[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 94 (Tuesday, July 18, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1437]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING PHILIP BINKLEY FOR 30 YEARS OF INSTRUCTING YOUNG MUSICIANS AT 
                           LOMA LINDA ACADEMY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JERRY LEWIS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 18, 2006

  Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I would like today to pay 
tribute to an extraordinary music teacher who is retiring after 44 
years of educating and encouraging youth to strive toward musical 
excellence, thirty years of which were spent enlightening the minds of 
students at Loma Linda Academy.
  Philip Binkley's interest in music began at an early age and 
continued throughout his life. By receiving both a Bachelor's and a 
Master's Degree in Music Education, Mr. Binkley proved his sincere 
devotion to educating others. During his 30 years at the Loma Linda 
Academy, Mr. Binkley led the school's highest level symphonic band at 
performances around the globe, setting new standards of achievement. 
The Loma Linda Academy Symphonic Band was the first high school 
symphonic band to perform at the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, 
California, and was one of only nine U.S. and Canada bands selected to 
perform at the World Exposition in Brisbane, Australia.
  Mr. Binkley's continual encouragement strengthened the self-
confidence and musical proficiency of each student, resulting in 
worldwide recognition of the Loma Linda Academy Symphonic Band. In 1992 
they captured first place runner-up at the International Music Festival 
held in Sweden, and won the gold medal at the Munich International 
Music Festival in 1995, During that same year they represented the 
United States at the Vienna Klangbogen Festival in Germany.
  Mr. Binkley's commitment to his students did not stop at musical 
excellence; rather he made it a priority to encourage his pupils to 
live up to the highest standards of integrity. On each trip overseas, 
he included in the daily itinerary a unique statement which served to 
remind his students of the importance in serving as model citizens of 
the United States. Through the Loma Linda Academy Symphonic Band, Mr. 
Binkley strived to represent to other nations the positive qualities of 
America's youth.
  Outside of teaching, Philip Binkley chose to serve his community by 
acting as the Minister of Music at several churches in Florida and 
California. By devoting time to local churches, he was able to expand 
the musical knowledge of hundreds of individuals. Mr. Binkley's 
dedication was rewarded with the Loma Linda Teacher of the Year award 
in 1992 and 2006, and in being named Teacher of Excellence by the 
Alumni Awards Foundation in 2006.
  Mr. Speaker, Philip Binkley has certainly succeeded in becoming an 
exemplary model of a teacher's commitment to students. Please join me 
in thanking Mr. Binkley for a lifetime of devotion to the musical 
education of America's youth, and in wishing him well in his years to 
come.

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