[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 153 (Thursday, September 22, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E969-E970]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 CELEBRATING WATSONVILLE COMMUNITY BAND

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JIMMY PANETTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 22, 2022

  Mr. PANETTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 75th 
Anniversary of the Watsonville Community Band and their mission to 
provide members the opportunity to play music, both for their enjoyment 
and education, and the entertainment of our community on the central 
coast of California.
  On February 23, 1947, the then-called Watsonville Sciots Band held 
their first rehearsal at Watsonville High School. With just 15 members 
and their conductor, Ralph ``Slip'' Bohnett, the band performed for the 
first time at Watsonville's Independence Day Parade on July 4, 1947 and 
held their first concert at the Watsonville City Plaza on August 10, 
1947.
  Since its humble beginnings, over the past seven and a half decades, 
the Watsonville Community Band has given more than 1,500 public 
performances and amassed 325 First Place Awards out of the 337 times in 
parade competitions. The Band has appeared in almost every major parade 
on the West Coast and marched in over 500 parades.

[[Page E970]]

  The Watsonville Community Band has performed at fairs, parks, 
hospitals, festivals, and several televised concerts. It has served as 
representatives for the California-Nevada Lions Clubs at the 
International Convention of Lions Clubs in Chicago and performed at the 
Calgary Stampede Parade, a widely attended annual event in Calgary, 
Alberta, Canada.
  Notably, the Watsonville Community Band has performed for President 
Bill Clinton on three occasions: at California State University, 
Monterey Bay, at the National Oceans Conference in Monterey, and at the 
July 4th Concert at the White House in Washington, D.C.
  Since their first rehearsal, the Watsonville Community Band has 
represented the vibrant spirit of the community of Watsonville by 
delivering enriching performances across the Central Coast and around 
the world.
  Madam Speaker, I offer my utmost appreciation to all members of the 
Watsonville Community Band, both past and present, and their 75 years 
of service to the Central Coast.

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