During the winter school semester Shepherd's Hill Farm Academy, a Christian Counseling Boarding School, has a Music Appreciation class taught by Mr. Walt Reed, a.k.a. "Mr. Walt." Academically, students are taught how music and media can be influential, controlling, and that there is a spiritual dimension to what they see and hear. Per Mr. Walt, "It is an opportunity for me to show them that music is NOT just music, and that there is a spiritual side to all music and media."
At the start of the class, Mr. Walt did a survey to discover what styles of music and types of movies the troubled youth had been entertained with, and what their preference was for each. The results of the survey revealed that both the boys and the girls liked the same categories of music; which are: Rock, Heavy Metal, Rap, Hip-Hop, Screamo, Tech, etc. As for the kinds of movies; the boys preferred action, fighting and violent types of movies. Surprisingly enough, the girls favored more the scary and horror type films.
Knowing the troubled youth's preference in the above mentioned music and media, Mr. Walt informs the class he is going to have them watch a movie that is a musical, titled "Fiddler on the Roof." Then he gave them an assignment to write a brief essay commenting on the movie as if they were a movie critic. This year, Mr. Walt was amazed by the response from these troubled teens. They actually liked the "old" musical.
Mr. Walt said, "This just re-enforced and confirmed to me that what we are doing here at Shepherd's Hill Farm Academy works!" Below you will read some of these astonishing comments from the student of Shepherd's Hill Farm, Christian Counseling Boarding School. We encourage all parents to retrain their kid's appetites when it comes to music and media by exposing them to good, wholesome, family entertainment and music. Take the time to have family movie night together, have fun and "play" movie critics. Rediscover an old classic that you watched as a kid, share it with your family and observe their reactions.
Below are the comments from SHF, Christian Counseling Boarding School's troubled youth after watching the classic, 1971 MGM movie "Fiddler on the Roof." All of the kid's eyes were opened up to the Jewish customs. Most all commented on the way the family values were carried on by the fathers and mothers of the Jewish heritage, and it peaked their interest to learn more about their own family traditions.
"I thought it would be lame, but it was actually extremely good. I really enjoyed it. Not only was the movie interesting and had a really good story, but I thought the music was great.
"It changed my perspective of musicals.
"Being a beginner in violin, it inspired me to practice and learn more about the violin.
"I would definitely love to watch it again.
"We are privileged to live in the United States of America.
"It made me realize how much I talk with God, and it strengthened my prayer life.
"Helped me recognize my relationship with Christ, and how He is in me.
"You should respect each other and submit to your parents.
"Be content where you are in life.
"It had incredible original songs that were very catchy. It was an entertaining movie.
"I really enjoyed the catchy melodies and songs. The songs were probably my favorite part. The music was a nice break from the hardcore music that seems to be everywhere - even in the church. The music was refreshing, clean, and admittedly - fun. Another shocking thing I saw that was different from the modern times - no cussing.
"Overall, it was a very good movie with a very good story and very good setting and some very good actors. I would gladly watch it again even though I have seen it five times already.