Honor Edgemont Jazz Ensemble Win

Senate Resolution No. 2789 BY: Senator STEWART-COUSINS CONGRATULATING the Edgemont High School Vocal Jazz Ensemble upon the occasion of capturing First Place at the 49th Annual High School Jazz Festival at Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts 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, 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 congratulate the Edgemont High School Vocal Jazz Ensemble upon the occasion of capturing First Place at the 49th Annual High School Jazz Festival at Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, on Saturday, February 11, 2017; and WHEREAS, This monumental achievement marks the fourth consecutive win for the Edgemont High School Vocal Jazz Ensemble; and WHEREAS, The Annual High School Jazz Festival at the Berklee College of Music is the largest of its kind in the country; five thousand music lovers watched and listened as thousands of high school students from across the nation and Puerto Rico competed against each other for the coveted title of The Best of the Best; and WHEREAS, The Berklee High School Jazz Festival competition is comprised of three categories: large ensembles, combo ensembles and vocal jazz ensembles; Edgemont High School vied for the win in Class V3; and WHEREAS, The Edgemont Vocal Jazz Ensemble first participated in this prestigious festival in 2007; this group of talented students won its first of four titles in 2014; and WHEREAS, The Edgemont Vocal Jazz Ensemble club consists of a small group of supportive students who are truly dedicated to success and improving their musical skills; the students have built a winning culture by setting high expectations for not only themselves, but for each other; and WHEREAS, Under the luminous leadership of Choral Music Director, Kelley Morse, and Chair of Edgemont High School's Music Department, John Catoliato, the Vocal Jazz Ensemble continues to maintain its high standard of excellence, making it capable of competing with some of the best performing arts schools; and WHEREAS, Talent, dedication, and countless hours of practice have made the Edgemont High School Vocal Jazz Ensemble the outstanding ensemble it is today; and WHEREAS, The members work hard at their music rehearsals, classroom assignments and practice sessions, fully aware that the amount of time and energy they are willing to expend directly affects the quality of their music; and WHEREAS, The Edgemont High School Vocal Jazz Ensemble members, along with their parents and teachers, can be justifiably proud of their musical achievements and their participation in the 49th Annual Berklee High School Jazz Festival; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to congratulate the Edgemont High School Vocal Jazz Ensemble upon the occasion of capturing First Place at the 49th Annual High School Jazz Festival at Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts; and be it further RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the members of the Edgemont High School Vocal Jazz Ensemble; Kelley Morse, Choral Music Director; and John Catoliato, Chair of Edgemont High School's Music Department.