Honor James Petercsak’s 50 Years

Senate Resolution No. 3645 BY: Senator GRIFFO HONORING James Petercsak upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition after 50 years of distinguished service to the Crane School of Music WHEREAS, New York State's commitment to education is unparalleled; its history and stature are secured by the superlative caliber of its educational professionals and the students they inspire; and WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to acknowledge the significant milestones in the distinguished careers of those outstanding educational leaders, whose dedication and achievements have been instrumental in developing character, academic and musical excellence in the people of New York State; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor James Petercsak upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition after 50 years of distinguished service to the Crane School of Music, to be celebrated with a Concert and Gala on Saturday, March

17, 2018; and WHEREAS, James Petercsak, affectionately known as Jim, is head of the percussion area at SUNY Potsdam's Crane School of Music where he teaches applied percussion and directs the award-winning Crane Percussion Ensemble; and WHEREAS, For the past five decades, Jim Petercsak has rendered faithful, conscientious and valuable service to the Crane School of Music, making him its longest serving employee; and WHEREAS, As a knowledgeable and highly skilled musician, Jim Petercsak remains in high demand as a performer, conductor, clinician and consultant, as well as a music industry personality and visionary; and WHEREAS, Jim Petercsak is a SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor, University Scholar, and UUP SUNY Best Award winner; he is also the recipient of the 2010 Distinguished Alumni Award from the Manhattan School of Music, where he received his Master of Music degree; and WHEREAS, A significant contributor to education in New York State, Jim Petercsak clearly has an enduring impact on the students of the Crane School of Music as well as on the community-at-large; many of his students have gone on to hold professional positions in colleges, public schools and in leading orchestras and ensembles throughout the world; and WHEREAS, In addition to his esteemed 50-year career with the Crane School of Music, Jim Petercsak is a Yamaha/Sabian Performing Artist; and WHEREAS, Throughout his career thus far, Jim Petercsak has brought an uncompromising standard of excellence to his work and a warm sense of caring and concern to every student he educates; and WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body to commend the efforts of those individuals who work to support our proud tradition of public education by providing their skills and talents to our universities; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor James Petercsak upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition after 50 years of distinguished service to the Crane School of Music; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to James Petercsak.