LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating the Monsignor Farrell High School
Marching Band upon the occasion of capturing the 2011 United States
Scholastic Band Association National Championship on November 13, 2011

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize the dedi-
cation 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 congratu-
late the Monsignor Farrell High School Marching Band of Staten Island,
New York, upon the occasion of capturing the 2011 United States Scholas-
tic Band Association (USSBA) National Championship on Sunday, November
13, 2011, at the Navy-Marine Corps Stadium on the United States Naval
Academy campus in Annapolis, Maryland; and
WHEREAS, Talent, dedication, and countless hours of practice have made
the Monsignor Farrell High School Marching Band the outstanding ensemble
it is today; and
WHEREAS, The 2011-2012 Monsignor Farrell High School Marching Band
consists of 14 winds, nine battery percussion, four pit percussion, six
guard/flags, and three drum majors; and
WHEREAS, Directed by Larry Christiansen, the Farrell High School
Marching Band performance for this year was titled "A Celtic Fantasy for
Military Band"; and
WHEREAS, In addition to capturing the 2011 USSBA National Champion-
ship, this year's Monsignor Farrell Marching Band received USSBA awards
for Best Music, Best Percussion, and Best Overall Effect; and
WHEREAS, Since 1981, under the direction of Larry Christiansen, the
Monsignor Farrell Marching Band has accumulated over 550 First Place and
Best in Class awards and holds the 2011, 2010, 2008, 2007, 2005, 2004
and 2003 USSBA, New York State Championship titles, as well as the 2003
USSBA All-States Championship title; and
WHEREAS, The members of the Monsignor Farrell High School Marching
Band show outstanding dedication, participating in numerous music
rehearsals and practice sessions, fully aware that time and devotion
directly affects the quality of their music; and
WHEREAS, Each of the young musicians is deserving of his or her own
recognition and spotlight, for their remarkable commitment and persever-
ance in perfecting their musical talent; and
WHEREAS, Principal Monsignor Edmund J. Whalen, and all the administra-
tors of the Monsignor Farrell High School are committed to actively
promoting and nurturing a comprehensive music program for all students
of the district; and
WHEREAS, The Monsignor Farrell High School Marching Band's achieve-
ments stand as a proud example of the leadership of Band Director, Larry
Christiansen, and the dedication of its members, parents, and the commu-
nity-at-large, as well as the School Board members and administrators,
illuminating the spirit of excellence and achievement which is the hall-
mark of their school and community and providing a shining example for
all youth of the State of New York to emulate; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate the Monsignor Farrell High School Marching Band upon the
occasion of capturing the 2011 United States Scholastic Band Association
National Championship; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Director Larry Christiansen, and Principal Monsignor Edmund
J. Whalen, Monsignor Farrell High School.