[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 44 (Wednesday, March 27, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E460]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       TRIBUTE TO 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF APOLLO CLUB MALE CHORUS OF 
                         MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA

                                 ______


                            HON. JIM RAMSTAD

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 27, 1996

  Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring attention to the 
prestigious history and legacy of excellence for more than a century of 
the Apollo Club Male Chorus of Minneapolis, MN.
  Just last year, the Apollo Club celebrated 100 years of truly 
superior musical performances. This marvelous chorus of amateur 
musicians exemplifies the spirit that makes our country great--friends 
from all walks of life, gathering outside of their daily and 
professional lives to fashion a powerful bond made possible only by a 
common, shared goal in which the group takes precedence over the 
individual.
  The members of the Apollo Chorus have proven for more than 100 years 
what can be accomplished through a strong work ethic, teamworks and a 
commitment to excellence.
  The chorus has sung the works of history's greatest composers--Bach, 
Beethoven, Mozart, and others--all around our great Nation as well as 
overseas, wowing audiences with its unique, full, and mellow sounds.
  Mr. Speaker, from its birthplace at the home of Col. Charles McC. 
Reeve on the south shore of Lake Harriet in Minneapolis, the chorus has 
graced a global stage over the years which has included performances at 
President Eisenhower's inaugural in 1957, the World's Fair in Brussels 
in 1958, the memorial atop the sunken Battleship Arizona at the Pearl 
Harbor commemorative ceremony in 1985 and international festivals from 
Wales to Nancy, France.
  Among its many awards and honors, the Apollo Male Chorus won second 
place at the renowned Eisteddfod Choral Festival in 1982. But despite 
the chorus' success in musical competition, the Apollo Club's real 
focus has been on moving people with their special music, and educating 
audiences about the choral style they practice so eloquently.
  Mr. Speaker, the members of the Apollo Chorus through the years have 
been true pioneers of choral song. Audiences swing and sing to the 
Apollo's international collection of rhythms.
  In Greek mythology, Apollo stood for clarity, order, and harmony. In 
a world that too often leaves us stunned because of its chaos and 
discord, the Apollo Club delivers a much-needed message of peace and 
togetherness. Today we thank all the club's singers, leaders, officers, 
and special musical guests for their gift of beautiful music and 
extraordinary harmony.
  Today, we salute the Apollo Club Male Chorus of Minneapolis for a 
century of wonderful entertainment and we honor this outstanding group 
for the joy its members have brought to our lives. The people of 
Minnesota are proud of the Apollo Club Male Chorus, and we wish them 
many more years of success.

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