[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 68 (Wednesday, May 15, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E812]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      TRIBUTE TO W.T. WOODSON HIGH SCHOOL CONCERT BAND OF FAIRFAX

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                          HON. THOMAS M. DAVIS

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 15, 1996

  Mr. DAVIS. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise today and 
pay tribute to the W.T. Woodson Senior High School Concert Band of 
Fairfax, which will receive one of the most prestigious international 
awards for high school concert bands. On May 17, 1996, the W.T. Woodson 
Band will receive the John Philip Sousa Foundation's Sudler Flag of 
Honor, an award which recognizes high school concert bands that have 
demonstrated the highest standards of excellence in all respects of 
their activities. Under the direction of a very dedicated and talented 
music director, Mr. John Casagrande, it is one of only two bands from 
the entire United States and Canada to receive this coveted award this 
year.
  Each year, the John Philip Sousa Foundation awards the Sudler Flag of 
Honor after conducting a rigorous selection process undertaken by a 
committee made up of nationally known band conductors. The Selection 
Committee chooses award recipients based on the following criteria: 
First, the band's music director has been incumbent in his or her own 
position for at least 7 consecutive years; second, the band has 
maintained a high standard of excellence in the concert area for 
several years; third, the band has received a superior rating at State, 
regional, or national levels of competition; fourth, the band has 
performed at significant meetings at State, regional, and national 
levels; and fifth, a number of students in the band have participated 
in district and all-State honor bands or similar groups. There is no 
limit on the number of bands which can receive the Sudler Flag of Honor 
each year. So indeed, not only is it a remarkable accomplishment that 
the W.T. Woodson Band earned this honor, it is equally commendable that 
it is one of only two bands worthy of receiving the award in 1996.
  Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues will join me in applauding the hard 
work and commitment of Mr. Casagrande and this talented group of young 
musicians. I congratulate them on receiving this distinguished award 
and for making their parents, neighbors, and community proud of this 
exceptional achievement.

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