[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 114 (Tuesday, September 21, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1666-E1667]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING THE ACADEMY OF TEJANO ARTISTS AND MUSICIANS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CIRO D. RODRIGUEZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 21, 2004

  Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the House of 
Representatives, I wish to recognize the Academy of Tejano Artists and 
Musicians, also known as the ``Tejano Academy,'' for mobilizing a 
unified effort and creating this organization headquartered in San 
Antonio, Texas. The Tejano Academy is a unique musician-led 
organization that is committed to ensuring that artists and musicians 
have a voice of advocacy in the entertainment industry.
  The Tejano Academy is the first organization of its kind in the 
Tejano Music Industry to encourage its membership to recognize and 
honor talent without relying on record sales, airplay, or any other 
type of monetary gain in an effort to diversify and elevate music 
standards. By diversifying categories, they are able to bring due 
recognition to artists and musicians who have been continuously 
overlooked and subsequently, educate the public about Tejano music.
  The success of the Tejano Academy is due to the great leadership of 
the following Board Members: Donald Garza, President; Zeke Martinez, 
1st Vice President; David Lee

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Garza, 2nd Vice President; Stefani Montiel, 3rd Vice President; Sasha 
Sullivan, Secretary; Steve Roth; and Gibby Escobedo, Parliamentarian. 
Additionally, the Tejano Academy would not have been realized without 
the hard work, unwavering commitment and long hours persevered by 
Executive Director, Chayo Zaldivar. With this great team's continued 
hard work, the Tejano Academy is filling an important void in the 
Tejano Music Industry.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to recognize the many achievements 
and services provided by the Academy of Tejano Artists and Musicians. 
Please join me in honoring the Tejano Academy on September 19, 2004 for 
their 1st Annual Awards Presentation and Banquet.

                          ____________________