[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 72 (Friday, May 30, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1071]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PREPARATORY CENTER FOR THE ARTS AT 
                       MONTCLAIR STATE UNIVERSITY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BILL PASCRELL, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 30, 1997

  Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I would like to bring to your attention 
the momentous occasion of the 20th anniversary of the Preparatory 
Center for the Arts at Montclair State University. This occasion will 
be celebrated on Saturday, May 3, 1997 with a concert showcasing the 
winning compositions from the Music Division Composition contest in 
which some 250 scores from composers in seven countries were entered.
  In 1976, Dr. Ruth Rendleman, professor of music at Montclair State 
University, was the driving force behind what was then called the Music 
Preparatory Division. The division was created by the Department of 
Music to seek out, encourage, and develop the talents of qualified 
music students of all ages from the State of New Jersey and adjacent 
areas.
  The Preparatory Division officially opened its doors in September 
1976, with an enrollment of 54 students. It offered courses in private 
instrumental instruction, class piano, music theory, and chamber 
ensembles. Today, the Music Preparatory Division has evolved into the 
Preparatory Center for the Arts. Three hundred and twenty students 
participate in similar music courses as those offered 20 years ago, and 
can also be involved in large ensembles such as orchestra and choir. 
They can also take classes in jazz, dalcroze and eurythmics, 
traditional and electronic music composition, and introductory music 
history.
  In addition to its curriculum, the Preparatory Center for the Arts 
now offers classes in ballet and tap dancing. It further has 
inaugurated its Theatre Kids program of drama classes for children, 
ages 5 through 10.
  The scholarship program, for which students and faculty perform a few 
benefit performances each year, allows Montclair State University to 
offer both talent- and need-based scholarships to many deserving 
students. This year, the center will be hosting their fifth summer 
music camp at the New Jersey School of Conservation at Stokes Forest. 
This camp is a 2-week extension of the 30-week academic year program in 
which students from various parts of the country can come to study 
music and the environment. The Preparatory Center clearly has come a 
long way since its inception.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me, our colleagues, the students and 
faculty of the Preparatory Center for the Arts, and all of Montclair 
State University in recognizing the outstanding and invaluable service 
to musical development Montclair State University has made on the 
occasion of the 20th anniversary of the Preparatory Center for the Arts 
at Montclair State University.




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