[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 10]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 13635]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO VINCENT J. TORNELLO

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. THOMAS S.P. PERRIELLO

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 2, 2009

  Mr. PERRIELLO. Madam Speaker, today I recognize Vincent J. Tornello 
upon his completion of 37 years of service to Virginia's Fifth 
District. As conductor of the Charlottesville High School musical 
ensemble since 1972, he has imparted to thousands of young students the 
lasting gift of a musical education, and it is an honor to acknowledge 
his contribution to the community.
  Vincent Tornello was born and raised in Oceanside, New York. He began 
conducting at age 17, and went on to earn his undergraduate degree at 
the Shenandoah Conservatory of Music, where he studied alto saxophone, 
flute, and piano; and his master's degree at the University of 
Virginia. During his time at Charlottesville High School, Mr. Tornello 
was the recipient of numerous accolades and honors from the community 
and beyond, including Sousa Foundation's Legion of Honor Award and 
membership in the Virginia Band Hall of Fame. Under his tutelage, 
Charlottesville High School bands have been named a Virginia Honor Band 
27 out of 28 possible years, received superior ratings for 28 
consecutive years at the state marching band festival, and performed at 
the 1998 Cotton Bowl Parade and the 1993 Fiesta Bowl Parade.
  Throughout his career, Mr. Tornello has challenged each student to 
grow not only in musical skill, but also in discipline and an 
appreciation for the process of making music. Described as ``tough, but 
inspiring'' by his students, he has encouraged young people of varying 
backgrounds, abilities, and unique talents to take pride in the 
dedication and teamwork required to meet high standards of achievement. 
In helping each student reach his or her potential, he has created 
accomplished ensembles of young musicians dedicated to ensuring the 
school music program's continued success.
  Although Mr. Tornello's legacy partly continues, his students have 
been inspired to enter the field of music and performing arts as a 
career, his students who have chosen a different path have noted the 
lasting impact of the life lessons learned under his guidance. Mr. 
Tornello has taught thousands of young people to strive for personal 
excellence and find satisfaction and fulfillment in a job well done. On 
behalf of the City of Charlottesville and Virginia's Fifth District, I 
thank Mr. Tornello for his generosity and devotion in sharing his 
talent throughout the years and wish him all the best in his 
retirement.

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