The publication is reproduced in full below:
TRIBUTE IN MEMORY OF WAYLAND ROGERS
______
HON. HAROLD ROGERS
of kentucky
in the house of representatives
Friday, September 3, 2021
Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to my brother, Wayland Douglas Rogers, as we approach the first anniversary of his passing on September 9, 2020.
Wayland was a special addendum from Santa, making his familial debut on December 26, 1941. We had a wonderful childhood, growing up in rural Wayne County, Kentucky. Music was always important to my family, but it was apparent early on that Wayland was gifted in that aspect. While we knew he was extremely talented, as we watched him lead the Wayne County High School marching band as drum major, we never dreamed he'd one day be nominated for a Grammy award.
Wayland went on to study music at the University of Kentucky, Wichita State University, Northwestern University and the Mozarteum in Salzburg, Austria. He served as artistic director/conductor of The Camerata Singers of Lake Forest, Illinois, and music director at North Shore Unitarian Church in Deerfield, Illinois. He held faculty appointments at Northwestern University, DePaul University, Loyola University/Chicago, and Western Kentucky University, among other schools.
Wayland's compositions garnered accolades from The Leeds University Liturgical Choir Competition, The Roger Wagner Center Choral Competition, Meistersingers Choral Competition, The Chautauqua Chamber Singers Award, The Illinois American Choral Directors Association Choral Composition Competition, The Vincent B. Silliman Anthem Award and the Thornesian Prize from Chichester, England. In 1986 his recording of Mozart with the Chicago Symphony Winds received a Grammy nomination for best chamber music, losing to Yo-Yo Ma.
Wayland's voice was a gift to his family. Although he never had children of his own, he made a point of staying close with his nieces and nephews, and they adored him. His rich baritone voice graced many a family wedding and funeral.
Wayland didn't limit his magnificent voice to song. He was of the strong conviction that all people are created equal, and he used his voice to speak out against societal inequalities and injustices.
His greatest legacy, though, will be the talented musicians whose careers he helped shape and will continue to help shape long after he's gone. He loved to nurture talent, and throughout his career, Wayland offered guidance, motivation, and support to many young artists. With that goal in mind, before his death Wayland endowed a scholarship with the University of Kentucky's School of Music. I and the rest of his family look forward to following the careers of the recipients of the Wayland Rogers Scholarship for Excellence in the Performance of Art Song.
Through his music and the University of Kentucky School of Music scholarship that bears his name, Wayland's voice will continue for generations. But for his family and friends, his compassion, zest for life, and love of everything beautiful will sing in our hearts forever. Rest in peace, dear brother.
____________________
SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 153
The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
House Representatives' salaries are historically higher than the median US income.
Alerts Sign-up