LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Lawrence Carthan for his distinguished
service providing, for the past 17 years, a vital community based music
education program, and for hosting the Drumline competition on March 29,
2014

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize outstand-
ing mentors who are committed and dedicated to the pursuit of excellence
in the music education of the youth of the Empire State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Lawrence Carthan for his distinguished service providing, for the past
17 years, a vital community based music education program, and for host-
ing the Drumline competition on March 29, 2014; and
WHEREAS, The first year, Lawrence Carthan's new and exciting program
focused on drums; the next two years, he implemented vocal training for
a kids chorus, as well as piano, guitars, horns, violin, music theory
and music composition; and
WHEREAS, Today, the music program consists of drums, a marching band,
dance and horns, and a mentoring program, The Elite Marching Band, of
Queens, New York; and
WHEREAS, Lawrence Carthan's music program is designed to offer the
student percussionist an opportunity to explore percussion, snare drum,
bass drum, trio, and tenor; and
WHEREAS, Many youth are fascinated by percussion instruments based
upon the popular movie "Drumline"; the marching band mentoring music
program is designed to provide the opportunity to develop leadership
skills while helping the youth to find a positive method of interacting
with peers and solutions to peer pressure; and
WHEREAS, The band program helps the youth to be motivated and encour-
ages them to work as a team in various performance venues, and helps
build self-esteem and self-value; and
WHEREAS, Since Lawrence Carthan developed the Elite Marching Band, it
has allowed him to provide exposure to youth performing in many venues
throughout New York City; and
WHEREAS, The band has performed in the Puerto Rican Day parade, band
competitions, churches, civic events, opened for the Battle of the Band
at Giant Stadium, performed on MTV for Chris Brown, 50 Cent, the Forever
Young event, and recently for Allen Houston for his "Father Knows Best"
fundraising event; and
WHEREAS, A skilled drum instructor who can work well with youth of
various temperaments, Lawrence Carthan teaches music in a way that makes
each one of his students feel special, valued, and encouraged; and
WHEREAS, Lawrence Carthan has created many drum line programs outside
the Elite Marching Band, MS 231, police academy summer camp, and Roy
Wilkins summer camp; in addition to 17 years in the field of music, he
has worked in the business sector for 30 years, with companies such as
Goldman Sachs and Lehman Brothers; and
WHEREAS, Lawrence Carthan continually demonstrates an impressive dedi-
cation, an unparalleled devotion and an unremitting enthusiasm for the
quality of the music education programs and opportunities he provides
for the youth of New York City; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Lawrence Carthan for his distinguished service providing, for
the past 17 years, a vital community based music education program, and
for hosting the Drumline competition on March 29, 2014; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Lawrence Carthan.