[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 97 (Friday, June 20, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1041]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               RECOGNIZING MAESTRO PHILLIP GABRIEL GARCIA

                                  _____
                                 

                           HON. BETO O'ROURKE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 20, 2014

  Mr. O'ROURKE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Maestro Phillip 
Gabriel Garcia, founder of the El Paso Youth Symphony Orchestra 
(EPYSO).
  As the conductor and head of operations for this organization, 
Maestro Garcia provides a valuable service to the children of El Paso 
and its citizens. Through the development of ``The Band Against 
Bullying Tour'', the EPYSO built a bridge between music and social 
justice awareness. EPYSO helped raise consciousness of the negative 
effects that bullying has on the victims and the community's quality of 
life with their performances throughout El Paso. By using music as a 
means to educate the community, Maestro Garcia demonstrates his 
creative and passionate work ethic to improve his community.
  With over 200 concerts performed, EPYSO gives kids the opportunity to 
see how music can positively reinforce their self-esteem through 
personal achievements as musicians and performances to their community. 
While performing at the Child Crisis Center, the Battered Women 
Shelter, Ft. Bliss, and La Fe Community Health Center, kids experience 
the joy that their music brings to the public. More so, EPYSO champions 
community service, raising money to feed the homeless at the Feeding 
the Nations Homeless benefit concert and serving food to the homeless 
for Thanksgiving. EPYSO continues to impact its participants and the 
rest of the public by remaining viable and relevant to their community.
  EPYSO and Maestro Phillip Garcia will continue to profoundly impact 
the El Paso community by continuing to connect their artistic endeavors 
with service. I am proud that this organization and Maestro Garcia are 
using music to contribute to the El Paso community, and I hope their 
message continues inspire our young citizens' enthusiasm for serving 
their community.

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