As arts education becomes more limited in some schools, arts programs for wellness are launching around the country. In Steamboat Springs, art experiences can now be prescribed as an antidote to stress or isolation.
While some Northern Colorado schools aren’t fully funding traditional arts classes, like painting and choir, others are shifting their classes to be more career-focused.
The school in Brighton had no band program a few years ago. Now hundreds participate.
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During band class Vikan Middle School Band Director Aaron Carnahan helps a student find a note on their instrument by demonstrating what part of the mouth to use.
Jennifer Coombes / ÌÇÐÄvlog´«Ã½
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Carnahan jokes with students during band class. He said building a thriving music program can often rest on a passionate teacher.
Jennifer Coombes / ÌÇÐÄvlog´«Ã½
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Melody Lor plays the violin in the Vikan Middle School band. Next year, the school is starting a string orchestra.
Jennifer Coombes / ÌÇÐÄvlog´«Ã½
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Band Director Aaron Carnahan leads students at Vikan Middle School in Brighton through a song. Carnahan was hired at the school three years ago and has helped rebuild the band program.
Jennifer Coombes / ÌÇÐÄvlog´«Ã½
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Sophomore Cade Prather (left), points to the graphics system and gets instruction from teacher JD Jacob (right) on how to use it on May 5, 2025, in Loveland, Colo. They're working on producing a sports broadcast for the baseball game at Mountain View High School.
Emma VandenEinde / ÌÇÐÄvlog´«Ã½
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Freshman Levi Frietag (right) helps another student take out cameras, tripods, and other equipment for their sports broadcast. The students have only made a few practice broadcasts, but in the fall, they'll be able to cover football and girls' volleyball as part of Jacob's sports broadcasting class.
Emma VandenEinde / ÌÇÐÄvlog´«Ã½
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Students receive recognition for their achievements in school productions at Mountain View High School's drama awards on May 19th, 2025, in Loveland, Colo.
Jennifer Coombes / ÌÇÐÄvlog´«Ã½
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Students receive recognition for their achievements in school productions at Mountain View High School's drama awards on May 19th, 2025, in Loveland, Colo.
Jennifer Coombes / ÌÇÐÄvlog´«Ã½
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11-year-old Sam poses with the guitar she got as a birthday present. Her parents signed her up for free guitar lessons through Prescription for the Arts, a Steamboat Spring initiative that aims to improve youth wellbeing through the arts.
Leigh Paterson / ÌÇÐÄvlog´«Ã½
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Sam takes a guitar lesson with her teacher, Adam Petty, at the Wildhorse Cinema + Arts in Steamboat Springs.