[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 2] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page 1706] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]IN RECOGNITION OF PHILIP BRUNELLE RECEIVING THE 2010 LOCAL LEGEND AWARD ______ HON. BETTY McCOLLUM of minnesota in the house of representatives Tuesday, February 23, 2010 Ms. McCOLLUM. Madam Speaker, today I rise in recognition of Philip Brunelle who received the Minnesota Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast Committee's 2010 Local Legend Award. Philip Brunelle is a renowned conductor, organist and choral scholar. In 1969, with his partners, Brunelle founded the non-profit choral music organization Plymouth Music Series now known as VocalEssence. VocalEssence presents concerts which feature the 130 voice VocalEssence Chorus and its core group, a 32-voice professional mixed chorus called the Ensemble Singers, along with guest singers and instrumentalists. VocalEssence stands apart from other choral groups because of its range, variety and quality of performance. Mr. Brunelle has been awarded the 2010 Local Legend Award for his work with the WITNESS Collection. WITNESS is an initiative that began in 1991. It seeks to bear witness to the musical contributions of African American artists through concerts, recordings and educational programs. This initiative has grown to include; an annual concert, a 4-volume collection showcasing 100 years of classical compositions by African American composers, educational outreach programs that strive to teach students about African American contributions, and the Teachers Guide that enhances educational outreach initiatives. It is a privilege to recognize this valued leader before the United States House of Representatives. I salute Mr. Brunelle on behalf of his selfless dedication to music and the history of African American Artists. Madam Speaker, in honor of Philip Brunelle, I am pleased to submit this statement for the Congressional Record. ____________________