Passing the music room means being accompanied by the melodious sound of instruments playing, singing and the excited chatter of students. But it wasn’t always that way.

Last semester, music teacher Wesley Hambright left due to budget cuts. This semester, Hambright returned as a permanent teacher.

“I’m very excited to be back and excited about all the talent here that without a music program, wouldn’t have a place to go,” Hambright said.

Music not only provides students with a creative outlet, but is needed to fulfill the necessary arts requirement, in order to graduate.

“The music program allows students to have some fun in class and is a requirement to receive a diploma,” Principal Deb Smith said.

Students such as senior Giselle Rizo understand the importance of having a music program.

“I think having a music program is important because many students express themselves through music so it gives them a way to harbor that passion,” Rizo said.

Every year Daniel Pearl Magnet High School holds Daniel Pearl World Music Day (DPWMD), a day when the whole school commemorates the journalist legacy, through music.

In this year’s  DPWMD, Hambright plans to reflect portray different messages through music.

“I’m planning to reflect love, peace, brotherhood and remembrance spoken in word of mouth through music. I want the messages to combine into a tapestry of meaning,” Hambright said.