[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 108 (Thursday, September 14, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1485]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   IN RECOGNITION OF EDMONDS SCHOOL DISTRICT AS ONE OF THE BEST 100 
               COMMUNITIES FOR MUSIC EDUCATION IN AMERICA

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JAY INSLEE

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 14, 2000

  Mr. INSLEE. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I commend the 
Edmonds School District for being named one of the Best 100 Communities 
for Music Education in America.
  This phenomenal program begins with a strong commitment to music 
education. Music is not perceived as an extra or optional subject, but 
as a core piece of a child's education that develops creativity, 
teaches self-discipline, enhances abstract thought and adds to a well-
rounded education. They embrace a philosophy that music education is a 
valued aspect of the school curriculum. As with any other discipline, 
music courses are taught during the day and have State Essential 
Academic Learning requirements. This district offers opportunities to 
all students in kindergarten through 12h grade.
  Edmonds School District offers a wide range of music programs. 
Outside of general music education classes and choir, students have the 
opportunity to learn instruments, join the Concert Choir, Orchestra, 
Concert Band, Vocal Jazz and Instrumental Jazz Ensemble in middle 
school. High school students have an even greater breadth of 
opportunities in Concert Band, Orchestra, Choir, Vocal and Instrumental 
Jazz, Marching Band, Pep Band and special programs such as Theory, 
History of Rock and Roll, Guitar, Percussion Ensemble, Steel Drum 
Ensemble and even African Drumming. Edmonds School District had the 
largest number of participants in band, orchestra and choir of any 
local school district involved in the 1999-2000 High School All-State 
Groups.
  Not only do many students get the chance to participate, but are they 
are recognized at state and national levels for their superior talents. 
Mountlake Terrace High School was one of 15 bands across the nation 
invited to play at the Essentially Ellington Festival at New York 
City's Lincoln Center. They have received top awards at the Reno Jazz 
Festival and Clark College Vocal and Instrumental Jazz Festivals. The 
combined district high school concert choirs recently performed at 
Seattle's new performance center, Benaroya Hall, and will entertain 
crowds this year at Carnegie Hall in New York. Lastly, Edmonds 
orchestra programs have won top honors at the Mercer Island Orchestra 
Festival and at the University of Idaho Festival in Moscow.
  These expansive opportunities in music education and superior 
achievements are well deserving of this award. I commend the Edmonds 
music education staff for their contributions. They have been 
recognized as leaders in the field by frequent invitations to present 
at state level conferences. Mr. Speaker, I ask that this House please 
join me in recognizing, honoring and commending the students and staff 
of the Edmonds School District for being one of the Best 100 
Communities for Music Education in America.

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