[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 172 (Thursday, December 1, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1570]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING WILLIAM SCRIBNER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELIOT L. ENGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 1, 2016

  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of an amazing 
artist and a true friend, William Scribner. Bill as he was better known 
brought so much light and beauty to the Bronx through his music, and 
his contributions to our borough will never be forgotten.
  Renowned as one of New York's finest bassoonists, Bill always looked 
for ways to share his amazing gift with the world and spread his love 
of music to others. In 1972, he founded the Bronx Arts Ensemble, the 
premier professional music organization in the Bronx. With a mission to 
``nourish the arts in the Bronx, serving its diverse communities and 
developing audiences through arts education and musical performances of 
the highest professional standard,'' the organization has touched the 
lives of thousands of people over the years with their unique 
performances and beautiful shows. This is largely due in part to Bill's 
exceptional work, and the amazing assemblage of talent he nurtured and 
put together.
  In addition to presenting over 100 concerts a year, the Bronx Arts 
Ensemble also specializes in an arts-in-education programming in over 
40 schools in the Bronx and beyond with instruction in music, drama, 
dance, visual arts, capoeira, drumming and more.
  Yet for all of Bill's incredible work bringing the arts to the Bronx, 
his first love was always his family. The beloved husband of Marsha 
Heller and loving father of Andrew Scribner, Bill is also survived by 
sister Janice Freeman, cousin Nancy Wirth, stepson Joshua Marantz, and 
first wife Louise Scribner.
  Bill brought so much joy to our community, and enriched the lives of 
so many. Through the Bronx Arts Ensemble his legacy shall forever live 
on, and for that I am very thankful. It is an honor to celebrate his 
amazing life here today.

                          ____________________