Honor Oneida Jazz Festival

Assembly Resolution No. 171 BY: M. of A. Magee COMMENDING the Oneida Jazz Festival upon the occasion of celebrating its 30th Anniversary from March 9-10, 2017 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 commend the Oneida Jazz Festival upon the occasion of celebrating its 30th Anniversary from March 9-10, 2017; and WHEREAS, Many public school music programs across the State of New York offer jazz education in the form of ensembles modeled after the Big Bands of the 1940s through present day; these groups give students another avenue for self-expression, to learn self-discipline and a chance be part of a team; and WHEREAS, In 1988, in an effort to further jazz education in central New York, Timothy Watson founded the Oneida Jazz Festival; with the addition of the Festival, a competition circuit was formed for jazz bands around the area; and WHEREAS, Bands travelled from around the state to compete in a one-day festival and were adjudicated by local music educators or professional musicians from around Central New York; a modest 12 bands competed in the inaugural Oneida Jazz Festival; and WHEREAS, In the years since the inception of the Festival, it has evolved and grown in many ways; in 1997, the Director's Big Band was added, and one year later, the Festival expanded to a two-day event, accommodating a large influx of middle and senior high groups as well as vocal jazz performers; and WHEREAS, Originally, all the groups were divided into classes: MS, A, B, C, AA, and AAA; in 2002, the Festival switched from a competition based system to a Gold, Silver, or Bronze rating system; in addition, the Festival recognizes All-Stars for each class, Outstanding Sections, Director of the Year, and presents the Frank Mantooth Outstanding Musician Award to a qualified student; and WHEREAS, Through its 30-year history, the Oneida Jazz Festival has become synonymous with quality, class and high-level education; each year, students are afforded the opportunity to see, hear and interact with some of the best jazz artists in the business including the Count Basie Orchestra, Maynard Ferguson & Big Bop Nouveau Band, and the CNY Jazz Orchestra; and WHEREAS, Famous jazzers such as Chris Vadala, Ed Shaughnessy, Allen Vizzutti, Tom "Bones" Malone, and Dave Samuels not only wowed audiences with their showmanship but their ability to communicate with young students; and WHEREAS, Throughout the last three decades, more than 120 schools from around New York State have performed at the Oneida Jazz Festival with the hope of earning a Gold rating; and WHEREAS, Today, under the luminous leadership of Director, David Hawthorne, the success of the Oneida Jazz Festival is in direct correlation to the efforts of Marjorie Hawthorne, Nicholas Anderalli, Kathryn Dimmel, and the Oneida Music Boosters, as well as the Oneida City School District administration, faculty and staff, whose involvement is, and always has been, characterized by an impressive commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of excellence in all endeavors; and WHEREAS, Artistic and cultural activities help people to lift their minds away from their daily routines and live a fuller life through their appreciation of creativity; and the creative energy of the arts can translate into increased employment opportunities and the stimulation of community and regional businesses and economic activity; and WHEREAS, A true asset to society, the Oneida Jazz Festival's distinguished record merits the recognition and respectful tribute of this Legislative Body; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend the Oneida Jazz Festival upon the occasion of celebrating its 30th Anniversary from March 9-10, 2017; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to David Hawthorne, Director, Oneida Jazz Festival.