LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Henry Carr upon the occasion of his
retirement after many years of distinguished service to the Colonie
Memorial Band

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
those individuals of historic and artistic significance whose creative
talents have contributed to the cultural enrichment of our communities
and our Nation; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Henry Carr upon the occasion of his retirement after 12 years of distin-
guished service to the Colonie Memorial Band to be celebrated with his
final performance as Director of the band at Colonie High School on
Wednesday, June 1, 2011; and
WHEREAS, The Colonie Memorial Band is one of two musical groups the
town sponsors; it is strictly a concert band which performs only in
auditoriums and plays concert programs; the symphonic band is comprised
of 80 members and performs four free concerts a year; and
WHEREAS, After 60 years with a baton in hand, Henry Carr is stepping
down as Director of the Colonie Memorial Band which has been conducted
under his luminous leadership since its inception 12 years ago; and
WHEREAS, Music has been the theme of Henry Carr's life; it is even
responsible for leading him to his loving wife Suzanne whom he met in
the euphonium section of the Ithaca College Band; and
WHEREAS, After graduation in 1948, the couple moved to Altamont, New
York, where he began his career as a music educator; and
WHEREAS, A passionate musician with an extensive and impressive back-
ground, Henry Carr spent 31 years as Music Supervisor and Band Director
at Colonie Central High School, 19 years as concert band director at the
University at Albany, 12 years as Co-Director of the Rensselaer Poly-
technic Institute band, and 37 years as a trumpet player for the Albany
Symphony; and
WHEREAS, While serving as band director, he brought some famous names
to play including Doc Severinsen, the "Tonight Show" band leader under
Johnny Carson; and
WHEREAS, A fine Director and musician, Henry Carr is effective in his
gift to motivate players to play at the best of their ability; he is a
dynamic recruiter and an inspiration to all who have had the pleasure to
work with him; and
WHEREAS, For the past 12 years, Henry Carr rendered faithful, consci-
entious and valuable service to the Colonie Memorial Band, earning the
admiration, esteem and affection of his band members and colleagues; and
WHEREAS, In his capacity as Director, Henry Carr served with loyalty,
honor and distinction, and was governed by a keen sense of duty and
always showed a unique grasp of human problems in his official acts; and
WHEREAS, Next month, World War II veteran Henry Carr turns 88 and has
no plans of slowing down; he is moving to Florida, where he plays in
three bands, having wintered there for years; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Suzanne, and their
three talented children, all of whom share his love of music, feel priv-
ileged to be a part of his life, and rejoice in his achievements; and
WHEREAS, It is most fitting that we take time to celebrate the music
of our Nation, to honor our artists and musicians, and to express our
appreciation to everyone who patronizes the arts; and as we celebrate
the music, we celebrate and give thanks to our American freedom, the
only atmosphere in which artists can truly create 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
honor Henry Carr upon the occasion of his retirement after 12 years of
distinguished service to the Colonie Memorial Band; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Henry Carr.