[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 80 (Tuesday, May 15, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1052]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  IN HONOR OF THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF TOLEDO SYMPHONY CEO ROBERT BELL

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                           HON. MARCY KAPTUR

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 15, 2007

  Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the Toledo 
Symphony's own Robert Bell, celebrating his 50th anniversary season. 
The Toledo Symphony will formally recognize his remarkable achievement 
on May 22, 2007.
  Robert Bell joined the Toledo Symphony in 1956. In his five decades 
with the symphony he has performed as a percussionist, principal 
timpanist and teacher. He has been the orchestra's personnel manger, 
managing director, and in his last decade has been President and Chief 
Executive Officer of the Toledo Orchestra Association since 1997. The 
hallmark of his tenure is the design and development of a ``music 
organization characterized by shared ownership.'' The Andrew F. Mellon 
Foundation described our symphony in 2005 as ``a remarkable 
organization that is approaching its evolution with a deep 
understanding of the community in which it operates . . . the Toledo 
Symphony is embedded in its community like no other American 
orchestra.'' Robert Bell's innovations and creative style can be 
credited for this high praise.
  Partnerships Mr. Bell pursued with not only the Mellon Foundation, 
but also with the Stranahan Foundation and the Owens-Illinois 
Charitable Foundation have brought a financial stability to the 
symphony which now operates with a six million dollar budget. At the 
same time, Mr. Bell's efforts have led to a fourteen million dollar 
endowment fund which continues to grow. Its financial footing has 
enabled the symphony to draw talented musicians worldwide for its 60 
positions and additional guest artists.
  At his heart both musician and teacher, the Musicians in Action 
initiative was developed under Mr. Bell's tutelage. Through it, the 
symphony presents concerts especially for young people at 300 schools 
throughout the region. Annually, about 100,000 children benefit. The 
Community Music Lessons program offers group music lessons for 
underserved and needy students, fostering a talent these youngsters may 
have no other opportunity to develop. Music in Our Schools matches 
professional musicians with high school musicians for one-on-one 
coaching, rehearsals, and performances.
  It has been said that without art civilization is lost. Robert Bell 
has dedicated his life to taking our civilization to new heights, 
helping us reach our potential individually and in community. His gift 
has been a soaring spirit of music and his legacy will be a symphony 
performing for decades beyond his own half century of service. For his 
time and talent, passion and inspiration, we are most grateful. I know 
I join with our entire community in offering congratulations to Robert 
Bell on his fiftieth anniversary season.

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