Thanks to the Trib for the comprehensive coverage of local arts organizations and events and, particularly, your expanded coverage of local theater and Westmoreland County high school musicals. Bravo!

As I see it, the collective arts community throughout our county is the envy of Western Pennsylvania. Yet, while interest in local music, arts and theater entertainment continues to annually surge — especially within the schools — the issue of not replacing retiring music educators is back on the table, this time at Derry Area and Greensburg Salem.

While I’m known in Westmoreland as a “theater guy,” I participated in six sports in high school (three more in college) and I can say without any hesitation that my experience in the arts has been far more rewarding, challenging, educational, enriching and everlasting than scoring touchdowns, hitting home runs or winning a race, wrestling title or golf tournament.

Arts education teaches self-respect, work ethic, dedication, teamwork, confidence, culture and joy of accomplishment regardless of size, strength and physical ability. Arts education lasts a lifetime and leaves no child behind.

School boards — please find a way.

John M. Noble

Hempfield

The writer is founder of Westmoreland Night of the Stars.

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