[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 35 (Thursday, March 15, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E372]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               TRIBUTE TO THE SACRAMENTO SYMPHONY LEAGUE

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                         HON. ROBERT T. MATSUI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 15, 2001

  Mr. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise in tribute to the Sacramento Symphony 
League. On March 14th, 2001, the League will host a luncheon to 
celebrate its 50th Anniversary. As the members gather to celebrate, I 
ask all of my colleagues to join me in saluting one of Sacramento's 
finest organizations.
  Fifty years ago, the Sacramento Philharmonic Association asked Mrs. 
Sheldon Brandenburger to organize a women's group to promote the 
activities of the orchestra. Thirty charter members entered into an 
active program of musical and financial support forming the Sacramento 
Symphony League.
  In the ensuing years, the Sacramento Symphony has enjoyed 
unparalleled success. With the introduction of Harry Newstone as 
conductor in 1963-1964, the symphony began to draw large audiences. The 
standing room only crowds helped the symphony gain recognition. In 
1965-1966, the Sacramento Symphony was chosen by the Ford foundation to 
receive a five-year grant, which established a million-dollar 
endowment.
  The orchestra's success continued until the Symphony Association 
filed for bankruptcy in September of 1996. In the wake of this 
unfortunate occurrence, the Sacramento Symphony League voted 
immediately to continue with the broader purpose of supporting 
classical music and youth education.
  Today, the Sacramento Symphony League is once again flourishing. 
Through its ``Music in the Schools'' programs, the League has made a 
dramatic difference in Sacramento youth music education and 
participation.
  The Music Ensemble Program provides ensembles to play in schools 
throughout the area for music education programs. The Docent Program 
provides teams to visit schools and present an educational puppet show 
with musical accompaniment. The Classroom Classics Program provides 
quality CD players and classical CDs for teachers to play in their 
classrooms. In addition, the League provides scholarships for student 
musicians and oversees an instrument restoration program for area 
schools.
  Mr. Speaker, as the Sacramento Symphony League gathers to celebrate 
its 50th Anniversary, I am honored to pay tribute to an invaluable 
resource to the Sacramento community. The League's commitment to youth 
music programs has been commendable. I ask all of my colleagues to join 
with me in wishing the Sacramento Symphony League continued success in 
all its future endeavors.

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