[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 67 (Tuesday, May 6, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E695]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING THE OAKLAND YOUTH ORCHESTRA

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BARBARA LEE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 6, 2014

  Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 50th 
Anniversary of the Oakland Youth Orchestra (OYO). Since its debut in 
the 1963-64 season, OYO has a history of commissioning, premiering and 
recording the works of great American composers. The youth orchestra 
performs a wide range of challenging pieces, showcasing their work and 
talent during several concerts each season.
  Since the establishment of the Oakland Youth Orchestra in 1963, its 
Artistic Directors and leaders have inspired and motivated generations 
of students with the highest degree of commitment and professionalism. 
In the past 50 years, 0Y0 has strived to promote the importance of arts 
education and to allow access to the arts for all youth.
  Today, the Oakland Youth Orchestra consists of 88 talented young 
musicians, representing 46 different schools from more than 30 cities 
in the Bay Area. Ranging from ages 12 to 22 years old, these artists 
have the opportunity to learn from, and be coached by, professional 
orchestral musicians. The youth orchestra students have the opportunity 
to travel to different regions of the world, performing in Europe, the 
Middle East, Central and South America, Asia, the Caribbean Islands and 
Australia.
  Moreover, the Oakland Youth Orchestra has received numerous accolades 
for its talented performances. For its service to contemporary music, 
the orchestra has received the Adventurous Programming of Contemporary 
Music award from the American Society of Composers and Publishers 
(ASCAP) five times in the course of the last four decades.
  As the educational arm of the Oakland Symphony, OYO is committed to 
serving the community and supporting arts throughout the Bay Area. OYO 
is a member of Arts First Oakland, ASCAP, Association of California 
Symphony Orchestras, Bay Area Black United Fund and the Oakland 
Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce. In addition, OYO has participated in 
the Bay Area Youth Orchestra Festival of Hope Concert, raising over 
$100,000 to benefit homeless and underserved youth.
  I commend the Oakland Youth Orchestra for providing our youth with a 
pathway towards growth and achievement. Music is essential to student 
development and to our sense of identity, community and pride.
  On behalf of residents of California's 13th Congressional District, I 
extend my congratulations on this important milestone and thank all of 
the many people who have contributed to the success of the Oakland 
Youth Orchestra. I wish OYO continued success in the years to come.