[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 21 (Tuesday, February 25, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E301-E302]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO PAUL WOLFE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. DAN MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 25, 1997

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, today, I respectfully pay tribute 
to a long time friend, Mr. Paul Wolfe. He is an accomplished musician 
whose influence in the artistic and musical world has been felt in 
southwest Florida and throughout the world. On March 3, the American 
Jewish Committee in Sarasota, FL, will honor Mr. Wolfe with their 1997 
Human Relations Award. Let me tell you about Paul Wolfe.
  Mr. Wolfe began to play the piano at the tender age of 2 years. At 
the ripe old age of 4 years, he began his study of the violin and as a 
young teen, began performing with a group on radio. His illustrious 
career as a musical conductor was born.
  Mr. Wolfe participated in a fantastic variety of performances. He 
played in the first violin section of the New York City Symphony, 
enjoyed an assignment to the Air Force Band, and performed in the show 
orchestra for ``South Pacific.'' Despite his professional demands, his 
formal education remained a top priority. In an incredible balancing 
act, Paul Wolfe completed his undergraduate work and then actively 
pursued business administration at Columbia University while receiving 
his master's degree in music. With the support of his wife, Doris, he 
even made symphonic recordings for Columbia Records and RCA during 
these years.
  In 1961, Mr. Wolfe was invited to become the artistic director of the 
13-year-old Florida West Coast Symphony in Sarasota, FL. He adeptly 
molded the enthusiastic community orchestra into the outstanding 
symphony we have today and cofounded the prestigious Sarasota Music 
Festival. Paul Wolfe is also dedicated to passing the joy of music on 
to the next generation through the Florida West Coast Symphony Youth 
Orchestra. The symphony's nationally recognized youth programs have 
grown under his direction to include five youth orchestras and are 
among the most extensive of any in the country.
  Upon his retirement from the Florida West Coast Symphony in April 
1996, Paul Wolfe assumed the well-deserved title of conductor laureate. 
Today, he continues his involvement by

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working Saturday mornings with young musicians as well as participating 
with the Florida String Quartet.
  I have known Paul personally for many years. He is well loved by our 
community for his humor, warmth, and modesty. Though he is hanging up 
his professional baton, his legacy will remain for his tremendous 
contribution to music education for our youth. I honor Paul Wolfe today 
as a friend, musician, and civic leader and praise his contributions on 
behalf of the 13th Congressional District of Florida.

                          ____________________