[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 24570-24571]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



              A DRUM ROLL FOR SAGINAW HIGH'S MARCHING BAND

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES A. BARCIA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 6, 2001

  Mr. BARCIA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to sound the trumpets for the 
107-member Saginaw High School Trojans Marching Band for consistently 
playing their way to victory in various musical competitions and also 
to praise Band Director Jeannine Coughlin for her persistence and 
determination in returning the Marching Trojans to a place of 
prominence among high school bands in mid-Michigan and across the 
nation.
  When Jeannine Coughlin first picked up the director's baton in 1993 
to lead the Marching Trojans, band membership was down to a low of 
thirty musicians and it was a struggle to recruit students to 
participate. Jeannine expeditiously remedied the situation by 
persuading young people that learning to play an instrument was within 
their capabilities if they were willing to put in the effort and 
practice. Her confidence and enthusiasm quickly spread throughout the 
school and a top notch marching band was reborn.
  Moreover, the band's success has amplified, reaching well beyond the 
confines of its practice room and its performance venues. In their new 
black and gold uniforms, band members proudly display a sense of school 
pride and unity that goes a long way in instilling an admirable self-
image and strong sense of self-respect for the entire student body.
  I have had the privilege and pleasure of listening to the band and 
watching their well-choreographed dance routines as we marched together 
in a parade. I can personally attest to their superior musical skills, 
lively cadence and unbridled spirit. Their talent also has been

[[Page 24571]]

widely recognized wherever they perform, including a first-place finish 
last May in the parade review competition at the Showcase Music 
Festival in Atlanta, Georgia. The squad beat out 22 other high school 
bands from across the country for the grand prize trophy and $200, The 
band also scored another first-place victory in the 2001 Mackinaw City 
Memorial Day Parade.
  Finally, Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in applauding 
the Saginaw High School Marching Trojans and Band Director Jeannine 
Coughlin for energizing the musical talents of young people and for 
providing unparalleled rhythmic interludes at sporting events, parades 
and so many functions throughout the year. Their dynamic and 
mellifluous performances will linger in the memories of listeners long 
after the show is over.

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