[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 49 (Wednesday, April 23, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E727]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING DR. REBECCA W. STEELE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. CARRIE P. MEEK

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 23, 1997

  Mrs. MEEK of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the 
musical genius of Dr. Rebecca W. Steele.
  On April 27, the board of directors of the Richard V. Moore Community 
Center, Inc., will honor Dr. Rebecca W. Steele, director of Bethune-
Cookman College Concert Chorale and Young Artists group, with a musical 
tribute. Over a period of 50 years, Dr. Steele's expansive career has 
included the positions of choral music director, voice teacher, music 
educator, singer, and arts administrator. Family, friends, and 
colleagues will pay tribute to this individual who has touched the 
lives of hundreds of young people across the State of Florida and the 
Nation.
  A member of the faculty of Bethune-Cookman College since 1976, Dr. 
Steele is currently professor of music and director of cultural 
affairs. She has a Ph.D. from Florida State University in humanities 
and music, with special emphasis in multicultural music education. She 
earned dual masters in music education and voice, piano, and choral 
conducting from Columbia University. Prior to joining the Bethune-
Cookman faculty, Dr. Steele enjoyed a long teaching career at Florida 
A&M University, in Tallahassee, another outstanding historically Black 
University.
  Under her direction, the concert choir at Florida A&M was recognized 
for its performances of such major extended choral works as Verdi's 
Requiem and Bach's Magnificat. The choir's exceptional renditions of 
Negro spirituals also received wide-spread acclaim. The Bethune-Cookman 
Chorale has performed with the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra and 
Lyric Theater in a production of Porgy and Bess as well as at the 
Spoleta Festival in Charleston, SC.
  A singer of considerable prominence, Dr. Steele remained in demand 
while at Florida A&M University. Her soprano solos from Mozart's 
Requiem, arias, and interpretations of spirituals were especially 
popular. Dr. Steele's ability to conduct different styles of music, 
while simultaneously producing beautiful tone and phrasing 
distinguishes her from many of her peers. Her latest production, ``From 
Bach to Gospel'' features varied styles of choral works, ensembles, and 
solos from numerous periods. Dr. Steele's professional affiliations add 
another dimension to an already committed teacher and humanitarian. She 
is a member of the Music Educators National Conference, the Florida 
State Music Teacher's Association, the Association of University 
Professors, the Southern Arts Federation and the Florida Professional 
Presenters Consortium.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with enormous pride and extreme satisfaction that 
I join others in saluting the musical accomplishments and contributions 
of this exceptional Floridian. Shakespeare said, ``[i]f music be the 
food of love, play on. . .''.
  To the thousands of students of Dr. Rebecca W. Steele, I say ``play 
on.''

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