LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the New York State School Music Asso-
ciation and the students of All-State Instrumental and Vocal Jazz Ensem-
bles upon the occasion of celebrating March as Music in Our Schools
Month 2012

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend educational
organizations and young people of true purpose and high achievement
whose exemplary programs and talents clearly demonstrate the pursuit of
excellence and service to the community, thereby bringing pride to our
majestic Empire State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
the New York State School Music Association and the students of All-
State Instrumental and Vocal Jazz Ensembles upon the occasion of cele-
brating March as Music in Our Schools Month 2012; and
WHEREAS, Since first sponsoring the Music in Our Schools Month cele-
bration in 1973, the New York State School Music Association has played
a pivotal role in the advocacy of music education in the classroom with
its annual event held at the Empire State Plaza in Albany, New York; and
WHEREAS, Music in Our Schools Month provides a wonderful opportunity
for New York State School Music Association members to discuss concerns
related to music education and how it remains an integral part of the
well-rounded education students receive in schools throughout New York
State; and
WHEREAS, The New York State School Music Association is to be
applauded for its commitment to the 2.2 million school music students of
New York State along with their families, as well as the members of the
All-State Instrumental and Vocal Jazz Ensembles; and
WHEREAS, The All-State Instrumental and Jazz Ensembles represent the
epitome of excellence in young musical talent and portrays the very best
of the Empire State's young musicians, thereby providing a great source
of pride for the community of this State, for their families and
friends, for their schools and for their hometowns; and
WHEREAS, In now its 80th year of service, the New York State School
Music Association has continuously been a tireless leader in promoting
the exceptional talent and skill of an abundant number of this great
Empire State's finest young musicians; and
WHEREAS, Music in Our Schools Month has helped young students develop
an appreciation for music as an art form, which serves as a catalyst in
fueling a child's artistic expression, and a gift they can carry on with
them for the rest of their lives; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body honors the memory of the late Joseph R.
Sugar, who founded Music in Our Schools Month in 1972; serving as the
Government Relations Chairperson for the New York State School Music
Association for many years, his unwavering efforts to build support for
music programs made him a driving force in the advancement of school
music teaching in New York State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the New York State School Music Association and the students of
All-State Instrumental and Vocal Jazz Ensembles upon the occasion of
celebrating March as Music in Our Schools Month 2012; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the New York State School Music Association and the All-State
Instrumental and Vocal Jazz Ensembles.