[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 137 (Tuesday, September 22, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1335]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     RECOGNIZING THE NEW BEDFORD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA FOR ITS 100TH 
                              ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. WILLIAM R. KEATING

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 22, 2015

  Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 100th 
Anniversary of the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra and in celebration of 
a century of music, entertainment and education in the arts to the 
public.
  The New Bedford Symphony Orchestra owes its establishment to Clarence 
Arey, a Fairhaven music teacher who founded the then-New Bedford 
Philharmonic Orchestra to provide quality performances of classical 
music for his community. It is recognized as the third oldest symphonic 
group in Massachusetts and one of the first twenty established in the 
nation.
  Today, the Orchestra performs six symphonic concerts, six chamber 
music concerts and a holiday Pops every year. These widely attended 
events are renowned as a pillar and celebration of the arts from the 
South Coast and beyond. Their performances enrich the lives of adults 
and children alike through the power of music and exposure to the fine 
arts.
  When Clarence Arey founded the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra, he did 
so with a very specific goal in mind--providing his students with a 
place to continue practicing and growing their talents and abilities 
after they left the school. It is in that spirit that the Orchestra 
continues to offer a free music education to over 30,000 students 
annually. The Orchestra does this in coordination with schools in the 
region at all age groups--from organizing its signature programs for 
pre-school, elementary, and adolescent programs, including Symphony 
Tales, Music in the Morning, Youth Orchestras and the Strings Program. 
Designed to ignite a passion for music in future generations, the 
Orchestra also works with music teachers to establish and collaborate 
on education frameworks, and provides resources to assist in teaching 
their students.
  Mr. Speaker, the 100th Anniversary of the New Bedford Symphony 
Orchestra provides us with an opportunity to reflect on the 
significance of the fine arts in Massachusetts'--and our nation's--
history. May this historic Orchestra continue to enrich our lives with 
the power of music for years to come.

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