Senate Resolution No. 1074

BY: Senator KENNEDY

COMMEMORATING the 15th Anniversary of the Buffalo
Gay Men's Chorus

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend those musical organizations that have brought entertainment and
cultural enrichment to the citizens of the great State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 15th Anniversary of the Buffalo Gay Men's Chorus; and

WHEREAS, The Buffalo Gay Men's Chorus (BGMC) was founded in 1999,
with the help of Roger Parris, who is still one of their singers; over
the course of the year, a group of men diligently worked to make the
organization a reality; and

WHEREAS, In May of 2001, auditions were held, and 50 members were
selected for the initial group; rehearsals began on September 11, 2001,
the day of the tragic World Trade Center terrorist attacks; under the
direction of Barbara Wagner, the singers chose to celebrate life and
hope and heartily sang "How Can I Keep From Singing?" together; and

WHEREAS, To this day, the hymn is still used as the chorus' theme
song; the stirring song serves as a reminder for its members of mutual
family togetherness and inspiration that the BGMC always aspires to
attain; and

WHEREAS, On February 9, 2002, BGMC's first public concert, "Music
From the Heart" was held at the Unitarian Universalist Church in
Buffalo; and

WHEREAS, Throughout the years, BGMC has been repeatedly named the
Best Local Choral Group by Artvoice; on two occasions, the talented
chorus was asked to sing with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra at the
Kleinhans Music Hall; and

WHEREAS, For its excellence in music and its dedication to its
community, BGMC has been the recipient of numerous awards and accolades
including the ESPA Award for Community Service by the Empire State Pride
Agenda; and

WHEREAS, In addition, BGMC received the Buffalo and Erie County Arts
Council Award for exceptional contributions to the arts and cultural
community in Western New York in March of 2008; and

WHEREAS, The arts, in whatever form depicted, are central to human
expression; they are truly a universal language and their contribution
to the development of friendship and understanding among all peoples
cannot be overestimated; and

WHEREAS, The history, the heritage, and the lives of the people of
all countries and all cultures are portrayed in their music; the art and
act of sharing them enriches us altogether; and


WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body that when
musical societies of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to
our attention, they should be recognized by all the citizens of this
great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 15th Anniversary of the Buffalo Gay Men's Chorus; and be
it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Buffalo Gay Men's Chorus.