[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 135 (Friday, September 18, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1328]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF MR. CHARLES DORCH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EMANUEL CLEAVER

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 18, 2015

  Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Charles Dorch, a 
remarkable leader whose passion for music and teaching has touched so 
many young people in Kansas City. Mr. Dorch attended Arkansas AM&N 
University in Pine Bluff on a music scholarship, and then turned down a 
job in Detroit to teach in Kansas City at Southeast High School after 
his wife was hired at Paseo High School. As we celebrate the 
distinguished and acclaimed history of Southeast High School in 
Missouri's Fifth District, it is necessary that Mr. Dorch be celebrated 
as well. His dedication to his students as the band director reached 
far beyond expectations.
  Starting at Southeast Junior High in 1970 and continuing to Southeast 
High School in 1973, Mr. Dorch was a gift to the music department of 
the Kansas City School District for over fifteen years. He was 
determined to revitalize the band program at the high school, by 
encouraging students to enjoy playing music in and outside of the 
classroom. While he was band director, the high school participated in 
numerous publicized appearances, including varsity football games, pre-
games, and half-time shows; annual American Royal parades; the once 
Kansas City Kings basketball games; and even a bicentennial half-time 
performance at the Kansas City Chiefs football game. The regard of the 
band program, under his leadership, is clear when looking at this list 
of striking performances.
  In addition, Mr. Dorch led students through the jazz lab, stage band, 
and symphonic concert band. All of these opportunities were ways in 
which students could be involved in activities outside of the 
classroom. Prospects for students to perform at such occasions as the 
Goombay Festival on a Bahamas cruise, the nationally televised 
Republican National Convention at the Charlie Parker Center, or move on 
to compete in district or all-state bands, were all ways in which 
students were enthused to further appreciate music and continue their 
education.
  Mr. Dorch urged students to pursue music beyond high school. He knew 
the importance of a college education, and many students continued on 
to schools such as Bishop College, Florida A&M, Langston University, 
and Prairie View A&M University, which I proudly call my alma mater. 
His effort to help his students' musical interests did not stop with 
his students either. Mr. Dorch also created the Band Parents 
Association in order to get the students' parents involved, as well as 
help with fundraising, which provided such amenities as new uniforms.
  His instruction through music also brought him to direct the St. 
James United Methodist Church choir for nine years. His musical 
aptitude shined in his ability to not only prime and motivate the choir 
during worship, but also expand their reach by adding instruments and 
genres of music to their ensemble.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me and our fellow colleagues in conveying 
our gratitude to a teacher, a man of worship, and a man of music. Mr. 
Charles Dorch has spread his passion for music and has inspired 
thousands of his students, young and old alike. He has provided them 
with opportunities to show off their full musical talent and adoration, 
where they may have not been able to before or under different 
guidance. We join the alumni and leadership of Southeast High School in 
honoring the accomplishments of Mr. Charles Dorch for his tireless 
enrichment of our community and country.

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