[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 155 (Saturday, September 27, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2089-E2090]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              IN HONOR OF VOCALESSENCE SEPTEMBER 26, 2008

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 26, 2008

  Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor 
VocalEssence in honor of its 40th season. On September 14, 2008, 
VocalEssence kicked off its anniversary year with a community concert 
celebration featuring Garrison Keillor.
  During its distinguished history under the direction of the 
internationally renowned director Philip Brunelle, VocalEssence has 
become one of the largest and most prestigious choral organizations in 
the country. Founded by Brunelle in 1969 as the Plymouth Music Series, 
the choral organization became VocalEssence in 1992, and has steadily 
grown in reputation along with Mr. Brunelle. Mr. Brunelle himself is an 
institution in the choral music community, and an outstanding artist. 
VocalEssence has earned praise for its innovation among the music 
community by working to spotlight lesser known compositions from all 
time periods, as well as the work of contemporary composers. By 1991 
the organization enjoyed international recording success, as well as 
international recognition as a leader in choral music performance.
  VocalEssence has been actively involved in community engagement in 
the Twin Cities through programs such as WITNESS, an initiative that 
honors and celebrates the contributions of African Americans to our 
cultural heritage. Through concerts and recordings featuring African 
American composers and artists and educational outreach designed to 
inform students of the historical role of African Americans in our 
culture, WITNESS has enriched our community and the musical world, 
reaching more than 115,000 students in more than 55 schools in the Twin 
Cities area.
  VocalEssence has brought great distinction to the Twin Cities arts 
community, earning numerous recognition and awards from the American 
Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers, as well as the Margaret 
Hillis Achievement Award for Choral Excellence, an

[[Page E2090]]

outstanding achievement and an unparalleled honor in the choral music 
community.
  Madam Speaker, it is my great pleasure to honor VocalEssence, and to 
celebrate the 40 years it has enriched the culture of the Twin Cities.

                          ____________________