[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 26 (Thursday, March 9, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E256-E257]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       ORANGE PARK HIGH SCHOOL CHOSEN AS GRAMMY SIGNATURE SCHOOL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CLIFF STEARNS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 8, 2000

  Mr. STEARNS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
congratulate Orange Park High School for being named as a GRAMMY 
Signature School by the GRAMMY Foundation. Orange Park High School 
happens to be in my Congressional District and it has a fine reputation 
as a public school of education. However, I believe the Orange Park 
High School's receipt of this most recent honor should be given the 
recognition it deserves for this great achievement. It was won through 
a rigorous competition that was held throughout the nation.
  This honor was achieved by the school for its outstanding music 
education program and makes Orange Park High School one of 100 schools 
to be chosen to receive a certificate of recognition based on its great 
level of commitment to music education.
  The GRAMMY Foundation began the selection process last September when 
it mailed out over 18,000 applications to high school across the 
country requesting information about the schools' music programs. These 
applications were then submitted to an independent data compilation 
firm for processing. Some schools were asked to submit additional 
documentation such as recordings of school concerts, sample concert 
programs, music curriculum and repertoire that was reviewed by an 
independent screening committee.
  The GRAMMY Signature School advisory committee is comprised of 
members of the American Federation of Musicians, ASCAP, the Berklee 
College of Music, BMI, Crossroads School, Music Educators National 
Conference, Thelonius Monk Institute, University of Massachusetts at 
Amherst, National Association of Music Merchandisers, National Music 
Council, Music Performance Trust Funds, University of Southern 
California-Thornton School of Music, and the Cherokee Nation.
  The GRAMMY Foundation is a non-profit arm of the Recording Academy 
and it is dedicated to advancing music and arts-based education 
throughout the entire country thereby ensuring access to America's rich 
cultural legacy. The Foundation aims to strengthen our educational 
system through cultural, professional and educational initiatives.
  I also want to pay special tribute to Bert Creswell, Director of 
Bands, W. Steve Ogilvie, Association Director of Bands, Jeff Mills, 
Associate Director of Bands, Janet Metcalf, William S. Ward, Judy 
Creswell, and the Orange Park High School Raider Band Parents 
Association for all their assistance because without their invaluable 
contributions this recognition would not be possible.
  Michael Greene, President/CEO of the Recording Academy said at the 
time: ``We are thrilled to give national recognition to these schools 
for an outstanding job of fostering their arts programs in a difficult 
cultural environment.'' He went on to say: ``We applaud them for their 
success in ensuring that music education does not become a cultural 
casualty in their district, and for implementing music education 
programs that make a positive difference in the lives of young 
adults.''
  I am very proud that the dedication and effort shown by the faculty 
and students of Orange Park High School has been rewarded by being 
named as a GRAMMY Signature School.

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