[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 56 (Thursday, April 2, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E856]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING DOCTOR RICHARD STRANGE AND HIS MANY CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE 
                           MUSICAL COMMUNITY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. HARRY E. MITCHELL

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 2, 2009

  Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Richard E. 
Strange, who is completing his 34th year with the Tempe Symphony 
Orchestra.
  Before beginning his professional career, he earned his Doctorate of 
Musical Arts in Performance from Boston University, and also holds 
degrees from Wichita University, and the University of Colorado. He 
then went on to teach music classes to elementary and high school 
students before being drafted to serve in the Korean War. As a former 
teacher myself, I commend Dr. Strange's commitment to emphasizing music 
education as an essential component of the learning process. And as a 
member of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, I honor Dr. 
Strange's service to our country and his continued commitment to our 
nation's service members both past and present.
  Richard is also well known in the band and orchestra community. For 
many years, he served as the guest conductor for multiple popular 
symphonies, such as the Texas Wind Symphony and the Carnegie Civic 
Symphony. Dr. Strange also devoted much time to directing prominent 
bands for the U.S. Marine Corps., U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, and U.S. 
Coast Guard.
  In addition to holding music clinics all over the world, Dr. Strange 
has received a myriad of awards honoring his significant contributions 
to the musical community. His efforts have certainly had a profound 
impact on me as well as musicians and audiences around the world.
  Madam Speaker, please join me in recognizing Dr. Richard Strange for 
not only his 34 years with the Tempe Symphony Orchestra, but also for 
his commitment to our veterans and for the tremendous success of his 
entire musical career.

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