LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Joseph Riposo for a lifetime of achieve-
ments as a brilliant musician and motivational educator in the field of
music

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor and recognize
those talented individuals, who have had a significant impact on the
arts and culture of our communities by providing the public with bril-
liant entertainment and students with outstanding instruction in the
field of music; one such individual is Joseph Riposo; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Joseph Riposo for a lifetime of achievements as a brilliant musician and
motivational educator in the field of music; and
WHEREAS, Joseph "Joe" Riposo, who played the clarinet while growing up
as a child in Syracuse, New York, began studying the saxophone in
college at Syracuse University; and
WHEREAS, After graduating with a music degree from Syracuse University
in 1957, Joseph Riposo moved downstate to the US Army's Fort Dix, where
he became Chief Instructor in the School of Music; and
WHEREAS, Joseph Riposo also toured the globe with the Woodland Quar-
tet, before returning to Syracuse in 1960, to start a successful career
in music education; and
WHEREAS, For 31 years, Joseph Riposo taught music at the Liverpool
Central School District, mentoring and inspiring countless students in
the field of music, and eventually assuming the leadership role of
Director of Music Education for the school district; and
WHEREAS, With Joseph Riposo's guidance, the Liverpool Central School
District's music education program expanded and gained national recogni-
tion; and
WHEREAS, Joseph Riposo also served as Jazz Coordinator for the New
York State School of Music Association, receiving the presidential
medallion for his contributions to the Association; and
WHEREAS, Joseph Riposo was the first to serve in the position of Jazz
Director for the CRC's jazz program, creating two programs for local
youth; and
WHEREAS, In 1991, Joseph Riposo retired from the Liverpool School
District, but soon became the Director of Jazz Studies at Syracuse
University, where he continues to provide students with a proven envi-
ronment for successful learning; and
WHEREAS, In order to expand his teaching audience, Joe Riposo has
documented his expertise in more than 50 public books and compositions;
and
WHEREAS, As a master of many woodwind instruments, and as a composer
and conductor, Joseph Riposo has performed with numerous bands at
hundreds of venues throughout Central New York, New York State and the
United States; and
WHEREAS, Joseph Riposo has even performed with nationally-renowned
artists, such as Tony Bennett, Sammy Davis, Jr. and Natalie King Cole;
and
WHEREAS, Joseph Riposo's legendary career has been defined by, but not
limited to, various awards and achievements, including the Syracuse
Symphony Orchestra Musicians Award for Outstanding Music Educator, the
American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers Award, the 2008
Jazz Educator of the Year Award, and the Outstanding Jazz Educators
Award from the National Band Association for effective leadership in
instrumental music education by developing successful jazz and concert
bands in schools; and

WHEREAS, In 1997, Joseph Riposo was inducted into the (Sammys) Syra-
cuse Area Music Awards Hall of Fame, and in 2003, he was inducted into
the Fine Arts Hall of Fame; most recently, he was honored for his
induction into the 2011 Sammys Music Educator Hall of Fame; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that when talented
individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens
of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
hereby honor and recognize Joseph Riposo for his lifetime of achieve-
ments as a brilliant musician and motivational educator in the field of
music; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Joseph Riposo.