Senate Resolution No. 2355

BY: Senator GRIFFO

HONORING Dr. Michael "Doctuh" Woods upon the
occasion of his retirement after many years of
distinguished service to Hamilton College

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge the
significant milestones in the distinguished careers of esteemed
residents of this noble Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Dr. Michael "Doctuh" Woods upon the occasion of his retirement after
many years of distinguished service to Hamilton College in Clinton, New
York; and

WHEREAS, An award winning bassist, educator, composer, lecturer, and
clinician, Dr. Michael Woods has written more than 700 compositions of
various styles such as choral, orchestral and chamber, jazz combo and
big-band; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Michael Woods has earned his D.M.A., University of
Oklahoma; M.M., Indiana University; and B.M., University of Akron; and

WHEREAS, As a testament to his artistry, Dr. Michael Woods' works
have been performed by the Albany Symphony, Cleveland Chamber Ensemble,
Erie Philharmonic Orchestra, Midland Symphony Orchestra, Utica Symphony,
Tulsa Philharmonic Orchestra, Little Rock Symphony, Anderson Symphony,
North Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, Lafayette Symphony, Central New York
Jazz Orchestra, Tulsa Philharmonic, Pro Musica Orchestra, Salt City Jazz
Collective, and the Pittsburgh New Music Ensemble; and

WHEREAS, Fostering students' knowledge of the arts, Dr. Michael
Woods has taught courses such as Composition Seminar, Jazz Arranging,
African American Popular Music, Jazz Improvisation, History of Jazz to
the 1950s, and History of Jazz since the 1950s; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Michael Woods is affiliated with the following
commissions: the Albany Symphony in 2004 through 2007 and 2009,
Pittsburgh New Music Ensemble, Pro Musica Orchestra, Columbus, Ind.,
Lafayette Symphony, and Lafayette, Ind.; he has had premieres featured
in the Erie Philharmonic Orchestra, Midland Symphony Orchestra, Utica
Symphony, Tulsa Philharmonic Orchestra, Little Rock Symphony, and
Anderson Symphony and maintains a residency at the Mary Anderson Centre
for the Arts; and

WHEREAS, An influential member of society, Dr. Michael Woods is
affiliated with the following professional entities: American Society of
University Composers, Society for New Music, Center for Black Music
Research, American Composers Forum, International Society of Bassists,
Black Jazz Caucus, International Association of Jazz Educators, NAACP,
National Jazz Service Organization, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, National
ACT-SO adjudicator - NAACP, and International COGIC; and

WHEREAS, In his capacity as a professor at Hamilton College, Dr.
Michael Woods 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, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens
of the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Dr. Michael "Doctuh" Woods upon the occasion of his retirement
after many years of distinguished service to Hamilton College; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Dr. Michael "Doctuh" Woods.