[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 48 (Tuesday, March 20, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E342]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    THE AMAZING KLEIN HIGH ORCHESTRA

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                              HON. TED POE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 20, 2018

  Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, the sound of beautiful music filled 
the air at the Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center in New York City. The 
orchestra playing? None other than the Klein High School Orchestra. The 
kids who make up the orchestra are some of the best in the nation and 
we are proud to say they hail from Houston, Texas.
  The Klein High Orchestra was in New York City to compete in a 
nationally recognized competition, rightly named the National Orchestra 
Championships. The orchestra, comprised of 35 students, took home the 
grand prize, earning the title of the 2018 National Orchestra Cup Grand 
Champions. This was the first time Klein High participated at this 
competition and more impressively, the first for the entire school 
district.
  The orchestra was competing against seven other schools and several 
of the groups were from high achieving, performance arts magnet 
schools. This is a remarkable feat for a talented group of young 
adults. The Grammy Foundation has also recognized the Music Department 
twice as a Grammy Signature School and all of the orchestras have 
earned UIL sweepstakes awards. The Klein High Orchestras have performed 
in the San Antonio Showcase, South Coast Music Festival, Mid-West 
International Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago Invitation at 
Carnegie Hall, the Circle of Honor series in Chicago at Symphony Hall 
and have been named Grand Champions several times at the Festival 
Disney Honors.
  Perhaps most impressive, is the dedication and time each student 
poured into practice, rehearsing song after song, to ensure each note 
was tuned to perfection. In order to achieve perfect harmony, genuine 
connections need to be strung between each musician and it's evident 
that was achieved seamlessly.
  Of course, in order to lead a great group of students, you must have 
a remarkable leader. Orchestra Director, Creston Herron, is to be 
applauded for his work and contribution to producing an extraordinary 
group of students.
  The Klein High Orchestra has achieved incredible accolades throughout 
the years, but being named the champion at the National Orchestra 
Championships could be their crowning jewel. We are honored to 
represent Klein High School in Washington, D.C. and we are even more 
proud to say they are from the Lone Star State.
  And that's just the way it is.

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