On the recordJuly 7, 2011
for nearly 40 years, legendary singer and songwriter Barry Manilow has inspired and dazzled millions of people with his musical talents. He has sold more than 80 million records worldwide and has written countless iconic hits. However, I come to the floor today not to discuss his talent but to recognize my friend for another one of his remarkable accomplishments-- his ongoing efforts to help preserve music education in public schools in Nevada and across this country. In recent years, significant budget cuts to public education have forced schools to eliminate a number of important programs. Sadly, music programs are often one of the first casualties. In response to this disturbing trend, Mr. Manilow started the Manilow Music Project, which helps public schools continue their music programs. The project donates instruments and materials to public schools and provides music scholarships to high school students to further their music education at the college level. Since 2008, the organization has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of instruments and materials to secondary and high school music programs across the country. A wonderful example of the impact of the Manilow Music Project occurred last year in Nevada. During one of Mr. Manilow's recent tours in Las Vegas, in exchange for donations of new or gently used musical instruments, he offered tickets to attend one of his concerts.…





