[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 142 (Monday, September 24, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1957-E1958]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             A TRIBUTE TO THE PASADENA SYMPHONY ASSOCIATION

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                          HON. ADAM B. SCHIFF

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 24, 2007

  Mr. SCHIFF. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Pasadena 
Symphony, which will be celebrating its 80th anniversary on October 13, 
2007--the beginning of the 2007-2008 season. Since 1928, the Pasadena 
Symphony has demonstrated musical talent, stable leadership, and 
remarkable service to the community.
  In 1922, Will Rounds, Director of Instrumental Music in the Pasadena 
public school system and former member of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, 
initiated a movement for a local civic orchestra. The Pasadena Civic 
Orchestra Association was officially developed in 1928 by a group of 
civic-minded citizens and Reginald Bland, the orchestra's first 
director. Originally formed to promote free music of all forms to the 
public and to provide young aspiring musicians an opportunity to train 
through practical experience, the orchestra has transformed from a 
group of volunteer and student musicians into a nationally-recognized 
orchestra that has won worldwide acclaim.
  Much of the symphony's success can be attributed to its stable 
leadership. Since its founding, the orchestra has had only four music 
directors. In 1936, Dr. Richard Lert began his 36 year tenure as 
director and established a scholarship fund for students who performed 
in the orchestra. With Dr. Lert at the helm, the orchestra's name was 
changed to the Pasadena Symphony Association in 1954; in 1955, the 
symphony became a founding member of the Los Angeles Symphony

[[Page E1958]]

League and was recognized with Metropolitan Status by the American 
Symphony Orchestra League in 1968. The Women's Committee, which 
recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, was formed in 1957 to assist 
with fundraising. From 1972 to 1984 the orchestra's reputation 
continued to grow under the leadership of Daniel Lewis. The orchestra 
received several national awards, including five American Society of 
Composers and Publishers awards for adventuresome programming. Mr. 
Lewis also oversaw the founding of the Pasadena Youth Symphony 
Orchestra which is considered one of the best youth orchestras in the 
world. Since 1984, Jorge Mester has brilliantly led the Pasadena 
Symphony Association, expanding the number of concerts per season and 
recording its first compact disc in 1994.
  Beyond its musical achievements, the association admirably serves the 
community through educational outreach. Committed to making music 
accessible to the public, the symphony runs an admission-free Musical 
Circus for families with young children and offers Concerts and Lessons 
to Enrich Families (C.L.E.F.). Believing that music belongs in the 
classroom as well as the concert hall, the symphony partnered with 
Pasadena's public elementary schools to found Tempo!, a curriculum 
based program that has been recognized by the National Endowment for 
the Arts. Through the Mentor Program, in which middle and high school 
musicians can meet with Pasadena Symphony Association professionals and 
the Pasadena Youth Symphony Orchestra, the symphony fosters our next 
generation of musicians.
  It is my great pleasure to honor the Pasadena Symphony Association on 
its 80th anniversary. I ask all members to join me in commending their 
efforts.

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