This year, McLean started a new routine: during passing periods, the office plays music in the hallways two minutes before class starts to serve as a warning bell for students.

So far, a wide range of songs has been featured, spanning from 90s hits to some of the internet’s most trendy recent songs like “Golden” from K-Pop Demon Hunters and “Ophelia” by Taylor Swift.

However, the playlists broadcasted throughout the school have been recycled for nearly five months. Songs, especially “Golden” have been played nonstop, boring many students who wish for fresher song choices.

Many students seeking more diverse song options are unaware of opportunities to improve the passing period playlist. The current system clearly overlooks student preferences, and it is evident that McLean needs a solution to expand its hallway music options.

Without actively incorporating students’ suggestions, passing periods will become a dreaded time for students with constantly recycled music. By periodically publicizing a Google Form for song recommendations, McLean can bring more variety to the playlists and make a more inclusive environment that caters to students’ preferences.

If managed successfully, McLean has the opportunity to improve students’ day-to-day experience at school through small actions. Playing songs that align with students’ music taste can provide them with something to look forward to throughout the school day—allowing school to be a more enjoyable experience.

With phones and AirPods being prohibited in the hallways, hallway music is a special chance for students to listen and wind down right before class begins.

Some may argue that the school already supports a diverse music playlist by switching song themes every week. Still, the current ‘alternating themes’ system fails to compensate for the limited song options that are played repeatedly within every week.

A notable concern with song suggestions is inappropriate music submissions. But this is easily preventable by providing students with warnings against sending explicit songs that do not belong on school grounds.

This is not to say that McLean is completely disregarding the diverse student body. In fact, the school compiled a week of music dedicated to Latin and Hispanic genres, celebrating the student heritage of those demographics. Similar actionable changes, with a focus on expanding song options, will allow McLean to extend beyond the current theme weeks to make the school day enjoyable for as many students and staff as possible.