[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 41 (Friday, April 15, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: April 15, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                    TRIBUTE TO MATTHEW G. VOLLBRECHT

                                 ______


                            HON. BUD SHUSTER

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 14, 1994

  Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an 
extraordinary young man from Everett, PA, Matthew G. Vollbrecht. 
Matthew is young, only 10 years old, and blind, yet he has managed to 
overcome his handicap to accomplish great things as an musician.
  This year, Matthew was awarded the 1994 Panasonic Young Soloists 
Award. This high honor comes with a $5,000 scholarship to continue his 
study of music and a performance at the John F. Kennedy Center for the 
Performing Arts. This award was established by Very Special Arts to 
recognize students with disabilities who have exhibited unique talents 
as either a vocalist or an instrumentalist.
  Although he is only 10 years old, Matthew has a long list of 
achievements. He began studying the piano at the age of 4 and voice 
when he was 6; when he was only 8, he composed his first composition, 
``Since Your Love's Come Back to Me''.
  Matthew has appeared in concert more than 110 times, including a 
performance with the Altoona Symphony Orchestra. In 1992, he released 
his first cassette, Melodic Insight--With Love, Matthew.
  Mr. Speaker, I would urge all of my colleagues to join me in 
congratulating Matthew and complimenting him for this award and all of 
his past and future accomplishments.

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