Senate Resolution No. 839

BY: Senator VALESKY

COMMENDING the Oneida Jazz Festival upon the
occasion of celebrating its 30th Anniversary from
March 9-10, 2017

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend those musical organizations that have brought entertainment and
cultural enrichment to the citizens of the great State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend the Oneida Jazz Festival upon the occasion of celebrating its
30th Anniversary from March 9-10, 2017; and

WHEREAS, Many public school music programs across the State of New
York offer jazz education in the form of ensembles modeled after the Big
Bands of the 1940s through present day; these groups give students
another avenue for self-expression, to learn self-discipline and a
chance be part of a team; and

WHEREAS, In 1988, in an effort to further jazz education in central
New York, Timothy Watson founded the Oneida Jazz Festival; with the
addition of the Festival, a competition circuit was formed for jazz
bands around the area; and

WHEREAS, Bands travelled from around the state to compete in a
one-day festival and were adjudicated by local music educators or
professional musicians from around Central New York; a modest 12 bands
competed in the inaugural Oneida Jazz Festival; and

WHEREAS, In the years since the inception of the Festival, it has
evolved and grown in many ways; in 1997, the Director's Big Band was
added, and one year later, the Festival expanded to a two-day event,
accommodating a large influx of middle and senior high groups as well as
vocal jazz performers; and

WHEREAS, Originally, all the groups were divided into classes: MS,
A, B, C, AA, and AAA; in 2002, the Festival switched from a competition
based system to a Gold, Silver, or Bronze rating system; in addition,
the Festival recognizes All-Stars for each class, Outstanding Sections,
Director of the Year, and presents the Frank Mantooth Outstanding
Musician Award to a qualified student; and

WHEREAS, Through its 30-year history, the Oneida Jazz Festival has
become synonymous with quality, class and high-level education; each
year, students are afforded the opportunity to see, hear and interact
with some of the best jazz artists in the business including the Count
Basie Orchestra, Maynard Ferguson & Big Bop Nouveau Band, and the CNY
Jazz Orchestra; and

WHEREAS, Famous jazzers such as Chris Vadala, Ed Shaughnessy, Allen
Vizzutti, Tom "Bones" Malone, and Dave Samuels not only wowed audiences
with their showmanship but their ability to communicate with young
students; and


WHEREAS, Throughout the last three decades, more than 120 schools
from around New York State have performed at the Oneida Jazz Festival
with the hope of earning a Gold rating; and

WHEREAS, Today, under the luminous leadership of Director, David
Hawthorne, the success of the Oneida Jazz Festival is in direct
correlation to the efforts of Marjorie Hawthorne, Nicholas Anderalli,
Kathryn Dimmel, and the Oneida Music Boosters, as well as the Oneida
City School District administration, faculty and staff, whose
involvement is, and always has been, characterized by an impressive
commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of
excellence in all endeavors; and

WHEREAS, Artistic and cultural activities help people to lift their
minds away from their daily routines and live a fuller life through
their appreciation of creativity; and the creative energy of the arts
can translate into increased employment opportunities and the
stimulation of community and regional businesses and economic activity;
and

WHEREAS, A true asset to society, the Oneida Jazz Festival's
distinguished record merits the recognition and respectful tribute of
this Legislative Body; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the Oneida Jazz Festival upon the occasion of celebrating its
30th Anniversary from March 9-10, 2017; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to David Hawthorne, Director, Oneida Jazz Festival.