[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 32 (Thursday, March 13, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E468]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       THE BAY CONCERT BAND: MAKING BEAUTIFUL MUSIC FOR 20 YEARS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES A. BARCIA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 13, 1997

  Mr. BARCIA. Mr. Speaker, I believe a community should not only be 
measured by its economic strength and the values of its residents, but 
also by the diversity and vitality of its artistic organizations. By 
these qualifications, I am proud to say that Bay City rises to the 
occasion through the help of groups such as the Bay Concert Band.
  The Bay Concert Band is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, 
which is a proud and memorable occasion for everyone involved with the 
band from the conductor to members to listeners. The band has become a 
staple of life in Bay City, as they have provided public entertainment 
every year with scheduled concerts and with a free concert at the band 
shell to kick off the Bay Arts Council community concert series.
  The initial idea behind the Bay Concert Band, formulated 20 years 
ago, was to provide a venue for amateur musicians who had perhaps 
played throughout school but put down their instruments as adults. What 
a perfect idea to bring these individuals together so that they could 
once again enjoy the pleasures of playing in an organized band, and 
provide entertainment to the community at the same time.
  Along with public performances, the Bay Concert Band contributes to 
the community in numerous other ways. It promotes scholarship awards 
for accomplished musicians and fosters both ensemble instrumental music 
as well as solo performances.
  The original conductor of the band, Wally Cramer led these musicians 
for the first 5 years, and then Bob Story took over the reigns for 14 
years before he retired this past year. The new band director, David 
Kjellberg, will continue the tradition his predecessors have set in the 
level of creativity and skill. I join with all of the greater Bay Area 
to wish them another 20 years of unqualified success.

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