[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 41 (Wednesday, April 9, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E606]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   SOLVAY, NEW YORK HIGH SCHOOL BAND WINS TOP HONORS IN THE NATIONAL 
                        HERITAGE MUSIC FESTIVAL

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                          HON. JAMES T. WALSH

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 9, 1997

  Mr. WALSH. Mr. Speaker, today I ask my colleagues to join me in 
congratulating the Solvay, New York High School band and jazz combo for 
their first place honors at the national American Heritage Music 
Festival.
  This dedicated group of 76 musicians traveled to Washington on 
Friday, April 4 and competed against bands from all over the Nation. 
The jazz band and the high school band each won separate first place 
awards.
  Solvay High School won the award for best overall performance and 
both bands received scores above 90, putting them in the highest 
category for their performances.
  The event that made Solvay's performance unique came in the middle of 
the concert band's slow song, where the musicians put down their 
instruments to sing. This added theatrical touch impressed the judges, 
and invigorated spectators. Indeed, when this talented group arrived 
back in Solvay, with police cars and fire engines escorting them to the 
high school where they received their heroes welcome, parents and 
classmates cheered, still displaying the excitement of the competition.
  Our central New York community is proud of the hard work and 
dedication displayed by the Solvay bands.
  Congratulations to the 76 members of the Solvay High School concert 
band and jazz combo for their impressive achievement.

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