LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Babylon Junior-Senior High School
Symphonic Winds and Jazz Band upon the occasion of receiving top honors
at the World Strides Heritage Performance Music Festival

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 competition; and
WHEREAS, Music competition provides an opportunity for students to
exhibit their practical skills to an audience, thereby giving them a
sense of pride in their hard work and efforts; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Babylon Junior-Senior High School Symphonic Winds and Jazz Band upon the
occasion of receiving top honors at the World Strides Heritage Perform-
ance Music Festival on April 24-25, 2015, in Williamsburg, Virginia; and
WHEREAS, The World Strides Heritage Music Festival, the country's most
prestigious, was established more than 30 years ago to offer school
bands, choirs, and orchestras from across the country access to perform
renowned venues and exciting destinations, fostering a lifetime of music
appreciation and creating memories that last forever; and
WHEREAS, 46 music students and their teachers from Babylon Junior-Sen-
ior High School traveled to Virginia to attend this auspicious annual
event which high school bands, as well as orchestra and choir ensembles
from across the country participate in the competition; and
WHEREAS, Babylon Junior-Senior High School's Symphonic Winds and Jazz
Band each earned a gold rating on their performance along with two group
trophies; they also received the Festival Sweepstakes Instrumental
Trophy, which is presented to the school represented by the two instru-
mental groups that accumulated the highest number of points; and
WHEREAS, In addition, these remarkable musicians earned the Festival
Spirit Award, which is presented to the group that best represented
their school and community by demonstrating cooperation and enthusiastic
support of all festival activities; and
WHEREAS, Angela Turk, Director for the Symphonic Winds, and Charles
Leech, Director for the Jazz Band, have truly distinguished themselves
through their ability to inspire their students to achieve excellence in
musical performance; and
WHEREAS, In achieving this high musical honor, the Babylon Junior-Sen-
ior High School Symphonic Winds and Jazz Band may take just pride in the
inspiration and contribution to the spirit of excellence they bring to
their family, friends, community and school; and
WHEREAS, It is most fitting that we take time to celebrate the arts of
our Nation, to honor our musicians, and to express our appreciation to
everyone who patronizes the arts; and as we celebrate the arts, we cele-
brate and give thanks to our American freedom, the only atmosphere in
which musicians can truly perform and in which music is truly the
expression of the soul; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Babylon Junior-Senior High School Symphonic Winds and Jazz Band
upon the occasion of receiving top honors at the World Strides Heritage
Performance Music Festival; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Babylon Junior-Senior High School Symphonic Winds and Jazz
Band.