[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 3 (Tuesday, January 7, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E12]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    THE RETIREMENT OF WAYNE S. BROWN

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JOHN CONYERS, JR.

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, January 7, 2014

  Mr. CONYERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the retirement of 
Wayne S. Brown, the Director of Music and Opera at the National 
Endowment for the Arts (NEA), who is stepping down from his position 
this week. Mr. Brown is a well-loved and integral part of the NEA, and 
both he and his record of accomplishments will be greatly missed.
  The NEA recognizes and supports a wide range of music, from classical 
to contemporary, including America's native art form: jazz. It works 
with performing ensembles and music presenting institutions to enrich 
the cultural lives of Americans. As Director of the NEA's efforts in 
this area, he has provided critical guidance for countless chamber 
music ensembles; choruses; early music programs; jazz ensembles; music 
festivals; symphony orchestras and opera companies.
  Mr. Brown has been with the NEA since 1997, having previously served 
as musical producer for the Cultural Olympiad in Atlanta, Georgia for 
the 1996 Olympic Games, and as executive director of the Louisville 
Orchestra where he has managed thousands of music and opera grants. He 
has also overseen national music initiatives, including the NEA Jazz 
Masters Fellowships, the nation's highest award in jazz; the NEA Opera 
Honors, celebrating individuals who have made extraordinary 
contributions to opera in America; and Great American Voices, which 
brings vocal ensembles from opera companies to our men and women in 
uniform.
  During his time he has not only been an administrator; he has been a 
leader in strengthening the NEA's largest discipline program and its 
ties with the broader music and opera community. His colleagues offer 
effusive praise for his accomplishments, his knowledge, and his steady 
judgment.
  While the NEA is sad to see Mr. Brown go, as a Detroiter and lover of 
music and the arts I am very proud to say he will be bringing his 
record of achievement to our city, where he will be the President of 
the Michigan Opera Theater at the Detroit Opera House. As Detroiters 
face great challenges ahead, I'm reassured to know that Mr. Brown will 
be bringing decades of experience to a city with a long and rich 
tradition of cherishing the arts. We are happy to welcome him home to 
where he first began his career in music and opera as an assistant 
manager with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.

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