Bethel Park was recently named one of the best communities for music education in America for the second time by the National Association of Music Merchants.

Mr. Thompson, BPHS Band Director, said: “I firmly believe that this award gives well-deserved recognition to the students, staff, administration, and community for a commitment to musical excellence. We are lucky in Bethel Park to have a long-standing tradition for superior music-making, and this award helps draw attention to it.”

Bethel Park was one of only 476 schools to receive this award, compared to the 13,515 school districts in the country.

Thompson believes that a good music program is essential for high school students.

“I feel that the importance of a comprehensive music program exists in that indescribable quality of music. Music has the power to make us feel things we didn’t know we could feel. Music makes us feel more alive– more innately human,” Thompson said.

He thanks the students for this achievement, without whom there would be no music program.