[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 116 (Wednesday, August 1, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1381]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 A TRIBUTE TO THE CAMELLIA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA AND RECOGNITION OF THEIR 
                            50TH ANNIVERSARY

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                         HON. DANIEL E. LUNGREN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, August 1, 2012

  Mr. DANIEL E. LUNGREN of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to 
recognize the 50th anniversary of the Camellia Symphony Orchestra of 
Sacramento, California.
  The Camellia Symphony Orchestra is one of Sacramento's prized assets 
and has deep roots in the region.
  Today's Orchestra traces its beginnings back to a small group of 
local musicians who began informally gathering together and playing 
music, simply for the fun of it. This group began performing at Encina 
High School, originally naming themselves the ``Pot Luck Symphony.''
  On September 1, 1962, the group formally organized eventually 
adopting the name the North Area Community Symphony. Ever since that 
September evening, the Orchestra has continued to grow, educate and 
entertain people in the Sacramento area.
  By 1970 the Orchestra changed its name to the Camellia Symphony and 
became a regular participant of Camellia Day events held annually by 
the City of Sacramento. As the Orchestra has grown, it continues to 
earn national praise while also showcasing the talent of Sacramentans 
across the country. In 1979 the Camellia Symphony won its first of many 
future ASCAP awards, and in 1986 won the prestigious ``INDIE'' award 
for best classical release.
  As the years have progressed, the Camellia Symphony Orchestra has 
developed and produced innovative, historical and exciting 
performances, earning a reputation as one of the finest orchestras in 
the region. While earning this reputation of excellence, the Orchestra 
has continued to give back to the Sacramento community, providing 
opportunities for local musicians to display their musical ability. The 
Orchestra's commitment to community is seen through its ongoing 
collaboration with a variety of Sacramento events and organizations, 
such as Camerata California, the Strauss Festival, St. John's Lutheran 
Church and many others in the region.
  On behalf of all those in the Sacramento area who appreciate what the 
Camellia Symphony Orchestra means to our community, I would like to 
congratulate them on their 50th anniversary and wish them many more 
years of success and prosperity.

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