[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 82 (Tuesday, May 24, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E778]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING THE EL PASO YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BETO O'ROURKE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 24, 2016

  Mr. O'ROURKE. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to rise today in recognition 
of the 23rd Anniversary of the El Paso Youth Symphony Orchestra 
(EPYSO), presided over by Maestro Phillip Gabriel Garcia of my district 
in El Paso, Texas. I am pleased to recognize EPYSO as an innovative 
youth group dedicated to serving the El Paso community through their 
hard work and musical talents.
  Since 1993, EPYSO has provided young El Pasoans who are passionate 
about music an opportunity to perform in El Paso and communities 
throughout the United States with the intention of raising awareness 
about social justice issues. EPYSO has performed at various El Paso 
venues, including the Child Crisis Center, the Battered Women Shelter, 
Fort Bliss, and the La Fe Community Health Center. Most recently, EPYSO 
performed at the University of Texas at El Paso's Sun Bowl stadium 
during Pope Francis' historic February 2016 visit to Ciudad Juarez, 
Mexico. This summer, EPYSO will embark on the ``America United Tour'', 
where they will perform in New York City and in Washington, D.C.
  With over 250 concerts performed and 3,500 musicians hosted, EPYSO 
instills a sense of pride and confidence in young individuals through 
their personal achievements as musicians. I am proud that programs such 
as EPYSO exist in my district, and I am confident that EPYSO will serve 
as a positive role model in helping to inspire youth to serve their 
communities.

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