LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring The Crane School of Music at the State
University of New York at Potsdam upon the occasion of its 125th Anni-
versary

WHEREAS, The State of New York is renowned for its centuries-old tradi-
tion of excellence and diversity in education and for the place of para-
mount importance which education holds for the people of the State; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend institutions of commitment and high achievement, such as The
Crane School of Music at the State University of New York at Potsdam,
whose purpose and endeavor are dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in
music education and service to its community; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor The
Crane School of Music at the State University of New York at Potsdam,
Potsdam, New York, upon the occasion of the celebration of its 125th
Anniversary; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of its gratitude and as an expression of great
respect and high regard, this Legislative Body is proud to commemorate
this auspicious milestone in the history of the college; and
WHEREAS, The Crane School of Music at the State University of New York
at Potsdam was founded by Julia Etta Crane in 1886 with the intent of
becoming the first public higher education institution dedicated to
producing music educators; and
WHEREAS, Since its founding, The Crane School of Music has been widely
recognized as the home of music education in the United States; and
WHEREAS, SUNY Potsdam's Crane School of Music is the alma mater of
generations of world-class musicians, music educators, composers, and
scholars; and
WHEREAS, Life at Crane includes an incredible array of more than 300
recitals, lectures and concerts presented by faculty, students and
guests each year, all of which are open to the Northern New York commu-
nity; and
WHEREAS, The Crane School of Music is justly proud to be SUNY's only
all-Steinway institution; and
WHEREAS, Under the leadership of Dean Helen M. Hosmer, The Crane
School has gained an international reputation for excellence in musical
performance, with frequent visits from such well-known conductors and
composers as Robert Shaw and Nadia Boulanger; and
WHEREAS, Crane alumni, including alumnae Renee Fleming and Stephanie
Blythe, internationally-acclaimed Metropolitan Opera performers, and
Broadway star Lisa Vroman, among many others, are important contributors
to the vitality of the arts in New York State and around the world; and
WHEREAS, 125 years after its founding, Crane continues to carry
forward a tradition of innovation, combining its dedication to music
education with an unwavering commitment to high achievement and creati-
vity in performance; and
WHEREAS, The Crane School recognizes that, in its 125th year, it has
reached an important milestone; in celebration of its success and in
appreciation of the support from which it has benefited, Crane plans
many events throughout the year to mark this special anniversary; and
WHEREAS, SUNY Potsdam's Crane School of Music opened its year-long
celebration of its 125th Anniversary with the 2011 Spring Festival,
which culminated with world-renowned conductor Maestro Helmuth Rilling
leading the Crane Chorus and the Crane Symphony Orchestra on April 30,
2011; and

WHEREAS, The colleges and universities of this State and nation
reflect the character and values of the society in which they exist; the
administration, faculty and students of The Crane School of Music at the
State University of New York at Potsdam may take just pride in its
history of quality leadership, teaching, achievement and community
support, spanning 125 years of accomplishment, and bequeathing a legacy
of excellence and service for present and future generations; and
WHEREAS, The Crane School of Music stands prepared to reach out in
earnest and enthusiastic quest of its mission, proudly aware of its
history and planning with vision and purpose to meet the challenges of
the future; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor, with immense pride, The Crane School of Music at the State
University of New York at Potsdam upon the occasion of its 125th Anni-
versary, fully confident that its future will be as distinguished as is
its past; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Crane School of Music at the State University of New York
at Potsdam.