Every Friday at LM, music is played through the loudspeakers in between classes. Student Council brought Music Fridays to LM a while ago, and it has stuck ever since. The playing of fun and upbeat music is meant to create a positive atmosphere at LM and to get students ready for the weekend to come, a tradition that adds to LM culture and spirit. As music is proven to lower stress levels and raise your mood, it’s important to incorporate it into stressful work days. Music Fridays give LM students something to look forward to, and helps boost the energy of students coming off of a long week of school.
This tradition has been going on for a long time, or about as long as Sean Capkin, the student council sponsor, has been here. Although Music Fridays may not seem very complex, a large amount of planning goes into it. The current sergeant at arms, Aaron Silber ’26, is in charge of organizing. Each week a different student council committee is chosen, either the Radnor, Spirit, Underclassman, DEI, Promotions, Socials, or Philanthropy committee. The three committee heads figure out what songs they are playing and arrange the time in which they will be played. The committee head will hold their phone up to the microphone, and the song will be played throughout the loudspeakers of the school, filling the hallway with music as students move from one class to another.
Music Fridays are consistent and the student council rarely misses a Friday, besides for the month of Ramadan, where music is not played, out of respect for the holiday’s traditions. Some think that only student council committee heads get to choose the songs, but this is not true. On the Aces Nation instagram account there are stories posted with a suggestion box where you can recommend songs to be played for Music Fridays. The songs students suggest are added to the playlist along with songs the committee heads have chosen, so students can hear songs they enjoy. Once the committee heads put together a fun and upbeat mix for the day, Mr. Capkin will look it over and make sure the songs are appropriate for school.
Music isn’t just something we listen to for no reason, and it can cause immensely positive effects on individuals. According to the Glendale Library of Arts and Culture, “Listening to music can reduce anxiety, blood pressure and pain as well as improve sleep quality, mood, mental alertness and memory. It can also improve blood flow in ways similar to medications, lower your levels of stress-related hormones and ease pain.” Naturally soothing stress is extremely important especially when it comes to students who are under a lot of pressure with school work. Being able to take your mind off of a stressful class can help refresh your mind so you can focus on your next class. Students at LM clearly exemplify these studies. Ryan Cromer ’27 says, “Music puts me in a positive mood and makes me happy, especially during a stressful school day.” Will Cohen ’27 says, “If I’m having a tough day, music can brighten up my mood and allow me to take my mind off any stressors.”
There is a positive trend of students and teachers enjoying Music Fridays at LM. Lily Nucci ’27 says, “Music Fridays should continue since it is a fun and creative tradition that adds to the spirit of LM.” Music Fridays definitely are a way to add spirit to LM and create an even stronger community and culture. Being able to learn in a positive atmosphere is important for teenagers to focus and prioritize their work. The Student Council President, Aliyah Brownstein ’25, says “As a past Sergeant at Arms, Music Fridays are definitely one of my favorite Student Council traditions. Knowing that there is something every week that so many students look forward to always puts a smile on my face and I love to see the Aces community come together every week to talk about the songs.” Brownstein brings up a good acknowledgment that this tradition brings people together and creates a stronger bond between students at LM. The music gets students excited for the weekend as well. Noah Thur ’27 says, “When I’m walking through the hallways and hear music playing it immediately reminds me that the school week is over and I can look forward to the weekend.” Getting students excited to go out into their weekend break is a good way to make a Friday fun and lift the spirits of those at LM.
Though most students have a positive attitude towards Music Friday’s, there are some concerns. A concern being that music playing in between sets could distract students from getting to class on time. However, some students claim that the songs playing in between sets actually help them get to their next class in a timely manner. Andrew Rankin ’26 says, “On Fridays I always get to class on time, since I know how much time I need to get to class in relation to the music that plays.” It is great that students can enjoy the music while still focusing on getting to class. Although most of LM loves the music, some have trouble hearing it. Mrs. Michaud says ,“I love the idea of music Fridays, although I do think the system they use to play this music is not the best, and can be a little bit shaky or aggressive a lot of the time.” Mr. Hues says, “I enjoy music fridays although sometimes I can’t hear the songs very well through the loudspeaker.” Improving the way the songs are broadcasted would definitely be a great way to make the tradition even better.
Spirit and community is something we really value here at LM and Music Fridays showcases that. Music Fridays have become a beloved LM tradition, and one LM will keep loving for years to come.
