LEGISATLIVE RESOLUTION commending Lieutenant Colonel Jim Keene for his
outstanding achievements while assigned as Commander of the United
States Military Academy Band

WHEREAS, Members of the Armed Services from the State of New York, who
have served so valiantly and honorably in wars in which this country's
freedom was at stake, as Well as in the preservation of peace in peace-
time, deserve a special salute from this Legislative Body; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Lieutenant
Colonel Jim Keene for his outstanding achievements while assigned as
Commander of the United States Military Academy Band from July 4, 2010-
January 15, 2015, to be celebrated at a Change of Command Ceremony on
Wednesday, January 15, 2015, at the United States Military Academy; and
WHEREAS, A native of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Jim Keene graduated from
the University of New Mexico with a Bachelor of Music degree in Piano
Performance, and a Master of Music degree, with highest honors in
Orchestral Conducting from the Meadows School of the Arts at Southern
Methodist University, Dallas, Texas; and
WHEREAS, Prior to joining the United States Army, Lieutenant Colonel
Jim Keene served as assistant conductor of the Southern Methodist
University (SMU) Symphony and was the orchestra conductor on staff at
the SMU International Conservatory Summer Festival in Taos, New Mexico;
and
WHEREAS, A multi-faceted musician, Lieutenant Colonel Jim Keene worked
as a violinist, pianist, and music director of the Albuquerque Civic
Light Operator; he also worked as an audition accompanist at the Eastman
School of Music, the Juilliard School, and at the Manhattan School of
Music; and
WHEREAS, After joining the United States Army, Lieutenant Colonel Jim
Keene served as Commandant of the Army School of Music at Norfolk,
Virginia; he also performed duties for The United States Army Band
"Pershing's Own," Washington, D.C7, the United States Army Europe Band
and Chorus, in Heidelberg, Germany, and the Army Ground Forces Band, in
Atlanta, Georgia; and
WHEREAS, While music director of The United States Army Strings and
the United States Army Chorus in Washington, D.C., Lieutenant Colonel
Keene arranged and produced performances for international military and
civilian leaders, dignitaries, and heads of state; he also led the
United States Army Chorus in performances at the interments of former
Presidents Ronald Regan and Gerald R. Ford; and
WHEREAS, During his illustrious military career, Lieutenant Colonel
Jim Keene, conducted the Dallas Wind Symphony and the Cincinnati Pops
Orchestra; in addition, he performed for six United States Presidents,
and aided in the preparation of the music for the 1996 Summer Olympic
Games in Atlanta, Georgia, and the dedication of the National World War
II Memorial, as well as the one year anniversary of 9/11, the "Kennedy
Center Honors," "Spirit of America," and the Memorial Day "Times of
Remembrance; and
WHEREAS, In July of 2010, Lieutenant Colonel Jim Keene assumed command
as the 23rd Leader of the United States Military Academy Band, West
Point, New York, where the band has been in continuous residence since
1817; and
WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad,
Lieutenant Colonel Jim Keene has demonstrated his love for his country
and merits forevermore, the highest respect of his Nation; and
WHEREAS, The Nation's members of the Armed Forces, deserve to be
recognized, commended and thanked by the people of the State of New York

for their service and for their dedication to their communities, their
State and their Nation; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Lieutenant Colonel Jim Keene has
displayed throughout his life; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Lieutenant Colonel Jim Keene for his outstanding achievements
while assigned as Commander of the United States Military Academy Band;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Lieutenant Colonel Jim Keene.