LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring the Empire State Youth Orchestras upon
the occasion of being named a 2016 Champion for Children of the Capital
Region by Northern Rivers

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organiza-
tions and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the
community and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor the
Empire State Youth Orchestras upon the occasion of being named a 2016
Champion for Children of the Capital Region by Northern Rivers to be
celebrated on Tuesday, May 3, 2016, at the Hilton Garden Inn, Troy, New
York; and
WHEREAS, Empire State Youth Orchestras was chosen to receive this
auspicious award in recognition of its contributions to children's
health, safety and wellness; and
WHEREAS, Now in its 37th season, Empire State Youth Orchestras (ESYO)
provides an unparalleled musical experience to more than 300 young musi-
cians from across eastern New York and western New England; and
WHEREAS, ESYO students have the opportunity to play with talented
peers, to be conducted and coached by a host of professional musicians,
and to perform in grand music halls; they also have the chance to
participate in the creation of new music with prestigious composers and
to learn from guest artists in master classes; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, the students of Empire State Youth Orchestras
travel abroad as cultural ambassadors and share their love of music with
audiences across the globe as well as here at home; their performances
bring the community together to celebrate the arts and to help raise
awareness for important causes; and
WHEREAS, ESYO has raised significant funds for such vital organiza-
tions as Albany Medical Center's pediatric cancer program during its in
televised "Melodies of Christmas" benefit concerts; and
WHEREAS, Truly committed to ensuring all children have the opportunity
to learn a musical language, ESYO launched a community-based music
program entitled CHIME: Creating Harmony Invigorating Music Education;
and
WHEREAS, CHIME is dedicated to achieving social change through music
and is rooted in the belief that music can create pathways of opportu-
nity for children living in poverty; through the cultivation of critical
thinking skills, creativity, collaboration and compassion, CHIME offers
children the chance to pursue excellence both in music and in life; and
WHEREAS, Currently, 40 elementary students at Yates Arts in Education
Magnet School in Schenectady, New York, are participating in CHIME,
receiving free music training every day afterschool; additionally, six
ESYO mentors attend the program each week, serving as coaches and stand
partners, providing inspiration to their young counterparts; and
WHEREAS, This year, ESYO will present "Music Without Borders", a
concert celebrating the power of music to transcend boundaries; the
performance will feature ESYO's Youth Orchestra, Wind Orchestra and the
debut of CHIME; the CHIME ensemble will take the stage for the very
first time, accompanied and supported by their ESYO mentors, showcasing
the boundless potential of youth; and
WHEREAS, Over its distinguished history, Empire State Youth Orchestras
has demonstrated continuous service to the residents and communities
which it serves; and

WHEREAS, The success of Empire State Youth Orchestras is in direct
correlation to the efforts of its staff and volunteers, whose involve-
ment is, and always has been, characterized by an impressive commitment,
an unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of excellence in
all endeavors on behalf of the organization and the community it serves;
and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the
recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Empire State Youth Orchestras upon the occasion of being named a
2016 Champion for Children of the Capital Region by Northern Rivers; and
be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Empire State Youth Orchestras.