FA 100 is probably the most hated course at BYU-Idaho. A required course for every student, FA 100 is often regarded as a nuisance, little more than a ploy to solicit attendance to less popular performances.
Judging by the way students speak of it, one might think FA 100 is its own entity, independent of the College of Performing and Visual Arts. FA 100’s mission statement could read: “We strive to be a thorn in the side of each and every student.”

This reaction toward FA 100 does not indicate a course in dire need of change. On the contrary, it is the indictment of a student body which is so accustomed to thoughtless junk-food entertainment that they refuse cultivating performances and exhibits like a child does vegetables.

A foundation in the arts and humanities is an established fact in the realm of general education. Harvard, Yale, UCLA and Columbia Universities all incorporate the fine arts in the core curricula. Even MIT, celebrated for its intensive applied science programs, requires eight course hours in the humanities, arts and social sciences.

Such study is invaluable. Each generation produces a mix of good and bad art. Nevertheless, only the best is passed on to the succeeding generation. The fine arts courses available to students today are a distillation of the excellent from millennia of culture and civilization.

When students study the arts, they study the thoughts of great men and women. Their questions, their ideas and their inspirations. To disregard this as boring, outdated or unimportant is absurd.

Enjoying or disliking fine art is not a matter of “preference” any more than eating healthy. Eating a balanced diet takes some effort and thought on anyone’s part. The end is worth the means. Likewise, enjoying a symphony orchestra does not require an inherent “taste” for such things. It takes thought, background understanding and some effort on the part of the listener. It, too, is worth it.

It may be complained that BYU-I’s performances are of poor quality. Whether or not this is true, being disinterested and ignorantly critical of the performing arts will do nothing to increase the quality.

BYU-I’s College of Visual and Performing Arts does not need greater funding or resources as much as it needs an engaged and culturally educated student body that can intelligently praise or critique.

“To will the good, one must first know it,” said Petrarch, an early Italian humanist. If students want to make a lasting positive influence on the world after leaving BYU-I, they must be well-acquainted with the best things.

An appreciation and understanding of fine arts will widen one’s scope. It will allow one to inspect his or her knowledge and abilities from the broader perspective of humanities. The result is a person who not only has knowledge, but also has the wisdom to apply it where it will do the most good.

Next time the lights go down in visual arts class, keep the eyelids up. Talk to a dance major about why they like dance. Pay attention in Humanities class. Ask a classical music fan what the big deal is about Bach. Classics are classic for a reason. A little insight will make all the difference.