Bill Text: VA SJR184 | 2024 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Commending the Cooper Middle School symphonic band.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2024-03-07 - Bill text as passed Senate and House (SJ184ER) [SJR184 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2024-SJR184-Enrolled.html
WHEREAS, the Cooper Middle School symphonic band of Fairfax County was selected to perform at the Midwest Clinic International Band and Orchestra Festival in Chicago on December 21–22, 2023; and
WHEREAS, the Cooper Middle School symphonic band was chosen to be part of what is one of the world's largest and most prestigious instrumental music education conferences after successfully passing through a rigorous audition process; and
WHEREAS, the Cooper Middle School symphonic band is the first scholastic band from the Commonwealth to be invited to the Midwest Clinic International Band and Orchestra Festival in nearly 20 years; and
WHEREAS, the Cooper Middle School symphonic band played among leading bands and orchestras from around the world at an event that drew more than 16,000 attendees from all 50 states and more than 40 countries; and
WHEREAS, during the conference, the Cooper Middle School symphonic band performed at three demonstration sessions designed for music educators, including a "Rehearsal Lab" with Midwest Clinic board member Corey Graves, a "Music Technology Spotlight" with Brian Balmages and MakeMusic Cloud; and a music-reading session for Randall Standridge Music Publishing Company; and
WHEREAS, the Cooper Middle School symphonic band comprises 180 student-musicians across three concert ensembles, a jazz band, and a percussion ensemble, who learned 14 pieces of music over four months in preparation for the conference; and
WHEREAS, the accomplishments of the Cooper Middle School symphonic band are the result of the hard work and dedication of the student-musicians, the leadership and guidance of their director and teachers, and the unwavering support of their families and the entire Cooper Middle School community; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend the Cooper Middle School symphonic band for performing at the 2023 Midwest Clinic International Band and Orchestra Festival; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Matthew C. Baker, director of the Cooper Middle School symphonic band, as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for the band's achievements and best wishes for its continued success.
