Bill Text: VA HJR612 | 2023 | Regular Session | Enrolled


Bill Title: Commending the Norfolk State University Spartan "Legion" Marching Band.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 12-0)

Status: (Passed) 2023-02-09 - Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ612ER) [HJR612 Detail]

Download: Virginia-2023-HJR612-Enrolled.html

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 612
Commending the Norfolk State University Spartan "Legion" Marching Band.

 

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 6, 2023
Agreed to by the Senate, February 9, 2023

WHEREAS, the Norfolk State University Spartan "Legion" Marching Band, one of the premier marching bands in the country, performed at the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California, in 2023; and

WHEREAS, founded in 1975, the "Legion" has energized and entertained fans across the Commonwealth and nation for nearly a half-century; and

WHEREAS, the "Legion" has recruited students from around the world due to its legendary music education program; and

WHEREAS, the highly proficient musical numbers of the "Legion" are elevated by the band's regal attire and by the synchronicity and precision of its marching, which incorporates high-stepping, the rigid strut, the glide, and military style; and

WHEREAS, the various honors and accolades the "Legion" has earned over the years serve as testaments to the power of the band's performances and the "Spartan-like" discipline and devotion of its members; and

WHEREAS, the performance of the "Legion" in the 2023 Tournament of Roses Parade marked the program's first appearance at the storied and prestigious national event and was a source of great pride and jubilation for the Norfolk community; and

WHEREAS, in addition to the Tournament of Roses Parade, the "Legion" has performed at many high-profile events in recent years, including President Barack Obama's campaign rally in Norfolk and the Honda Battle of the Bands invitational showcase; and

WHEREAS, the "Legion" was notably the inaugural host of the annual Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Band Battlefest, which showcases the top HBCU marching bands in the country; and

WHEREAS, the success of the "Legion" is the result of the leadership of band director William H. Beathea and the hard work and dedication of the band's 250 staff and student musicians, dancers, and flags; and

WHEREAS, the "Legion" promises to continue its tradition of excellence and its ever upward ascent to musical mastery, engendering tremendous respect and adulation among members of the communities of Norfolk State University, Norfolk, and the Commonwealth; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend the Norfolk State University Spartan "Legion" Marching Band for its performance at the 2023 Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to William H. Beathea, director of the Norfolk State University Spartan "Legion" Marching Band as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for the band's achievements and best wishes in its future endeavors.

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