[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 109 (Tuesday, July 14, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1065]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              2015 CARNEGIE HALL NATIONAL YOUTH ORCHESTRA

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. LOUISE McINTOSH SLAUGHTER

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 14, 2015

  Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the 2015 
National Youth Orchestra of the United States of America.
  Each summer, Carnegie Hall's Weill Music Institute brings together 
some of the finest young musicians from across the country to form the 
prestigious National Youth Orchestra. The musicians, ranging from ages 
16-19 years old, undergo a comprehensive audition process; the 114 
talented, dedicated musicians who are selected reflect the breadth, 
diversity and quality of young musicians in the United States.
  After an intensive two-week training residency at State University of 
New York Purchase College with faculty from some of the country's 
finest professional orchestras, the players travel the world on an 
annual tour to top music capitals. Our musicians have the opportunity 
to interact with local young musicians and sightsee wherever they 
travel, and they inspire their audiences with their music-making.
  In its inaugural season in 2013, the Orchestra traveled to Russia and 
the UK. This year, from July 10-26, they will travel from New York City 
to China. In Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, and four other cities, the 
Orchestra will share their talent with Chinese audiences while 
experiencing firsthand the richness of China's culture and history. As 
musical ambassadors for America, the orchestra will strengthen ties 
between citizens of the US and the People's Republic of China through 
culture.
  I am thrilled to announce this summer's performers include two young 
musicians from my own Congressional district. Martine Thomas, 17, plays 
viola with the Rochester Philharmonic Youth Orchestra. She was a member 
of the National Youth Orchestra's inaugural summer tour in 2013, and 
this will be her second appearance with the group. She enjoys spending 
her weekends busking at a farmers market and performing at assisted 
living centers. Additionally, Helen Wong, 17, plays violin and attends 
Webster Schroeder High School is a performer in this years National 
Youth Orchestra. She enjoys performing piano and violin at senior 
centers and churches in her free time.
  Participating in the arts can have incredible benefits on our 
nation's students. From higher test scores to better behavior, stronger 
critical thinking skills, and better decision making skills. Team 
building skills along that these students will cultivate in the 
orchestra are essential to today's interconnected workplace.
  Again, I would like to congratulate all of the young musicians of the 
2015 National Youth Orchestra and wish them the best of luck in their 
future endeavors.

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