[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 14 (Tuesday, February 24, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E215]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    RECOGNIZING KERNAA D. MC FARLIN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CORRINE BROWN

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 24, 1998

  Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
contributions of a ``most outstanding musician'', Kernaa D. McFarlin.
  At age eleven, Kernaa D. McFarlin began his career in Tampa, Florida 
under the tutelage of Captain Carey W. Thomas, retired director of 
bands at Florida A&M University. Later, he played in the Middleton High 
School Band and received a scholarship to Florida A&M upon graduation.
  During his college years, he was the woodwind section leader in the 
band and orchestra. Kernaa credits Leander Kirksey with outstanding 
woodwind instruction. In 1943, Mr. McFarlin was inducted into the U.S. 
Army and soon became a member of the famous 92nd Infantry Division 
Band. During his military career, he attained the rank of Sergeant.
  After leaving the army, Kernaa returned to Florida A&M where he 
participated in the college bands under the direction of William P. 
Foster. Because of Mr. McFarlin's experience and training, he was able 
to provide valuable assistance and leadership in the development of the 
newly re-activated college band program.
  Upon graduation, Kernaa McFarlin was appointed to be the first 
official band director at Stanton Senior High in Jacksonville, Florida. 
During his tenure as the band director, he earned a Master's Degree 
from the New York University. McFarlin's bands amassed a total of 
nineteen consecutive years of superior ratings in the Florida 
Association of Band Directors and the Florida Bandmasters Association 
contests.
  Other highlights of the achievements of this band include: Being 
selected as Florida's representative at the 1964 New York World's Fair, 
participating in three Florida Governor Inaugural parades, and being 
selected by the Florida Department of Education in 1966 Midwest 
National Conference of Colleges and University Education's ``Education 
Is For All'' convention. In 1966, Mr. McFarlin's Stanton High School 
band was recognized by the ``Instrumentalist'' magazine as one of the 
``highly regarded bands in the Southeast.''
  For the past twenty-seven years, Mr. McFarlin served as an honorary 
member and adjudicator of the Florida Bands Association. He received 
over fifty awards for musical excellence and community service.
  Mr. McFarlin's achievements can best be described by his students who 
all echoed that ``Mr. Mac'' as they lovingly referred to him, not only 
taught them music, but character and Christian values necessary for 
successful living.
  An award, ``Most Outstanding Musician'' was named in McFarlin's honor 
has been established at the Stanton Preparatory College Band and is 
given annually to the most deserving student.
  As a former student of Mr. McFarlin, I am delighted to mention that 
the great State of Florida has been most fortunate to have shared the 
gifts and talents of Kernaa D. McFarlin.
  Mr. McFarlin passed on December 21, 1997.

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