[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 88 (Wednesday, June 19, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E918]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   TRIBUTE TO ERIC GOLDBERG AND ERIKA GRAY FOR THE SELECTION TO THE 
             NATIONAL YOUTH ORCHESTRA OF THE UNITED STATES

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                       HON. JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 19, 2013

  Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Eric 
Goldberg and Erika Gray for their achievement in being selected for the 
National Youth Orchestra of the United States of America. The National 
Youth Orchestra, spearheaded by Carnegie Hall, showcases America's 
finest young musicians and reinvigorates interest in youth musicianship 
at home and abroad. This achievement is the culmination of Eric and 
Erika's hard work, dedication, and training to hone their talent and 
develop their skills as musicians.
  The National Youth Orchestra provides Eric and Erika the opportunity 
to build upon their experiences in studying music at the Percussion 
Scholarship Group of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and New Trier High 
School, respectively. They will join an elite group of young musicians 
from across this country on an international tour that highlights the 
vast musical talent that exists in the United States. Their whirlwind 
tour will include performances at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC; 
Bolshoi Hall of the Moscow Conservatory in Moscow, Russia; the 
Mariinsky Theatre Concert Hall in St. Petersburg, Russia; and the Royal 
Albert Hall in London, England.
  I am so proud that these talented young people will represent my 
congressional district, Illinois, and the United States as cultural 
ambassadors during their time with the National Youth Orchestra. I wish 
Eric, Erika, and other members of the National Youth Orchestra the best 
of luck on their tour and in their future musical endeavors.

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