Letter to the editor: Keep arts in schools

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.