Assembly Resolution No. 68 BY: M. of A. DeStefano CONGRATULATING Kellie Tang upon the occasion of being selected to perform in the piano showcase during the 2022 New York State School Music Association's All-State Festival 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 events; and WHEREAS, Music festivals provide 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 Kellie Tang upon the occasion of being selected to perform in the piano showcase during the 2022 New York State School Music Association's All-State Festival; and WHEREAS, William Floyd High School senior Kellie Tang, one of eight student-musicians selected as New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) All-State for the 2021-22 school year, earned the opportunity to perform in the piano showcase at the All-State festival, a prestigious honor and the first for a William Floyd student in district history; and WHEREAS, Kellie Tang, who is legally blind, was selected out of nearly 100 applicants from across New York State, and flawlessly performed Beethoven's Sonata No. 17, Mvt. 3 (The Tempest) in the showcase at the Rochester Convention Center's Lilac Ballroom; and WHEREAS, In addition to her extraordinary musical talent, Kellie Tang excels academically, maintaining a 98+ grade point average while taking numerous advanced placement classes; she is also a member of the William Floyd High School Orchestra and Chorus; and WHEREAS, Kellie Tang has been studying piano since kindergarten and has had the opportunity to participate in the Stony Brook University Young Artist Program for the past two years, as well as in the prestigious Curtis Institute of Music Mentor Program and the Cleveland Institute of Music Summer Piano Intensive; and WHEREAS, Additionally, she received extremely high marks at the National Piano Guild auditions and performed in concert at New York City's famed Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall; and WHEREAS, Kellie Tang is deserving of this esteemed recognition for her remarkable commitment and hours of practice in perfecting her musical abilities; as she takes her leave of high school, she bequeaths a legacy of academic and musical achievement to which others may aspire; 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 congratulate Kellie Tang upon the occasion of being selected to perform in the piano showcase during the 2022 New York State School Music Association's All-State Festival; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Kellie Tang.