LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim April 7-13, 2013, as Barbershop Harmony Week in the State of
New York

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body recognizes the importance of the perform-
ing arts, which serve to inspire, enlighten, and unify people from all
cultural backgrounds through the transcendent power of human expression;
and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, it is the custom of this Legislative Body to
proclaim official weeks that are set aside to recognize those events and
organizations of artistic and historical significance which add to the
strength, vigor and inspiration of the communities of the State of New
York; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body hereby memorializes Governor
Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 7-13, 2013 as Barbershop Harmony Week
in the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, The Barbershop Harmony Society, formerly known as the Society
for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barber Shop Quartet Singing in
America, Inc. (SPEBSQSA), was officially organized on April 11, 1938, in
Tulsa, Oklahoma; and
WHEREAS, From its founding group of 26 men, the Barbershop Harmony
Society has grown to include nearly 25,000 members in 800 chapters in
all 50 of the United States and 10 provinces of Canada, as well as 4,000
affiliate members in 10 other countries; it is the world's largest all-
male singing organization, bringing together men from all stations of
life; and
WHEREAS, In commemoration of the 75th Anniversary of this venerated
organization, barbershop singing events, including celebrations,
performances and contests, will be held throughout the State and the
Nation; and
WHEREAS, The Barbershop Harmony Society is dedicated to sustaining and
preserving an American tradition, the a cappella barbershop quartet; one
of only three uniquely American musical art forms, the barbershop harmo-
ny has roots in African American and early European hymnody styles; and
WHEREAS, The Barbershop Harmony Society encourages harmony amongst all
people of the world through the universal language of music; and
WHEREAS, Through organizing and supporting close-harmony singing
groups, the Barbershop Harmony Society celebrates music in the home, in
schools and in communities, encouraging men and women, young and old, to
make singing an integral part of their lives; and
WHEREAS, The Barbershop Harmony Society also promotes musical educa-
tion through music scholarships and other means, and supports charitable
foundations, truly living up to its motto: "Keep the Whole World Sing-
ing"; and
WHEREAS, Barbershoppers are engaged in laudable civic service and
enrichment of our cultural life through the fostering of traditional
values in entertainment and community endeavors; and
WHEREAS, New York State enjoys a significant heritage in the barber-
shop world; in addition to being home to more than 1,030 Barbershop
Harmony Society members, this great State has produced an International
Quartet Champion, an International Seniors Quartet Champion, eight past
Society Presidents, and an International Collegiate Quartet Champion;
and
WHEREAS, It is most fitting that we take time to celebrate the arts of
this Nation, recognizing the rich history and extraordinary cultural
diversity that is our inheritance; and as we celebrate the arts, to give

thanks to our American freedom, the only atmosphere in which artists can
truly create and in which art is truly the expression of the soul; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 7-13, 2013, as
Barbershop Harmony Week in the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York.