[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 24 (Monday, February 10, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E185]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 IN TRIBUTE TO DR. NICHOLAS J. CONTORNO

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GWEN MOORE

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, February 10, 2014

  Ms. MOORE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a published 
composer, arranger, educator, guest conductor, saxophone soloist and 
composer in residence. He was a highly successful and visible educator 
at all levels of school bands both as a conductor and clinician. On 
February 2, 2014 Dr. Nicholas J. Contorno passed away leaving his wife 
Lucille, two daughters, Camille and Gina, and a host of family and 
friends to remember his many accomplishments.
  Dr. Nicholas J. Contorno retired in 2007 after 24 years as the 
Director of Bands and Orchestra at Marquette University in Milwaukee, 
Wisconsin. He received his undergraduate and master's degrees in music 
education from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and was granted a 
Doctor of Musical Arts Degree in Composition from the University of 
Wisconsin-Madison.
  He began his teaching career in 1961 as an Instrumental Music teacher 
in the Glendale (WI) Public Schools and also served as Director of 
Bands at Dominican High School in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin. He served 
as Music Curriculum Supervisor and Director of Bands at Kettle Moraine 
High School in Wales, Wisconsin. Dr. Contorno's work with young 
musicians made him one of the most beloved composers for concert and 
jazz bands.
  Dr. Contorno was an A.S.C.A.P. award winning composer and arranger. 
He is listed in ``Leaders of Secondary Education'' (1972), ``World's 
Who's Who of Musicians'' (1977), and ``Encyclopedia of Band Composers'' 
(1991). As an active professional musician, he performed with the 
Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Holiday on Ice Orchestra, Ringling 
Brothers, Barnum and Bailey Circus Band, Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra, and 
Les Elgart Orchestra. In addition, he performed with many national 
shows and artists, including ``Annie,'' 42nd Street,'' Linda Ronstadt, 
Natalie Cole, Manhattan Transfer, Vic Damone, Johnny Mathis, Mel Torme, 
and Sonny & Cher, to mention a few. His many honors include the Hugo 
Anhalt Music Achievement Award (1973); National Band Association 
Outstanding Jazz Educator Award (1982); and the University of 
Wisconsin-Milwaukee Music Alumni Achievement Award (1990).
  Dr. Contorno also held memberships in numerous professional 
organizations, such as the American Federation of Musicians--Local 8, 
ASBDA, the National Band Association, and the Wisconsin Bandmasters 
Association. He served on the board of directors of the Festival City 
Orchestra of Milwaukee and the Waukesha Symphony Orchestra. He was the 
musical coordinator of Festa Italiana-Milwaukee, Wisconsin from 1982 to 
1998, served as the Musical Director/Conductor of the First Brigade 
Civil War Band of Wisconsin from 1970-1982 and The Milwaukee Concert 
Band from 1996-2002. In addition, he served as guest conductor of the 
Goldman Band of New York and the ``President's Own'' United States 
Marine Band. Dr. Contorno has a music school named after him in 
Gonaives, Haiti.
  Mr. Speaker, for these reasons, I am honored to a tribute to Dr. 
Nicholas J. Contorno. Dr. Contorno's contributions have greatly 
benefitted the citizens of the Fourth Congressional District, the State 
of Wisconsin and the global community.

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