[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 36 (Tuesday, March 4, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E288]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E288]]
      TRIBUTE TO THE 100TH BIRTHDAY OF THE SETTLEMENT MUSIC SCHOOL

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ALLYSON Y. SCHWARTZ

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 4, 2008

  Ms. SCHWARTZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate the 
100th birthday of Settlement Music School, the largest community school 
of music in the United States. Settlement Music School originated in 
1908 at the College Settlement House, a social service center for newly 
arrived immigrants in south Philadelphia when two young women 
volunteers, Jeannette Selig and Blanche Wolf, offered piano lessons for 
a nominal fee. Their effort grew into an independent community school 
of the arts. Today, there are six Settlement branches serving every zip 
code in the Greater Philadelphia region. The Jenkintown and Kardon-
Northeast branches of Settlement Music School are located in my 
Congressional District, serving residents of Montgomery County and 
northeast Philadelphia.
  Since its inception, the mission of Settlement Music School has been 
to provide community-based music and arts instruction and activity to 
students of all ages, races, religions, economic standings, talent 
levels and music preferences. In addition to the school's core program, 
it offers educational and enrichment programs for disabled children and 
adults, pre-school programs for low-income inner-city children, and a 
Teacher Training Institute to disseminate best practice techniques to 
the broader educational community. Settlement Music School tuition fees 
have remained modest with over 60 percent of the student population 
receiving financial aid.
  Annually, close to 15,000 students participate in music, dance and 
visual arts programs guided by a faculty of experienced and 
credentialed musicians. Settlement Music School is the largest employer 
of musicians in Pennsylvania, providing a source of income for many 
freelance musicians. Since its opening, Settlement Music School has 
served over 300,000 students. Today there are Settlement graduates in 
every major symphony in the United States, as well as alumni who have 
distinguished themselves in the worlds of opera, theater, popular 
music, and jazz. Settlement Music School has produced Pulitzer prize-
winning composers and former students have served as Mayor of 
Philadelphia, Philadelphia City Council member, Pennsylvania Senator 
and Representative, and Member of Congress.
  Settlement Music School will celebrate this milestone centennial year 
with banquets, concerts and recitals featuring alumni and present-day 
students. Settlement Music School will honor the ``Settlement 100''--a 
roster of diverse Settlement alumni whose experiences at Settlement 
Music School helped to shape their lives.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating 
Settlement Music School's centennial milestone and wishing the alumni, 
students, teachers, and board directors much continued success.

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