[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 75 (Wednesday, June 8, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1161-E1162]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               RECOGNIZING LIVE OAK HIGH SCHOOL ORCHESTRA

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ZOE LOFGREN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 8, 2005

  Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
the Live Oak High School orchestra for its award of Best Student 
Orchestra in the 11th annual High School Music Theatre HONORS awards in 
San Jose.
  This year, over 25 Bay Area High Schools competed in 10 unique 
categories. Judges from the American Musical Theatre were sent to each 
school to watch and evaluate performances. Judges were instructed to 
evaluate the quality of each production and performance, while keeping 
in mind each school's budget and available resources. This annual 
competition awarded four students who reside within California's 16th 
district.
  The Live Oak High School Orchestra is conducted by Greg Bergantz. 
Live Oak High School won the Best Student Orchestra award for its 
performance in ``Fiddler on the Roof''.
  The High School Music Theatre HONORS awards promote artistic 
creativity in a way that is vital to a youth's development. The 
performances that these youth stage are extremely labor intensive, and 
promote discipline, team work, and dedication. High School Performing 
Arts program's are generally underfunded and have been greatly reduced 
in recent years. I recognize the hard work, time, and energy that these 
students and teachers put into these productions.
  I am proud to stand here today and recognize the Live Oak High School 
orchestra for its accomplishments. I urge all students to continue to 
take interest in the performing arts.

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