[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 72 (Tuesday, May 12, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E678]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING MS. BARBARA WAGNER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 12, 2015

  Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I stand before you today to honor Ms. 
Barbara Wagner. Ms. Wagner is being honored by the Buffalo Gay Men's 
Chorus with the prestigious title of `Artistic Director Emeritus'.
   Ms. Wagner was the founding artistic director of the Buffalo Gay 
Men's Chorus. She helped found the group in 2001 and conducted their 
first meeting on September 11th. Although this day was tragic to all 
Americans, this group was able to find solace during their first 
rehearsal. Ms. Wagner bound the newly formed choir with the song ``How 
Can I Keep From Singing,'' which would then go on to be performed at 
every concert and rehearsal for her 10 year tenure and beyond.
   While the choir was under Ms. Wagner's leadership, the Buffalo Gay 
Men's Choir received numerous awards, and performed on some of the 
grandest stages in Buffalo. With Ms. Wagner's direction the BGMC 
received multiple ``Best in Buffalo'' Awards from the local Artvoice 
newspaper, and was recognized by the Empire State Pride Agenda in 2005 
for excellence in music and dedication to the community. Ms. Wagner led 
the choir to receive the prestigious Buffalo and Erie County Arts 
Council Award for exceptional contributions to the arts and cultural 
community in Western New York. Under Ms. Wagner's leadership the choir 
performed at the historic Kleinhans Music Hall in Buffalo, and 
alongside the renowned Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra.
   Ms. Barbara Wagner's commitment to The Buffalo Gay Men's Chorus is 
to be recognized with the distinguished title of `Artistic Director 
Emeritus', during a special ceremony in their upcoming concert. I ask 
today, Mr. Speaker, that we honor her dedication to the arts and 
successes as choir director.

                          ____________________