[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 4]
[Senate]
[Page 4889]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




        RECOGNIZING THE KIRKWOOD HIGH SCHOOL SYMPHONIC ORCHESTRA

 Mrs. McCASKILL. Mr. President, today I congratulate a special 
group of students from my home state of Missouri. The Kirkwood High 
School Symphonic Orchestra has earned the honor of performing in New 
York City at the 2010 Instrumental Music Festival at Carnegie Hall, 
which is being held from March 26 through March 29. The Kirkwood High 
School Symphonic Orchestra is one of three instrumental groups 
throughout the Nation to be honored with this remarkable opportunity. 
These students have my admiration and my sincere congratulations. I 
know they will be great ambassadors for all students in Missouri.
  It is clear that this notable achievement is a direct result of the 
students' discipline and dedication to their musical talent. Under the 
direction of orchestral program director Patrick Jackson, these young 
musicians are locally renowned and have earned national acclaim for 
their work. Particularly noteworthy was their performance at the 2008 
Heritage Music Festival in New York City. That performance, which 
received perfect marks from the judging panel, was so stirring that 
more than one judge was moved to tears. It is a fitting advance in the 
storied history the students of the Kirkwood High School Symphonic 
Orchestra are writing that they would be invited to play in the world-
famous Carnegie Hall.
  As you can imagine, becoming a member of this elite ensemble is not 
easy. Members of the Kirkwood High School Symphonic Orchestral Program 
make a 9-year commitment that begins in 4th grade and continues through 
the students' senior year in high school. Mr. Jackson has directed the 
symphonic orchestra for two decades. During that time, participation 
has grown from 19 students to more than 300. As a testament to Mr. 
Jackson's commitment to his students, he has been honored by former 
students in Who's Who Among American High School High School Teachers 
17 times.
  Moreover, the resounding support for the symphonic orchestra from the 
communities of Kirkwood and Saint Louis has been inspiring. In order to 
make the trip, the students reached their fundraising goal of $72,000 
with the help of local radio, TV stations, and newspapers promoting 
their yearlong ``Road to Carnegie Hall.'' Inspired by these young 
musicians, members of our own Saint Louis Orchestra were moved to 
volunteer their time and expertise with the students in advance of 
their performance.
  Mr. President, I understand how difficult being a kid in this day and 
age can be. All too often, we read and hear negative stories about 
America's children that seem to suggest a generation in crisis. These 
Kirkwood students make it clear that this is not so. I am proud to 
shine a light on this group of young people who strive for greatness 
and embrace the fact that the greatest heights can be achieved through 
hard work and discipline.
  On behalf of myself and the people of Missouri, I congratulate the 
Kirkwood High School Symphonic Orchestra and wish them the best of luck 
during their time at Carnegie Hall.

                          ____________________