[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 77 (Friday, May 25, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E888]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 IN RECOGNITION OF GREGORY CHRISTIANSEN

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DENNIS A. CARDOZA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 25, 2012

  Mr. CARDOZA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Gregory 
Christiansen in the event of his retirement after many years of 
dedicated service to music education and the community.
  Gregory earned his Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education from 
the University of the Pacific in 1974, where he graduated Cum Laude. He 
went on to earn a Diploma from the Grove School of Music's Professional 
Instrumental Program in 1983. He finished his education by obtaining 
his Master of Music degree in Music Education from the University of 
Southern California in 1985. He graduated with distinction as a member 
of Pi Kappa Lambda, the honorary music fraternity.
  Gregory has spent his career teaching music education to students 
ranging from elementary school through college. He taught a College 
Jazz Ensemble for 3 years. For 30 years he worked with both 
instrumental and choral groups at the high school level. There he also 
developed and organized an effective parent support group. He taught 
Middle School Instrumental Music for two years where he developed a 
jazz curriculum for the students. Finally, he taught Elementary 
Instrumental and General Music for four years, during which he 
developed a fourth grade exploratory instrumental music curriculum.
  Gregory has dedicated many years to supporting not only his students 
but the community as a whole. He has provided musical performances for 
many community events, as well as for visiting dignitaries. Gregory 
also worked with many community members on producing a band review, 
which attracted groups from over 40 schools in the region. Through his 
leadership, both Merced High School and Golden Valley High School have 
performed in the Pasadena Rose Parade. Gregory organized a non-profit 
parent organization to help raise funds for music students.
  Gregory is not only part of the local music scene but he is involved 
in many national music organizations. He has served on the board of 
both the International Association of Jazz Educators as well as the 
Northern California Band Association. He holds professional 
affiliations with the following organizations: Jazz Educators Network, 
California Teachers Association, California Music Educators Association 
and California Band Directors Association.
  Throughout his involvement, he has been recognized for his work and 
dedication to his community and students. In both 1998 and 2005, he 
received the Northern California Band Director of the Year. He has also 
received Outstanding Band Director plaques at fifteen different band 
reviews. Merced County has recognized his work in music education by 
honoring him with the Teacher of the Year Award in 2008, Superintendent 
Recognition Award in 2009 and the Rotary Teacher of the Year Award in 
2009.
  Gregory was not only dedicated to his current students but the future 
of music education as well. He served as Master Teacher and mentor for 
many Student Teachers during his career. He provided opportunities for 
graduated students to work with and teach present students. Gregory 
also provided clinics at conferences for new teachers dealing with 
selecting repertoire, instrumentation and marching band organization.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring Gregory 
Christiansen for his dedication to music education and our community as 
a whole.

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