Mel Shelton, Educator and Inspiration to Many

Floor Speech

MEL SHELTON, EDUCATOR AND INSPIRATION TO MANY -- (Senate - November 16, 2004)

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize an Idahoan of exceptional talent. Many possess remarkable talents, but this individual stands out because he has used his gifts to enrich the lives of others, educate young people, inspire creativity and provide beauty and drama that resides in the music of the heart. Mel Shelton, former Boise High School Band Director, Bose State University, BSU, Director of Bands and Professor of Music Education, member of the Boise Philharmonic, conductor and soloist with the Boise Municipal Band, founder and conductor of the Treasure Valley Concert Band, retired Professor Emeritus, Director of Bands from BSU, and internationally recognized composer has proven to be an exemplary artist, passionate and driven educator and dedicated citizen.

Mel has pushed countless students to reach out to the furthest boundaries of their talent and energy. He has exposed young musicians to new places and foreign countries, providing them with experiences that they will be able to draw artistic inspiration from for the rest of their lives. His incredible orchestral and band compositions are interpretations of profound life experiences. His exposure to and friendship with students from the Basque community in Boise, incidentally the largest such community in the nation, inspired him to compose the first Basque music specifically published for concert band media. Some of the most rugged peaks of Idaho, the Grand Tetons, were the inspiration for a piece by the same name. Mel also composed a work in honor of fallen wildland firefighters recently entitled "Requiem for Wildfire Heroes." These and many other of Mel's works have been on "Required Lists" for contests and festivals throughout the country, and he has been the well-deserved recipient of
[Page: S11369] many distinguished local, State, and international awards.

Mel says, "Music is a picture painted on a background of silence. It is unique in that it allows our brain to see with our ears and hear with our hearts." Mel Shelton transforms the mystery and passion of Idaho and its citizens from the transcendent to the realm of the discernable, unlocking our ability to appreciate Idaho's heritage and beauty. I commend him on his lifelong dedication to music, to Idaho's children, and remarkable accomplishments as a master in his field.

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