[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 109 (Tuesday, June 30, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E637]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





  HONORING HAROLD CLAYTON WRIGHT AS A DISTINGUISHED LEADER IN CENTRAL 
                     FLORIDA FOR LGBTQ+ PRIDE MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. DARREN SOTO

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 30, 2026

  Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Harold Clayton Wright as a 
Distinguished Leader in Central Florida for LGBTQ+ Pride Month. Harold 
Clayton Wright serves as the artistic director and conductor of the 
Orlando Gay Chorus (OGC).
  Originally joining as a singer, he assumed the role of interim co-
director in 2014, was named associate artistic director in 2015, and 
served in that capacity until 2018. During this period, he led the 
chorus at over 100 events in the aftermath of the Pulse Nightclub 
tragedy, providing a vital voice of healing and resilience for the 
community. In 2022, he was appointed artistic director, a role in which 
he continues to lead the chorus with distinction. Under Dr. Wright's 
leadership, OGC has doubled in membership, becoming one of the largest 
mixed-voice LGBTQIA+ choruses in the world. The chorus has expanded its 
presence throughout Florida, including regularly scheduled performances 
at the prestigious Steinmetz Hall in Orlando, and represented its 
community on the international stage at the 2024 GALA (the Gay and 
Lesbian Association of Choruses) International Festival at Orchestra 
Hall in Minneapolis. This was a meaningful milestone, as the preceding 
GALA appearance was in July 2016 in Denver, just one month after the 
Pulse tragedy.
  Dr. Wright holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Music Education and Choral 
Conducting from Florida State University, a Master of Music Education 
from Florida State University, and a Bachelor of Music Education from 
Baldwin-Wallace Conservatory of Music. He served 12 years as a public 
school educator in Central Florida, teaching grades K-12 across three 
schools, and was honored with the Teacher of the Year award at 
Davenport School of the Arts.
  Dr. Wright's professional organizations include the Florida Vocal 
Association, Florida Music Educators Association, National Association 
for Music Education, American Choral Directors Association, and GALA 
Choruses.
  ``As the world teaches one to be an individual, music teaches a world 
of individuals to be one!''--Dr. Harold C. Wright.

                          ____________________