The Class of ‘22, has endured many changes that have inspired and influenced them. Music is something that the class listens to no matter where they are or what they are doing. Whether it was going to their first Valentine’s Day dance in elementary school or their first time driving after getting their license, music was a part of it all. From TikTok songs that get stuck in their heads to the music that plays from the marching band at football games, music has connected this class.

Elementary school:

Elementary school was full of many playground dances, Jump Rope for Heart fundraisers, AR parties, and overall a good time. Songs like “Call Me Maybe” by Carly Rae Jepsen and “Thrift Shop” by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis were two top favorites in elementary school because of the catchy choruses. Towards the end of elementary school many of the Class of ‘22 started to go through their first playground breakup, slow dance, and relationship. All of these moments were incorporated into songs like “All of Me” by John Legend and “Shake it Off” by Taylor Swift.

Once fifth grade rolled around, their music tastes changed to more of an R&B and rap style genre. They began listening to songs like “Trap Queen” by Fetty Wap and “Hotline Bling” by Drake. Many different dances were created to these songs and that meant every student would break out in what looked like a flash mob.

Middle school:

As years went on and their crayons turned into mechanical pencils, the Class of ‘22’s  music changed too. Middle school changed many friend groups, but the fondness of music never left them. An app called Musical.ly became very popular and changed the music tastes of many students. “7 Years” by Lucas Graham became a popular song choice because of Musical.ly. 

Middle school allowed a lot of students to begin  “finding themselves” and music helped them through that process. “Say You Won’t Let Go” by James Arthur was a song that many seventh graders tried to relate to as they went through their first middle school breakup. “Scars to Your Beautiful” by Alessia Cara helped many girls (and maybe boys) through the insecurities that middle school creates.

High school: 

“Freshie” or “rookie” are the names that were given to the Class of ‘22 being new freshmen. High school started off as a scary experience for most students, but as time went on music helped through all of the stress that it brings. “bad guy” by Billie Eilish was a popular song that gave an edgier vibe from the music they listened to prior. 

They are now in their senior year of high school and their devotion to music has never failed. Although the class has now branched out into their own unique genres of music, they have never lost the bond with each other that music brings. Whether it was listening to Olivia Rodrigo’s album “Sour” or Luke Combs, singing with each other always brought smiles and laughter.

As the Class of ‘22 went through many different phases throughout their time together, they continued to keep the same love for music as they did at a young age. Their music choice not only inspired them, but it helped them to become  better people. No matter where this class goes or what they become, their connection with music will hopefully inspire them and bring them back together.