Senate Resolution No. 171

BY: Senator GRIFFO

COMMENDING Michael "Doc" Woods upon the occasion
of his induction into the 2024 Oneida County
Historical Richard W. Couper Living Legends Hall of
Fame on October 10, 2024

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that the quality
and character of life in this great Empire State is indelibly enriched
by the faithful and untiring efforts of those individuals who have
helped shape the history of their areas; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Michael "Doc" Woods upon the occasion of his induction into the
2024 Oneida County Historical Richard W. Couper Living Legends Hall of
Fame on Thursday, October 10, 2024, at the Irish Cultural Center in
Utica, New York; and

WHEREAS, The Oneida County Historical Hall of Fame was established
in 1946 and honors individuals from Oneida County who made an impact on
the local community and the world; the Living Legends category was added
in 2001 to celebrate present-day models of people making a difference;
and

WHEREAS, With a major in music composition and a minor in string
bass at Indiana University (M.M.) and the University of Oklahoma
(D.M.A.), Michael "Doc" Woods was the first African American to receive
a doctoral degree in music composition from the latter college; he
completed his residency at Mary Anderson Center for the Arts in Indiana;
and

WHEREAS, Michael "Doc" Woods has penned more than 700 compositions
in musical styles that include choral, orchestral and chamber works, and
jazz combo and big-band charts; his masterpieces have been performed by
the Albany Symphony, North Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, Central New York
Jazz Orchestra, Tulsa Philharmonic, and Salt City Jazz Collective; and

WHEREAS, "Doctuh" Michael Woods is director and bassist for the Zoe
Jazz Band and bassist for the Omniverse Jazz Ensemble; both of these
groups perform his compositions; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his career, Michael "Doc" Woods has taught many
courses, including African-American Popular Music, Jazz Improvisation,
and History of Jazz; and

WHEREAS, Michael "Doc" Woods is professionally affiliated with
numerous organizations, including the American Society of University
Composers, Center for Black Music Research, NAACP, and National Jazz
Service Organization; and

WHEREAS, With a tireless and unwavering commitment to Central New
York and beyond, Michael "Doc" Woods devoted his entire life to making
communities better places for their citizens to live, work, and play;
and


WHEREAS, This extraordinary man has lived an immensely beautiful
life built on compassion, kindness, and respect for others; he is one of
the most significant and enduring civic leaders in the County of Oneida,
and his insight and strength will forever inspire the lives of the
countless people he has touched; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Michael "Doc" Woods upon the occasion of his induction into the
2024 Oneida County Historical Richard W. Couper Living Legends Hall of
Fame on October 10, 2024; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Michael "Doc" Woods.