[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 134 (Thursday, August 10, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S12211]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                      TRIBUTE TO DR. JOHN M. LONG

  Mr. HEFLIN. Mr. President, I am pleased to pay tribute today to an 
outstanding leader in the musical field--Dr. John M. Long. Dr. Long, 
director of bands at Troy State University in Troy Alabama for 30 
years, is one of the most distinguished and influential figures in the 
history of this university. The school will be honoring him on 
Saturday, October 28, at its homecoming football game against the 
University of Alabama at Birmingham with a celebration entitled ``All 
That Jazz: a Salute to Dr. John M. Long.'' In reflecting upon just a 
few of the highlights of his illustrious career, one can easily see why 
he is so appreciated by those who know him best and why he is so 
deserving of this special honor.
  Dr. John Long is a nationally known guest conductor, clinician, and 
adjudicator who has served throughout North America and Europe. In 
1969, he was named by School Musician magazine as one of the top ten 
outstanding band directors in the United States and Canada. He is past 
state chairman of the Alabama School Band Directors Association and in 
1977, became the first active bandmaster elected to the Alabama 
Bandmasters' Hall of Fame. In 1972, he was presented the Citation of 
Excellence by the National Band Association. He is a past president of 
the prestigious American Bandmasters Association.
  Dr. Long's service to Troy State University has extended far beyond 
its music program. He is dean of the School of Fine Arts and for 20 
years was dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. In addition to 
currently serving as the director of bands, he is a distinguished 
professor of music.
  John Long was born in Guntersville, Alabama on December 28, 1925. He 
received his bachelor's degree from Jacksonville State University in 
Jacksonville, Alabama and his master's from the University of Alabama. 
Jacksonville State awarded him an honorary doctor of laws degree.
  Today, over 200 former students of Dr. Long's are active high school 
band directors or college music educators throughout the nation. One of 
his former students, Colonel John R. Bourgeois, is currently the 
director of the well-known United States Marine Corps Band based here 
in Washington.
  I am pleased to commend and congratulate Dr. John Long on his many 
years of service to his community, state, and nation. William 
Shakespeare wrote in ``The Merchant of Venice'':

     The man that hath no music in himself,
     Nor is not mov'd with concord of sweet sounds,
     Is fit for treasons, stratagems, and spoils;
     The motions of his spirit are dull as night,
     And his affections dark as Erebus:

I join his many friends in saying ``thanks'' to Dr. Long for all the 
sweet sounds with which he has filled our lives and brightened our 
spirits.


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