[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 65 (Thursday, May 6, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E884-E885]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


           IN HONOR OF THE VENTURA HIGH SCHOOL WIND ORCHESTRA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELTON GALLEGLY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 6, 1999

  Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Ventura High 
School Wind Orchestra, which earned a near-perfect score at the 
National Adjudicators Invitational last month in Virginia Beach, 
Virginia.
  This group of dedicated musicians walked away with Outstanding 
Concert Band Trophy, the Outstanding Percussion Trophy and the 
Outstanding Brass Trophy. Piccoloist Karen Magoon won the Outstanding 
Soloist Trophy, perhaps the most prestigious prize at the competition.
  As a group, they earned a Performance Trophy Superior Rating, scoring 
99 out of a possible 100 points.
  During the contest, their rivals from schools across the United 
States gave the Ventura youngsters two standing ovations.
  Mr. Speaker, as our nation works in concert to better our education 
system, it's important

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that we support our music programs as part of an overall educational 
experience. Recent studies indicate that a study of music helps 
children's comprehension of math. It also gives them a feeling of 
accomplishment and worth. At the very least, it brings beauty into our 
world.
  Michael Takazono, the Ventura High School Wind Orchestra director, 
deserves much credit for teaching his young charges the fulfillment of 
playing good music well.
  The members of the Ventura High School Wind Orchestra deserve our 
congratulations. They are:
  Brian Anderson, Luke Bechtel, Andrew Bittner, Jeremy Black, Kori 
Brashears, Amy Chinn, Bryson Conley, James Davis, Josephine DeGuzman, 
Joshua DeGuzman, Tim Eckberg, Shelby Fannan, Johann Gagnon-Bartsch, 
Russell Gardner, Joe Gartman, Laura Hardesty, Natasha Hart, Isaac 
Hilburn, Kelsey Hollenback, Derek Hutchison, Malena Jones, Matt Liter, 
Chad Long, Karen Magoon, Veronica Matsuda, Brianna McIntosh, Sarah 
Merin, Jason Morgan, Nathaniel Morgan, Ariel Murillo, Joshua Norton, 
Aaron Novstrup, Rahsaan Ormsby, Nicole Paillette, Michael Parker, Dana 
Parry, Megan Price, Aaron Singer-Englar, Rebecca Sams, Roger Suen, 
Graham Talley, Emily Talwar and Viena Wagner.
  Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues will join me in applauding Mr. 
Takazono and the fine young musicians who comprise the Ventura High 
School Wind Orchestra.

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