LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the Cardinal O'Hara High School Wind
Ensemble and Song Corps upon the occasion of receiving top honors at the
Darien Lake Music Festival on May 20, 2016

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 competition; and
WHEREAS, Music competition provides an opportunity for students to
exhibit their practical skills to an audience, thereby giving them a
sense of pride in their hard work and efforts; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
the Cardinal O'Hara High School Wind Ensemble and Song Corps upon the
occasion of receiving top honors at the Darien Lake Music Festival on
Friday, May 20, 2016; and
WHEREAS, The Annual Darien Lake Music Festival was established to
offer school bands, choirs, and orchestras a friendly and supportive
platform for musicians to share in the excitement of making music and an
opportunity for participants to learn from one another, fostering a
lifetime of music appreciation and creating memories which last forever;
and
WHEREAS, On May 20, 2016, the directors and members of the Wind Ensem-
ble and Song Corps from Cardinal O'Hara High School in Tonawanda, New
York, traveled to Darien Center, New York, to compete in the Annual
Darien Lake Music Festival; and
WHEREAS, The Wind Ensemble, conducted by Jill DeSantis, captured first
place in the Concert Band AAA Division and finished third out of a total
of 75 ensembles; the Song Corps, directed by Erik Kenmitzer, placed
first out of 14 ensembles at its adjudication site and won the Grand
Judges Award; in addition, the Corps placed second in the High School
Mixed Chorus Division and finished second out of 75 ensembles; and
WHEREAS, Instrumental Director, Jill DeSantis, and Choral Arts Direc-
tor, Erik Kenmitzer, have truly distinguished themselves through their
ability to inspire their students to achieve excellence in musical
performance; and
WHEREAS, In achieving these high musical honors, the Cardinal O'Hara
High School Wind Ensemble and Song Corps may take just pride in the
inspiration and contribution to the spirit of excellence they bring to
their family, friends, community and school; and
WHEREAS, It is most fitting that we take time to celebrate the arts of
our Nation, to honor our musicians, and to express our appreciation to
everyone who patronizes the arts; and as we celebrate the arts, we cele-
brate and give thanks to our American freedom, the only atmosphere in
which musicians can truly perform and in which music is truly the
expression of the soul; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Cardinal O'Hara High School Wind Ensemble and Song Corps upon
the occasion of receiving top honors at the Darien Lake Music Festival;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the members of the Cardinal O'Hara High School Wind Ensemble
and Song Corps, and to Jill DeSantis, Instrumental Director, and Erik
Kenmitzer, Choral Arts Director.