I’ve been working out for around 10 months now,” Potter said “It’s been hard specifically with staying consistent but music has always helped me through it.”

For Potter, the loud and invigorating mood of his music sets the tone for an effective work-out.

“Music, mostly Rap, pumps me up before I do any kind of work-out,” said Potter “I always listen to ‘Long Time’ by PlayBoi Carti. The song and I guess music itself kind of acts like a push that reminds me to keep going even if it’s hard.”

Rather than an upbeat and high-paced sound, some prefer a more relaxed vibe from the music they listen to, like sophomore Aniya Atwell, who mostly listens to R&B style music.

“RnB stands out for me, it makes me feel inspired but I also enjoy the chill type of vibe a lot of RnB songs have,” Atwell said. “The music I listen to in the morning tends to set the tone for the rest of my day, so like if I listen to exciting music in the morning, my day will usually be more exciting and if I listen to more calming music, my day will usually be more calm.”

The atmosphere relaxed music creates perfectly encompasses how Atwell wants her days at school, and in life, to be: relaxing and carefree but still exciting and fun.

“A song that is on repeat for me is ‘Not My Job’ by FLO. I make sure to bring [music] with me wherever I go and it plays a huge part in my life. ”

However, life is not always laid-back and sometimes there are difficult and stressful moments one has to persevere through. Senior Imyr Jones uses music to help him through these moments.

“I played basketball at my old school and going out on the court was always a stressful time,” said Jones. “I would always listen to Gospel music before because it would calm me down and help me focus on being the best on the court.”

Jones transferred this year and is thinking about participating in the boys basketball season when it comes around.

“A song I would listen to a lot, especially when I was nervous before a match, is ‘Clean This House’ by Issac Carree. It makes me feel confident in my basketball skills.”

Alternatively, some don’t have songs they listen to during specific moments, some listen to specific artists. Freshman Diya Saini feels this way with global artist, Taylor Swift.

“I listen to her anytime I feel like it, anytime is perfect for Taylor,” Saini said, “Her music, it just gets me, you know?”

With 276 million Instagram followers and many sold-out concerts, pop singer Taylor Swift is one of the most popular musicians among today’s youth.

“You know when you listen to a song, and you think ‘yeah that’s me’,” said Saini. “Like whenever I listen to her songs I feel comfortable and her music is just so inspiring. I love her new album and I love the vault songs: ‘Is It Over Now’ and ‘Say It Ain’t So.’” 

Even teachers are constantly listening to music throughout the day. Business education teacher Mrs. Carolee Gray is known for blasting Taylor Swift music before tutorial.

“All of [Swift’s] songs are relatable to some part of my life over the last 52 years,” she said. “She’s a brilliant songwriter and singer.” 

So, whether your favorite tune is a smooth and relaxing jazz piece or an exciting and upbeat pop song by your favorite artist, everyone can agree music is something that unites and uplifts, especially in the RV community.