Senate Resolution No. 5862

BY: Senator JACOBS

COMMENDING Mount St. Mary Academy's Jazz Ensemble,
Concert Band, Choir and String Orchestra upon the
occasion of receiving top honors at the Darien Lake
Music Festival

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize the
dedication and commitment of our young people who distinguish themselves
through excellence in musical competition; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Mount St. Mary Academy's Jazz Ensemble, Concert Band, Choir and
String Orchestra upon the occasion of receiving top honors at the Darien
Lake Music Festival; 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, The Annual Darien Lake Music Festival was established to
offer school bands, choirs, and orchestras a friendly and supportive
platform for musicians to share in the excitement of making music and an
opportunity for participants to learn from one another, fostering a
lifetime of music appreciation and creating memories which last forever;
and

WHEREAS, Mount St. Mary Academy's Jazz Ensemble, Concert Band, Choir
and String Orchestra won first place in their performance categories;
and

WHEREAS, The Jazz Ensemble placed first for the 14th straight year
with a score of 98.55, and were subsequently awarded the Grand Champion
Award, edging out 12 other groups; and

WHEREAS, Under the able leadership of Band Director John Hathaway,
Mount St. Mary Academy's Jazz Ensemble earned the highest score ever in
this year's competition; and

WHEREAS, Mount St. Mary Academy's Concert Band won first place for
the second straight year with a score of 97.45, and String Orchestra
placed first with a 95.25 score; and

WHEREAS, In the high school women's choir category, the Gemtones
received first place honors with a score of 99.35, and earned the
Outstanding with Distinction Award; additionally, Mount St. Mary Academy
received the Sweepstakes Award for highest combined score for
instrumental and choral performance; and

WHEREAS, In achieving these high musical honors, Mount St. Mary
Academy musicians and vocalists 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
celebrate 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 Mount St. Mary Academy's Jazz Ensemble, Concert Band, Choir and
String Orchestra upon the occasion of receiving top honors at the Darien
Lake Music Festival; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the members of Mount St. Mary Academy's Jazz Ensemble,
Concert Band, Choir, String Orchestra, and Band Director John Hathaway.