[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 62 (Tuesday, April 4, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E771]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


         CONGRATULATING THE WESTFIELD HIGH SCHOOL CONCERT BAND

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                            HON. JACK FIELDS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, April 4, 1995
  Mr. FIELDS. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate this opportunity to 
congratulate the Westfield High School concert band in Houston, TX, on 
recently winning the Sudler Flag of Honor, which is presented to the 
most outstanding high school concert bands in the United States and 
Canada.
  Under the direction of Mr. Philip Geiger, the Westfield High School 
concert band is just the 31st concert band to earn the Sudler Flag of 
Honor in the 12 years that it has been awarded. The award is presented 
by the John Philip Sousa Foundation and is intended to recognize and 
salute high school concert band programs of international-level 
excellence.
  Winning the Sudler Flag of Honor proves what many of us have known 
for along time: that the Westfield High School concert band is among 
the very best concert bands in North America.
  The Sudler Flag is designed in red, white and blue and features the 
logo of the John Philip Sousa Foundation. The flag becomes the property 
of the band. Each member of the band receives a personalized 
certificate and the band director receives a personalized plaque.
  To be eligible for the Sudler Flag, a high school must have 
maintained a fine concert band for at least 7 years. Although the 
band's concert activities receive the most attention in the selection 
process, the high school's band program must be a complete one and must 
include a marching band, small ensembles, and solo participation by its 
members in contests and festivals. Also, the band conductor must have 
been at the same high school for at least 7 consecutive years and is 
expected to be involved in professional band and music education 
organization and activities on the local, State and national level.
  Mr. Speaker, I know that you join with me in congratulating the young 
men and women of the Westfield High School concert band--as well as 
conductor Philip Geiger--on this significant achievement, and I know 
you join with me in wishing everyone associated with the band continued 
success in the years ahead.


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