[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 15551-15552]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                 IN RECOGNITION OF AMERICA'S ORCHESTRAS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 11, 2005

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the important 
artistic contributions and community value of America's 1,800 
orchestras.
  This country's symphony, chamber, youth, and collegiate orchestras 
are among our Nation's most important cultural resources, which provide 
inspiration and enjoyment to more than 30 million individuals annually 
in cities, towns, and rural areas throughout the United States. They 
have shown a commitment to reaching all segments of their communities 
through education and community engagement programs.
  In particular, I would like to honor and recognize the Cleveland 
Youth Orchestra. This orchestra, comprised of musically gifted middle 
and high school students, provides young people with a rare opportunity 
to work directly with musicians of the Cleveland Orchestra and 
conductors to further develop their musical skills. Each year, members 
of the orchestra

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perform various concerts throughout the northern Ohio region, helping 
to enrich our community's artistic experiences. The youth and diversity 
of the musicians in these programs provide a compelling model of what 
young musicians of all backgrounds can achieve when they are given such 
a wonderful opportunity. I can personally attest to the amazing talents 
of these gifted young musicians. I have several CDs of the orchestra's 
music, which I enjoy very much.
  I am pleased to join with a bipartisan coalition of members in co-
sponsoring House Concurrent Resolution 157, which recognizes the 
invaluable contributions orchestras have made to our Nation.
  I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the wonderful talents 
brought forth by this country's orchestras, including the amazing young 
musicians of the Cleveland Youth Orchestra.

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