[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 5 (Wednesday, January 12, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E48]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                MERCER ISLAND HIGH SCHOOL MARCHING BAND

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                         HON. DAVID G. REICHERT

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 12, 2011

  Mr. REICHERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of an 
outstanding marching band in my district--the Eighth District of 
Washington--that recently returned from a once-in-a-lifetime trip to 
London to perform in the invitation-only New Year's Day Parade there. 
It isn't the first time the band has performed on a grand scale and to 
a grand audience and it most certainly won't be the last.
  The Mercer Island High School marching band, composed of 
approximately 200 young people, returned from their whirlwind trip to 
London just a few days ago. And although the winter storms slowed down 
87 of the band's members, Mr. Speaker, their performance went off 
without a hitch. They marched from Trafalgar Square to Big Ben and on 
to the steps of Parliament. The bells of Westminster Abbey sounded out 
and the entire experience was, as their director Parker Bixby put it, 
``surreal.''
  One of the more notable things about the Mercer Island High School 
marching band's trip to London, Mr. Speaker, is that this is not the 
first time the band has performed at such a prestigious event. In 1996, 
the band performed at the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena and 
played there again in 2006. What's more, the band will return to 
Pasadena for the Parade next year, as well. The band's engagements are 
well documented and internationally known.
  The community of Mercer Island, with a population of 22,890, is 
remarkably supportive of the arts. The City's Arts Council, the Rotary 
Club, the Schools Foundation, other community groups, and many 
individuals comprise a community dedicated to young musicians and 
artists. It is indeed a testament to the community, Mr. Speaker, that 
the trip to London was even possible. Raising money is never easy, 
especially in our economic climate. However, the people of Mercer 
Island generously gave to help make the dream trip a reality.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate director Bixby for his tireless 
efforts, Mercer Island Superintendent Gary Plano for his support, Mayor 
Jim Pearman and the City Council for their support, and the people of 
Mercer Island for their generosity. Above all, I would like to thank 
the members of the band for working every day to create a product that 
is respected and admired around the world.

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