[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 140 (Thursday, September 20, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1950]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                             VINCENT SUPPAN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JIM GERLACH

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 20, 2007

  Mr. GERLACH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor one of the leaders 
of the arts in my district, and someone who has dedicated his life to 
bringing the gift of music to countless others. Vincent Suppan was born 
in 1920 and grew up in West Catasauqua, Pennsylvania. He is a part of a 
proud family who has tirelessly led the Catasauqua Band for 100 years. 
Vincent's cousins conducted the band from 1907 to 1947, when he took 
over as conductor. This ``passing of the baton'' has ensured that a 
dedicated conductor has led the Catasauqua Band for 100 years, a feat 
that reflects on the Suppan family's passion for music and love of 
their community.
  Today, Vince is a retired associate professor of speech pathology at 
West Chester University. He still resides near the University, 
faithfully commuting over 100 miles on Wednesdays to lead rehearsals in 
Catasauqua. He has never lost his love of leading the Band in ``run-
throughs'' of music from the Band's extensive library. He often regales 
the Band with fascinating stories from his long career. The combination 
of challenging sight-reading and great tales makes rehearsals a delight 
for all the Band members. Among the many local musicians who played 
with the Catasauqua Band is Ronald Demkee, now conductor of the 
Allentown Band. Mr. Demkee still recalls the first time he was paid to 
play tuba under Vince, receiving the going rate of $2, which was good 
money for a high school student at the time. Vince provided Mr. Demkee 
with his first opportunity to play a solo with a professional band, 
which is just one example of the numerous lives Mr. Suppan has touched.
  The Catasauqua Band continues to this day due to the passion of one 
man: Vincent Suppan. Leading this band for 60 years is a testament to 
the dedication and hard work of Vincent, and a reflection of the 
passion he brings to every performance. I know all my colleagues join 
me today in congratulating Vincent Suppan for his tireless leadership 
of the treasured Catasauqua Band, and for all the great work he has and 
continues to do for all those who love music.