A Tribute to the Pasadena Symphony Association

A TRIBUTE TO THE PASADENA SYMPHONY ASSOCIATION -- (Extensions of Remarks - September 24, 2007)

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SPEECH OF
HON. ADAM B. SCHIFF
OF CALIFORNIA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2007

* Mr. SCHIFF. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Pasadena Symphony, which will be celebrating its 80th anniversary on October 13, 2007--the beginning of the 2007-2008 season. Since 1928, the Pasadena Symphony has demonstrated musical talent, stable leadership, and remarkable service to the community.

* In 1922, Will Rounds, Director of Instrumental Music in the Pasadena public school system and former member of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, initiated a movement for a local civic orchestra. The Pasadena Civic Orchestra Association was officially developed in 1928 by a group of civic-minded citizens and Reginald Bland, the orchestra's first director. Originally formed to promote free music of all forms to the public and to provide young aspiring musicians an opportunity to train through practical experience, the orchestra has transformed from a group of volunteer and student musicians into a nationally-recognized orchestra that has won worldwide acclaim.

* Much of the symphony's success can be attributed to its stable leadership. Since its founding, the orchestra has had only four music directors. In 1936, Dr. Richard Lert began his 36 year tenure as director and established a scholarship fund for students who performed in the orchestra. With Dr. Lert at the helm, the orchestra's name was changed to the Pasadena Symphony Association in 1954; in 1955, the symphony became a founding member of the Los Angeles Symphony League and was recognized with Metropolitan Status by the American Symphony Orchestra League in 1968. The Women's Committee, which recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, was formed in 1957 to assist with fundraising. From 1972 to 1984 the orchestra's reputation continued to grow under the leadership of Daniel Lewis. The orchestra received several national awards, including five American Society of Composers and Publishers awards for adventuresome programming. Mr. Lewis also oversaw the founding of the Pasadena Youth Symphony Orchestra which is considered one of the best youth orchestras in the world. Since 1984, Jorge Mester has brilliantly led the Pasadena Symphony Association, expanding the number of concerts per season and recording its first compact disc in 1994.

* Beyond its musical achievements, the association admirably serves the community through educational outreach. Committed to making music accessible to the public, the symphony runs an admission-free Musical Circus for families with young children and offers Concerts and Lessons to Enrich Families (C.L.E.F.). Believing that music belongs in the classroom as well as the concert hall, the symphony partnered with Pasadena's public elementary schools to found Tempo!, a curriculum based program that has been recognized by the National Endowment for the Arts. Through the Mentor Program, in which middle and high school musicians can meet with Pasadena Symphony Association professionals and the Pasadena Youth Symphony Orchestra, the symphony fosters our next generation of musicians.

* It is my great pleasure to honor the Pasadena Symphony Association on its 80th anniversary. I ask all members to join me in commending their efforts.

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