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“HONORING THE SMITHSONIAN JAZZ MASTERWORKS ORCHESTRA: 20 YEARS OF ENGAGEMENT, EDUCATION, AND EXCELLENCE” mentioning the U.S. Dept of State was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E1595 on Sept. 14, 2010.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING THE SMITHSONIAN JAZZ MASTERWORKS ORCHESTRA: 20 YEARS OF
ENGAGEMENT, EDUCATION, AND EXCELLENCE
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HON. JOHN CONYERS, JR.
of michigan
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker, in 1990, the Congress recognized the importance of jazz in American culture when it authorized the establishment of the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra (SJMO).
As the Nation's jazz orchestra, the SJMO regularly performs the great works of jazz. Throughout its 20 years, the orchestra has distinguished itself as one of the crown jewels of the Smithsonian--which is itself, a pre-eminent national treasure.
The band has performed for audiences at the Smithsonian Institution, Kennedy Center, White House, U.S. Capitol, Harlem's famed Apollo Theater, the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, and prestigious music festivals like Ravinia and the Monterey Jazz Festival. The ensemble has traveled prolifically and performed at many American schools and colleges, as well as in Canada, Europe, and the Middle East. On a 2008 State Department-sponsored tour of Egypt, the Orchestra won many new friends for the United States. After an outdoor performance at the Pyramids and Sphinx, the Cairo Daily News raved, ``The backdrop was incredible, the band was superb.''
Other critical reaction has been enthusiastic. Wrote The New York Times: ``Culturally important. . . . spectacular musically. After being embalmed on recordings, the music suddenly came alive.'' Syndicated columnist David S. Broder wrote, ``The impact of these live performances is everything the showmen, scholars, and politicians who brought this small miracle to pass imagined it might be. It is electrifying. . . .''
While the SJMO is not the only jazz orchestra in America, it is unique. As the only federally-chartered jazz orchestra, it enjoys a position of prestige and influence. As the only such ensemble with resident status at a museum, it's in a unique position to bring the jazz legacy to life.
The Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra educates the public about the history and development of jazz as an art form and means of entertainment. It promotes a greater appreciation for jazz as a valuable American treasure by performing jazz masterworks, and presenting educational activities that engage the public with this great music.
Further contributing to its status, the orchestra is led by the internationally famous Maestro David Baker--the world's leading jazz educator, author of over 70 books and 400 articles, and recent recipient of the prestigious American Jazz Masters Award given by the National Endowment for the Arts.
Madam Speaker, the orchestra has special expertise in engaging and educating its audiences--young and old--about this vital part of American culture. I am pleased to recognize its service and accomplishments over the past 20 years.
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