Senate Resolution No. 2789

BY: Senator STEWART-COUSINS

CONGRATULATING the Edgemont High School Vocal Jazz
Ensemble upon the occasion of capturing First Place
at the 49th Annual High School Jazz Festival at
Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize the
dedication 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
congratulate the Edgemont High School Vocal Jazz Ensemble upon the
occasion of capturing First Place at the 49th Annual High School Jazz
Festival at Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, on
Saturday, February 11, 2017; and

WHEREAS, This monumental achievement marks the fourth consecutive
win for the Edgemont High School Vocal Jazz Ensemble; and

WHEREAS, The Annual High School Jazz Festival at the Berklee College
of Music is the largest of its kind in the country; five thousand music
lovers watched and listened as thousands of high school students from
across the nation and Puerto Rico competed against each other for the
coveted title of The Best of the Best; and

WHEREAS, The Berklee High School Jazz Festival competition is
comprised of three categories: large ensembles, combo ensembles and
vocal jazz ensembles; Edgemont High School vied for the win in Class V3;
and

WHEREAS, The Edgemont Vocal Jazz Ensemble first participated in this
prestigious festival in 2007; this group of talented students won its
first of four titles in 2014; and

WHEREAS, The Edgemont Vocal Jazz Ensemble club consists of a small
group of supportive students who are truly dedicated to success and
improving their musical skills; the students have built a winning
culture by setting high expectations for not only themselves, but for
each other; and

WHEREAS, Under the luminous leadership of Choral Music Director,
Kelley Morse, and Chair of Edgemont High School's Music Department, John
Catoliato, the Vocal Jazz Ensemble continues to maintain its high
standard of excellence, making it capable of competing with some of the
best performing arts schools; and

WHEREAS, Talent, dedication, and countless hours of practice have
made the Edgemont High School Vocal Jazz Ensemble the outstanding
ensemble it is today; and


WHEREAS, The members work hard at their music rehearsals, classroom
assignments and practice sessions, fully aware that the amount of time
and energy they are willing to expend directly affects the quality of
their music; and

WHEREAS, The Edgemont High School Vocal Jazz Ensemble members, along
with their parents and teachers, can be justifiably proud of their
musical achievements and their participation in the 49th Annual Berklee
High School Jazz Festival; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate the Edgemont High School Vocal Jazz Ensemble upon the
occasion of capturing First Place at the 49th Annual High School Jazz
Festival at Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the members of the Edgemont High School Vocal Jazz
Ensemble; Kelley Morse, Choral Music Director; and John Catoliato, Chair
of Edgemont High School's Music Department.