IYKYK, as the kids say. Families who have taken part in the Hopkinton Public Schools music program know our high school’s musical program is a gem. And its director, Craig Hay? A real diamond.

As today’s world prioritizes STEM over arts, and our federal government is decreasing education funding — towns all over the U.S. face increased pressure to cut costs. And first on the chopping block is most often the music program. But you know what every school needs more of? Music.

Music doesn’t just make kids smarter (research shows it does). It also gives kids a healthy outlet for stress, a creative way to express feelings, and opportunities to bond with friends and with those from across grades and activities.

In Hopkinton, we are so lucky to not only have a music program but to have a robust and award-winning program. If you’ve never been to a concert at the high school, you might be blown away by the sheer number of kids on stage — and the talent they have. Chorale, concert music and jazz are alive and well in Hopkinton, thanks to the leadership of Mr. Hay and our dedicated music teachers.

The music program has been a game changer for our son, a 2025 graduate. He had a dual blow during the pandemic — social distancing and a broken leg that isolated him during middle school. Music became his outlet. He picked up the guitar, he listened to vinyl, he practiced clarinet. In high school, he picked up saxophone and joined the school’s exceptional jazz ensemble. He’s now continuing his musical studies at university next year.

Music class at HHS is a safe space — if only to relax a bit. Mr. Hay is a world-class teacher who demonstrates deep knowledge and love of music with kindness and grace for adolescents he knows are balancing pressure from academics, part-time jobs, relationships and other activities, like sleep.

In a town where our school’s ranking and our sports teams often make local news, this is a love letter to the entire Music Department, led by Craig Hay. I also wanted to thank our public school administration, School Committee, Select Board and you, our local community, for keeping the arts well-funded. Because, while STEM drives innovation, the arts drive inspiration. And we think the world needs dreamers now more than ever.

— Jill and Matt Petrie, Hopkinton

Editor’s note: The opinions and comments expressed in letters to the editor are those of the writers and not necessarily those of the Independent. Submissions should be no more than 400 words and must include the writer’s name and contact information for verification. Letters should be relevant and not primarily for the purpose of promoting an organization or event or thanking sponsors or volunteers. Letters may be edited by the Independent staff for space, errors or clarification, and the Independent offers no guarantee that every letter will be published. For a schedule of deadlines for letters and other submissions for the print edition, click here.