Assembly Resolution No. 1354

BY: M. of A. Finch

COMMEMORATING the 100th Anniversary of the Smyrna
Citizens Band

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend those musical organizations that have brought entertainment and
cultural enrichment to the citizens of the great State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Smyrna Citizens Band; and

WHEREAS, Frank Coy, who directed the Coy Band of Smyrna around the
turn of the century, traveled with the Smyrna Boys' Marching Band as a
child to Peterboro to hear a speech by abolitionist Garret Smith of the
underground slave railroad fame; and

WHEREAS, This young boys' marching band would later be named the Coy
Band, and in 1918, it was organized as the Citizens Band of Smyrna; and

WHEREAS, Though the players changed through the years, Smyrna
Citizens Band continues to play and march in parades before and after
elections, at firemen's conventions, county fairs, Memorial Day
ceremonies, field days and holidays; and

WHEREAS, Today, the Smyrna Citizens Band features a loyal and
diverse group of musicians of all ages, whose weekly concerts are a true
example of small town Americana; and

WHEREAS, Under the able leadership of Band Director Wilbur "Red"
Raville, who has led the organization for nearly three decades and is a
long time resident of the area, the Smyrna Citizens Band will once again
host its remarkable 100-year tradition of summer concert series on
Monday evenings in the balcony of the Smyrna Public Library; 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; 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; and

WHEREAS, The arts, in whatever form presented, are central to human
expression; they are truly a universal language and their contribution
to the development of friendship and understanding among all peoples
cannot be underestimated; individuals who provide a means of preserving
a part of our rich American past and which contribute to the community
in such noble endeavors as aforementioned, are held in the highest
regard by this Legislative Body; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Smyrna Citizens Band; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Wilbur Raville, band director, Smyrna Citizens Band.