The Butler Area School District's winter concert hit just the right chord Thursday night, Dec. 14.

The parents, grandparents, siblings and others who pack the Intermediate High School's auditorium celebrated the accomplishments of student musicians and the health of the district's music program.

The community's attentiveness is a compliment to district superintendent Brian White and his team of administrators and educators who work to ensure there are a variety of programs for their students to explore.

As director Katie Black introduced the sixth grade orchestra by section, the audience cheered the violins, violas and cellos. As the night went on, those students gave standing ovations to their peers as the seventh and eighth grade and high school orchestras performed.

We hope the value of the experience will follow those students throughout their lives. Thanks to a district and community that appreciates the arts, the love of music, the joy of learning to play an instrument and the rewards of practice and teamwork are lifetime gifts.

During the program, the students showed off their technical skills but also their playful side while performing the holiday songs. The sixth grade orchestra members demonstrated their enthusiasm and drive by taking the initiative to learn a third number, “Here Comes Santa Claus” for the concert.

The evening ended with a performance by the Butler Rock Orchestra of hits by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra accompanied by a colorful light show. Black explained to the crowd that the group, comprised of students in grades eight to 12, was selected to perform at the 2024 Pennsylvania Music Educators Association's state conference in April.

She compared it to making the WPIAL playoffs. On Thursday night, the students got a glimpse of the fan base behind them.

We are fortunate to see such an outpourings of community support for students at Butler and the other school districts in Butler County. An involved, supportive community is essential for everyone's success.

— DJS