Honor Mount St. Mary Musicians

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.