[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 139 (Friday, August 25, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E792]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       RECOGNIZING NORVILL HOWELL

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                      HON. TERESA LEGER FERNANDEZ

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, August 25, 2023

  Ms. LEGER FERNANDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Norvill 
Howell for his service to the music students of Curry County in eastern 
New Mexico.
  Mr. Norvill Howell was born in Independence, Kansas. He graduated 
from Eastern New Mexico University where he majored in music and went 
to work for the Muleshoe Texas School System. Thereafter he was hired 
as the Clovis High School Band Director. His 25 year tenure as the CHS 
Band Director spanned 1956 to 1981 where he taught generations of 
Wildcats. He later became the Clovis Schools Music Program Director and 
served in that capacity for 15 years.
  During his tenure as Clovis High School Band Director, Mr. Howell 
instilled an aspiration to perform at an exceptional level in his band 
students. Known for being ``tough but fair,'' many of his students went 
on to become accomplished musicians and band directors themselves. All 
of them attribute much of their success to the standards Mr. Howell 
set.
  After his retirement, Mr. Howell continued his musical influence and 
formed the Clovis Community Band. Many former students and community 
members participated in it. In addition to the community band, he was 
also a member of a local jazz group that performed for various events 
throughout Eastern New Mexico and West Texas.
  Under Mr. Howell's direction the CHS band received invitations to 
perform at the Rose Bowl Parade, the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade, and 
won countless marching band competitions throughout New Mexico and 
Texas. His influence on Clovis' School Music Programs continues today 
as the CHS Band is known as ``the band that sets the standard for 
excellence'' at band competitions.
  As a tribute to Mr. Howell and his legacy with the Clovis Schools 
Music Programs, the CHS Band performs in front of his home at the 
beginning of the school year.
  Excellence, discipline, outstanding performances, and representing 
your school with honor are all synonymous when you mention Mr. Norvill 
Howell's name. He described himself as, ``Just a good ole trumpet 
player.'' To his community and band students, he is so much more.

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