LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION celebrating the life and accomplishments of
beloved music educator Joseph R. "Joe" Sugar

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor the life and
accomplishments of those whose character and achievements exemplify the
ideals and values cherished by the people of the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, In keeping with this long-standing tradition, this Legisla-
tive Body is proud to pay tribute to the memory of legendary music
educator, unique individual, and distinguished citizen Joseph R. "Joe"
Sugar who passed away on November 1, 2009, at the age of 80; and
WHEREAS, A tireless advocate for the advancement of music education,
Joe Sugar began his career as a trumpet and string bass player in bands
that assisted major stage and recording artists including Eddie Fisher,
Billy Eckstein, Vic Damone, Dianne Carroll, Bobby Rydell and Henny
Youngman, and recorded for MGM, Fox, and London Records; he went on to a
56-year career as a music educator which encompassed all levels of
teaching, from elementary school through university, and demonstrated
extraordinary accomplishment; and
WHEREAS, Known to virtually every music teacher in New York State, Joe
Sugar served as Director of Bands at Indiana University, Matawan High
School, Upsala College, Bethpage High School and Hewlett High School and
was Director of Music for the Hewlett-Woodmere Union Free School
District prior to becoming, in 1990, an esteemed adjunct professor of
music education at the C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University's
School of Visual and Performing Arts; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his fruitful career, Joe Sugar, a strong and fear-
less leader, contributed his time, talent and expertise to numerous
professional organizations, always advocating for the enhancement and
advancement of music education and to making it more available to chil-
dren with disabilities; and
WHEREAS, He served as President of the New York State School Music
Association, Nassau Music Educators Association, New York State Council
of Administrators of Music Education, Music Educators National Confer-
ence Eastern Division, and the New York State Council of Music Teacher
Education Programs; and
WHEREAS, He also was an honorary lifetime member of Suffolk County
Music Educators Association and recently concluded a long term appoint-
ment as the New York State School Music Association's Government
Relations Coalition Chairperson, where he was a driving force in promot-
ing advocacy for music education in schools; and
WHEREAS, The many awards with which he has fittingly been honored
include the New York State Band Directors Association's 2007 Retired
Band Director Award and the 2008 C.W. Post Adjunct Faculty Recognition
Award for Outstanding Service to the Students and the Department of
Music; also in 2008, Professor Sugar and his wife, Clara, received a
Lifetime Achievement Award from the Long Island-based Usdan Center for
the Creative and Performing Arts and most recently, Joe Sugar was
honored posthumously with the prestigious Long Island Music Hall of Fame
2009 Music Educator of Note Award; and
WHEREAS, Joe Sugar is survived by his wife of 53 years, Clara, and two
sons, Thomas, a music teacher in the Hewlett-Woodmere School District,
and his wife, Vanna, and Robert, the Head Equipment Manager at the C.W.
Post Campus Athletic Department, and his wife, Maria, and three grand-
children, Joanna, Danielle and Summer, all of whom feel privileged to
have been a part of his life and rejoice in his many accomplishments;
and

WHEREAS, The New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) with
which Joe Sugar was so involved and to which he contributed so much,
sponsors Music in Our Schools Month every March and helped it to evolve
from a New York State Day into a month-long national observance; and
WHEREAS, Not surprisingly, it was Joe Sugar who, in 1972, initiated
the concept of Music in Our Schools Month, during which students of the
highest musical and academic caliber from across the State come to Alba-
ny to perform at the Empire State Plaza in celebration of Music in our
Schools Month; and
WHEREAS, This year the New York State School Music Association is
dedicating Monday, March 1, 2010, the first day of the 38th Annual Music
in Our Schools Month in memory of icon Joe Sugar and will proudly
observe it as Joseph R. Sugar NYSSMA Day in Albany; and
WHEREAS, Joe Sugar has truly enhanced the impact of music education,
securing its reputation as essential to nurturing the creative spirit of
young people throughout New York State; and
WHEREAS, He generously shared his almost larger than life persona not
only with his beloved family but with virtually all those he encount-
ered, sharing his contagious enthusiasm and his unending and unbending
commitment to excellence, and leaving, as well, an inspiring legacy of
humanity and spirit for others to follow; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
celebrate the life and accomplishments of beloved and highly respected
educator, leader, and advocate for music education Joseph R. "Joe" Sugar
and to applaud the New York State School Music Association for honoring
his memory during Music in Our Schools Month; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Joseph R. "Joe" Sugar and to the New York State
School Music Association.