[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 147 (Wednesday, October 7, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1444]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING MR. TERRANCE KELLY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BARBARA LEE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 7, 2015

  Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Terrance Kelly for 
his extraordinary contributions to the music industry and to the faith 
community. Mr. Kelly is currently the Artistic Director of the Oakland 
Interfaith Gospel Choir, where he leads over 100 rehearsals and 50 
performances annually.
  Mr. Kelly graduated from the Texas Southern University with a 
Bachelor of Arts in Business Management. He went on to study at Holy 
Names University with a focus on Vocal Performance. Mr. Kelly began his 
career working with Jazz Camp West as Choir Director and Voice Teacher.
  During his time with Jazz Camp West, Mr. Kelly led the popular All 
Camp Gospel Choir, helping select the songs, instruct the band, and 
lead performances. His dedication to music also led Mr. Kelly to begin 
working with Imani Community Church, where he is currently Minister of 
Magnification. Mr. Kelly coordinates all musical presentations for the 
church, as well as leading many different choirs. He also facilitates 
the Imani Ya Watume liturgical dancers.
  Additionally, Mr. Kelly serves as Artistic Director of the Oakland 
Interfaith Gospel Choir. He has composed and arranged music for the 
Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir, the Oakland Interfaith Youth Choir, 
and the Oakland Interfaith Community Choir. The incredible works of 
music he has worked on have inspired and moved audiences throughout the 
Bay Area, California, and the world.
  In his long career in music and faith, Mr. Kelly received many 
honors. Most recently, Mr. Kelly taught workshops about gospel music at 
the International Gospel Music Academy of Denmark. His musical talent 
has been recognized by many influential people, such as Tramaine 
Hawkins, MC Hammer, John Lee Hooker, and Former President Jimmy Carter. 
He has received an Emmy Award for his choral arrangement of PSA for 
KGO-TV, as well as 2 Gospel Academy Awards for Outstanding Director of 
the Year and Excellence in Choral Music. The San Francisco Opera had 
the opportunity to work with Mr. Kelly in their rendition of Moby Dick 
in 2012.
  Mr. Kelly has also mentored students of music, many of whom have gone 
on to attend schools such as the Berklee School of Music, Howard 
University, and Walt Disney's California Institute of the Arts. 
Throughout his prolific career, Mr. Kelly has impacted the lives of 
musicians and fans alike, throughout the Bay Area and the world.
  On behalf of the residents of California's 13th Congressional 
District, Mr. Terrance Kelly, I salute him. I thank him for a lifetime 
of service and congratulate him on his many achievements. I wish him 
success as he continues to serve the residents of the East Bay.

                          ____________________