Senate Resolution No. 803

BY: Senator KENNEDY

MOURNING the death of Barbara Wagner, founding
director of the Buffalo Gay Men's Chorus,
distinguished citizen and devoted member of her
community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Barbara Wagner of Getzville, New York, died on Friday,
February 17, 2017, at the age of 80; and

WHEREAS, Born Barbara McCarthy in Lockport, New York, she attended
Lockport Senior High School and went on to study at the University of
Buffalo; after graduation, she advanced her studies at Westminster Choir
College and received the opportunity to further her career at Germany's
Munich Conservatory; and

WHEREAS, With her vast experience, Barbara Wagner went on to direct
the choir of the Unitarian Universalist Church, where her husband,
Reverend William G. Wagner, was a minister; under her luminous
leadership, the church choir had two European tours, recorded for
American Public Radio, and performed with the Buffalo Philharmonic
Orchestra; and

WHEREAS, In addition to being the founding director of the Buffalo
Gay Men's Chorus, which she directed for 10 years, Barbara Wagner taught
vocal music at both Nichols School and Buffalo Seminary, served as Music
Director at Temple Beth Am for 12 years and directed the Orchard Park
Chorale for five years; and

WHEREAS, Barbara Wagner was a member of the American Choral
Directors Association, the Erie County Music Educators Association, the
American Guild of Organists, and the Chromatic Club; she was also the
founder of the Unitarian Universalists Musicians Network; and

WHEREAS, For her commitment to her community and music, Barbara
Wagner was awarded the Erie County Music Educator/BPO Award for
Excellence in Choral Education; and

WHEREAS, Barbara Wagner believed that music transcends boundaries,
appreciating and celebrating the beauty that music can bring to all of
our lives; and

WHEREAS, A passionate leading figure in Western New York choral
music, Barbara Wagner distinguished herself in her profession and by her
sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of her
community; and

WHEREAS, Barbara Wagner's commitment to excellence, and her spirit
of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including
charitable and civic endeavors; and


WHEREAS, Predeceased by her husband, Reverend William G. Wagner,
Barbara Wagner is survived by her sister, Jeanne Gunby, her loving
daughters, Carrie Martin and Molly Wagner, and six grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Barbara Wagner leaves behind a legacy which will long endure
the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all she
served and befriended; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Barbara Wagner, founding director of the Buffalo Gay
Men's Chorus, distinguished citizen and devoted member of her community;
and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Barbara Wagner.