[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 83 (Wednesday, May 25, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Pages S3169-S3170]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO FRED AND CONNIE TAYLOR

  Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, I would like to take the opportunity to 
sing the praises of Fred and Connie Taylor, two incredibly talented and 
dedicated members of the Casper community. Fred serves as the choir 
director and his wife, Connie, serves as the organist and director of 
the handbell choir at the Shepherd of the Hills Presbyterian Church in 
my hometown of Casper, WY. Through music, Fred and Connie Taylor have 
helped our congregation share in God's love, grace, and teachings for 
24 years. Last Sunday marked their last service in leading the musical 
ministry of the church as they start their well-earned retirement.
  Fred and Connie Taylor have been married for over 50 years. Since 
they first met at the University of Dayton, this lovely couple has been 
celebrating life and music together. In fact, music brought them 
together. The couple met when Fred was performing in the role of Elijah 
in Mendelssohn's ``Elijah'' and Connie was assigned to be his 
accompanist. Since that day, they have been performing together and 
sharing their musical talents in schools and churches across the 
nation.
  The Taylors fell in love with Wyoming during a trip to our great 
State in 1979. A short time later, Fred and Connie moved to Hanna, WY. 
Fred got a job as band director at the school and Connie took the 
position as the choir director. In 1986, they moved to Casper, WY. Fred 
became bass trombonist and assistant conductor of the symphony. Connie 
devoted herself to inspiring and spreading the love of music to 
children in the Casper schools.
  While they are a dynamic team, Fred and Connie also have significant 
individual accomplishments. Connie graduated from the University of 
Dayton with a bachelor of science in music and earned a master of music 
from Indiana University. Connie is a concerto level pianist. She has 
performed as an accompanist for the Joffrey Ballet. Her musical 
expertise has been critical in ensuring the success of numerous 
performances in our community. As a longtime elementary school teacher 
in Casper, she taught her students to appreciate the beauty and joy of 
music. Connie has helped ensure the love of music lives on in the 
future generations of our State.
  Fred's passion for music is best explained by his proclamation that, 
``Music is part of my soul.'' He was born in New York City in 1938. As 
a baby, he would rock and sway along to the sounds of the world's most 
beloved symphonies. As a young boy, he started singing at his church 
and in the boys' choir. After serving our Nation in the U.S. Army, Fred 
earned his bachelor of science in music education from the University 
of Dayton and a master of music in conducting from Indiana University. 
Fred is the bass trombonist for the Wyoming Symphony Orchestra and 
founder of the Casper Brass and Storm Door Company. He has composed 
over 600 pieces of music. In addition, Fred has performed in and 
greatly contributed to the Casper College Band, the Casper Municipal 
Band, and the CC Jazz Band.
  Fred explains how his love for music and the state of Wyoming 
perfectly intertwine stating, ``I have a wonderful church choir to 
conduct; I have a symphony orchestra to play in; everything

[[Page S3170]]

I write gets performed.'' He also said, ``Outside of that, the air is 
clear and the fish in the river don't have to cough, and my 
grandchildren live right around the corner.''
  The passion for music is part of the family. The love of music and 
ability to bring the notes on the page to life extends to every member 
of their family; Lisa Rich, Steven Rich, Chris Taylor, Nancy Taylor, 
and their grandchildren Alex Rich, Jeremy Rich, and Abigail Madden.
  My wife, Bobbi, joins me in extending our appreciation for the 
musical talents of Fred and Connie Taylor which inspire and delight so 
many people in our community and across the Nation. We are also deeply 
grateful for their amazing ability to lift our hearts and share the 
Word of God through music. As quoted in the Bible, I say to each of 
them, ``Well done, good and faithful servant.'' All of us privileged 
enough to know them are blessed. We wish them the best as they embark 
on their next adventure.

                          ____________________