LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the Marching Cobras of New York upon
the occasion of their outstanding performances during Super Bowl Week
2014

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize the dedi-
cation and commitment of our young people who distinguish themselves
through excellence in musical performance and competition; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
the Marching Cobras of New York upon the occasion of their outstanding
performances during Super Bowl Week 2014; these talented students led
the Super Bowl Championship Vince Lombardi Trophy in the NFL Experience
Parade on Wednesday, January 29, 2014, in New York City, and welcomed
Super Bowl fans before the game on Sunday, February 2, 2014, at MetLife
Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey; and
WHEREAS, The Marching Cobras of New York is a marching band that
includes a drumline, flag team and dance squad, and is comprised of 70
Westchester and New York City middle and high school students; the name
"COBRA" stands for: Commitment, Obedience, Belief, Respect, and Achieve-
ment; and
WHEREAS, This award-winning, hardworking, and energetic band truly
lives up to its name; the Marching Cobras of New York members practice
five days a week, four hours a day, and also on Saturdays if they are
not performing; some members travel as many as two hours each way to get
to practice, and most of the group's members had no musical experience
prior to joining; and
WHEREAS, The Marching Cobras of New York helps at-risk youth from
across the New York City's five boroughs and Westchester County beat
negative influences by embracing music; and
WHEREAS, A non-profit organization working in collaboration with St.
Christopher's School in Dobb's Ferry, New York, the mission of the
Marching Cobras of New York is to enrich the lives of teens by providing
opportunities for artistic expression and teen development through
music, marching, dance, and entertainment; several members of the band
are students at St. Christopher's School; and
WHEREAS, The Marching Cobras of New York has distinguished itself in
its many impressive accomplishments; successes include: being named 1st
Place Grand Champions in the 2013 New York City State Championships;
taking 1st place in both the New York Salute to Israel Parade and the
"Cakeman Parade" in Brooklyn; and being awarded the Pace University
Drum-Line Contract; and
WHEREAS, The shining talent of these young musicians and performers
has been widely recognized; the Marching Cobras of New York have
appeared on "The Joey Reynolds Show," played the Opening Day Performance
for Red Bull Arena in Newark, New Jersey, and were special guest
performers at Jazz at Lincoln Center; they are soon to be featured in
the upcoming Michael Keaton film, "Birdman"; and
WHEREAS, The talent displayed by the Marching Cobras of New York is
due in great part to the efforts of Director of Bands Terrel J. Stowers,
and his staff, Kevin Young, Sheldon Gomes, Pamela Bodley, and Clifford
Wesley, skilled and inspirational tutors, respected for their ability to
develop potential into excellence; and
WHEREAS, Achievements of this magnitude are not possible without the
strong values of teamwork, commitment, and dedication, and the outstand-
ing members of the Marching Cobras of New York City, as well as Coach
Terrel J. Stowers and his staff may take just pride in their accomplish-
ments; and

WHEREAS, This occasion presents an opportunity for this Legislative
Body to wish the Marching Cobras of New York continued success in all of
its endeavors; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the Marching Cobras of New York upon the occasion of their
outstanding performances during Super Bowl Week 2014; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Marching Cobras of New York.