[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 54 (Wednesday, March 28, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E653-E654]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING MOUNTAIN FIFES AND DRUMS FOR THEIR LEADERSHIP AND SKILL IN 
                              YOUTH MUSIC

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JERRY LEWIS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 27, 2007

  Mr. LEWIS of California. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to stand today 
in recognition of the Mountain Fifes and Drums, a volunteer music 
program located in Lake Arrowhead, California, that specializes in 
providing unique instruction, history, and leadership skills to 60 
young people.
  I am delighted to report that on May 12, members of the Mountain 
Fifes and Drums will be leading the processional march at the America's 
400th anniversary celebration in Jamestown, Virginia. This celebration 
will be chaired by Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Conner, and is 
expected to feature guest appearances by Queen Elizabeth II and the 
Duke of Edinburgh. Is it an honor to be recognized at a historical 
event of such a high caliber, and I congratulate the Mountain Fifes and 
Drums for representing California at this national celebration.
  Founded in 2001 by Lake Arrowhead residents Cindy Olson and Kevin 
Garland, the Mountain Fifes and Drums has become one of

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the premiere living history music groups in my district. The repertoire 
focuses on 18th and 19th century martial music, and the corps has 
excelled at presenting their music as accurately and authentically as 
possible. The group also provides character-building lessons in 
responsibility and discipline. There is no fee for the program and no 
prior musical knowledge is required, which encourages students of all 
levels to join.
  Like many privately organized musical groups in my district, the 
Mountain Fifes and Drums offers instruction in music technique, theory, 
and history. But the group also fosters character development of each 
member of the corps. By providing incentives for achieving higher ranks 
in music, and offering a point system for disciplined behavior, members 
are encouraged to engage in healthy competition and to consistently 
perfect their music techniques.
  Students are taught lessons in self-sufficiency, by engaging in 
fundraising activities in order to pay for trips around the United 
States. These fundraising projects help the performers hone their 
skills and teach invaluable lessons about hard work and responsibility. 
At the same time, they create ties to many community groups that 
encourage youth to stay active in local organizations.
  Most of the members of the Mountain Fifes and Drums are home 
schooled, and their participation provides friendships that extend 
beyond the rehearsal hall. Group members come from a number of mountain 
communities, including Lake Arrowhead, Crestline, Running Springs, and 
Twin Peaks. I am pleased to see that residents in each of these areas 
have provided generous contributions to the Mountain Fifes and Drums.
  Madam Speaker, I look forward with pride to watching these talented 
and dedicated young people take part in our national Jamestown 
celebration. I ask my colleagues to join with me in wishing them 
success and thanking Cindy Olson and Kevin Garland for creating and 
fostering such a unique group.

                          ____________________