WASHINGTON, D.C. - Maine Sen. Susan Collins has received a GRAMMYs on the Hill Award. The Recording Academy, which hands out the coveted GRAMMY awards to music performers, also recognizes educators and lawmakers at a yearly event on Capitol Hill.
Senator Collins, who sits on the powerful Senate appropriations committee, received the award for her support of funding for arts programs.
In her acceptance speech, Collins said receiving piano lessons at the age of four set her on a path of music appreciation.
Maine's Republican senior senator also gave the Bangor Symphony Orchestra a plug. The long term success of the orchestra, she says, signals to her that there's loyal public support for the arts. “Our symphony, founded in 1898, is one of the oldest continually operating orchestras in the country, a testament to unflagging public support." said Collins.
"We must continue to work together to ensure that all Americans, regardless of geography or economic status, have access to music, whether in the audience, on stage, or in the classroom.” she said.
Collins also described to the Academy how the establishment of the American Folk Festival had revitalized Bangor's waterfront area, transforming it into a destination for performances.