LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the Syracuse University Marching Band
upon the occasion of its outstanding performance at Super Bowl XLVIII,
on February 2, 2014

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize the dedi-
cation and commitment of our young people who distinguish themselves
through excellence in musical performance and competition; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
the Syracuse University Marching Band upon the occasion of its outstand-
ing performance at Super Bowl XLVIII, on Sunday, February 2, 2014, at
MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey; and
WHEREAS, The Syracuse University Marching Band joined with the Rutgers
University Marching Band to perform during the Super Bowl pre-game show;
the combined 400 musicians and color guard played to a crowd of approxi-
mately 80,000 football fans, and a television audience of 112.2 million
viewers; and
WHEREAS, The Syracuse University Marching Band thrilled its audience
with a five-song medley that included: Bruce Springsteen's "Born in the
USA" and "Born to Run"; Bon Jovi's "Living on a Prayer"; Frank Sinatra's
"New York New York"; and "Empire State of Mind," by Alicia Keys and
Jay-Z; and
WHEREAS, Because MetLife Stadium is home of the New York Giants and
New York Jets, the National Football League and Super Bowl host commit-
tee wanted a marching band that could represent New York State for its
pre-game show; the Syracuse University Marching Band was selected for
this honor because of its sterling reputation as one of the premier
collegiate marching bands in the northeast; and
WHEREAS, The Syracuse University Marching Band, known as the "Pride of
the Orange," is comprised of approximately 200 members hailing from
across the United States and the world; many current band members attend
Syracuse University, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry,
Le Moyne College, and Onondaga Community College; and
WHEREAS, The "Pride" performs for tens of thousands of fans during
home football games at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse; it also performs in
several parades and exhibitions in the Central New York area and beyond;
and
WHEREAS, In recent years, the Syracuse University Marching Band has
made appearances at high school marching band competitions, National
Football League games, Canadian Football League games, and award ceremo-
nies in New York City; it is also frequently the house band for the
Heisman Trophy Trust; and
WHEREAS, The talent displayed by the Syracuse University Marching Band
is due in great part to the efforts of Band Director Justin Mertz, a
skilled and inspirational tutor, respected for his ability to develop
potential into excellence; and
WHEREAS, Achievements of this magnitude are not possible without the
strong values of teamwork, commitment, and dedication, and the outstand-
ing members of the Syracuse University Marching Band may take just pride
in their accomplishment; and
WHEREAS, This occasion presents an opportunity for this Legislative
Body to wish the Syracuse University Marching Band continued success in
all of its endeavors; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the Syracuse University Marching Band upon the occasion of their
outstanding performance at Super Bowl XLVIII; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Syracuse University Marching Band.