[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 13]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 17941]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO MR. EUGENE De BELLIS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BILL PASCRELL, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 14, 2003

  Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I would like to call your attention to the 
work of an outstanding individual, Mr. Eugene De Bellis, of Clifton, 
New Jersey, who was recognized by the De Bellis School of Performing 
Arts on Sunday, June 22, 2003, for his lifelong dedication to musical 
education and the performance arts.
  As a musician and music educator, Mr. De Bellis has spent his life 
fostering the arts. His creativity, boundless generosity, and 
commitment to the cultural enrichment of others have helped to shape 
the careers of a number of professionals within the music industry. 
Therefore, it is only fitting that Mr. Eugene De Bellis be honored, in 
this, the permanent record of thet greatest freely elected body on 
earth.
  Eugene De Bellis began what would become a distinguished career in 
music at the early age of nine when he first undertook the study of 
solfeggio, violin, piano, and accordion. Eugene's musical talent was 
soon recognized and, several years later, he was invited to study at a 
private music school in New York.
  As a teenager, Mr. De Bellis performed in Newark, New Jersey, in 
various bands comprised of musicians from the American Federation of 
Musicians (Local 16). He continued his formal musical training at the 
Pietro Deiro Conservatory of Music in New York, while pursuing 
independent studies in piano performance with Professor Ulysses 
Senerchia, and Music Theory and Harmony with Professor Otto Cesana and 
Professor Joseph Biviano of NBC in New York City.
  In 1948, Mr. De Bellis began attending Seton Hall University. His 
tenure there was short-lived, however, and he left Seton Hall after a 
mere two years to be inducted into the United States Army. While in the 
United States Army, Mr. De Bellis attended the 9th Infantry Division 
Band School, and graduated to become a training officer for the Field 
Army Corp and a member of the prestigious United States Army Band.
  Upon leaving the Army, Mr. De Bellis returned to New York to pursue a 
bachelor's degree in Music Education at New York University. His desire 
to instill an understanding and love of music in other young artists 
led to his decision to organize his own private school. In a response 
to the great need for a school of music in Newark, New Jersey, the De 
Bellis School of Performing Arts opened its doors in 1952. Fifty-one 
years later, the De Bellis School of Performing Arts continues to offer 
courses to students of Instrumental Music, Dance, Voice, and Drama.
  The job of a United States Congressman involves so much that is 
rewarding, yet nothing compares to recognizing the accomplishments of 
individuals like Eugene De Bellis. His passion and commitment to music 
education and the community of Newark is unparalleled.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join our colleagues, Eugene's family and 
friends, the faculty and students at the De Bellis School of Performing 
Arts, and me in recognizing the outstanding and invaluable service of 
Eugene De Bellis.

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