LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Mikayla Chan upon the occasion of her
acceptance as a member of the Music for All National Festival Honor Band
on March 10-12, 2016

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to call attention to
those young people within our midst whose nationally acclaimed accom-
plishments bring pride to their families, their communities, and to the
State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Each young musician in our schools is deserving of his or her
own recognition and spotlight, for their remarkable commitment and hours
of practice in perfecting their musical abilities; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Mikayla Chan upon the occasion of her acceptance as a member of the
Music for All National Festival Honor Band, to be held in Indianapolis,
Indiana, on March 10-12, 2016; and
WHEREAS, Music for All strives to create, provide and expand positive-
ly life-changing experiences through music for everyone; this vital
organization believes that music and arts education is a core to
students' education and must be available to all students; and
WHEREAS, The non-competitive atmosphere of the Music for All National
Festival provides a place for growth, cooperative encouragement and
mutual respect among music programs, students, parents, boosters and
administrators; there are no ratings or rankings so directors and their
ensembles are free to stretch themselves, reach for new heights, and
strive for innovation, growth and excellence, instead of focusing on a
rating or placing; and
WHEREAS, A Sophomore at Herricks High School, Roslyn, New York, Mikay-
la Chan is honored to be accepted to this nationally-renowned band; a
violinist, she will rehearse with other talented students from around
the country under acclaimed conductors Richard Floyd, Director of the
Austin Symphonic Band, and Larry Livingston, a Professor at the Univer-
sity of Southern California's Thornton School of Music; and
WHEREAS, In addition, she will have the opportunity to rehearse with
members of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra at Hilbert Circle Thea-
tre; and
WHEREAS, Prior to being chosen to this prestigious group, Mikayla Chan
submitted a video of herself playing two contrasting pieces up to six
minutes in total; conservatory teachers judge their entries against
others from around the country; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is moved to honor Mikayla Chan, an
exceptional musician, recognizing the value of her dedication to her
art, and the promise of her future; and
WHEREAS, Music study is most worthy of being encouraged and promoted,
as it provides an opportunity for students to exhibit their skills to an
audience, thereby giving them self-esteem to last a lifetime; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Mikayla Chan upon the occasion of her acceptance as a member of
the Music for All National Festival Honor Band on March 10-12, 2016; and
be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Mikayla Chan.