WHEREAS, Emery L. Fears, Jr., of Portsmouth, a highly admired music educator and renowned band director and conductor, died on January 12, 2023; and

WHEREAS, a native of Alabama, Emery Fears joined many of the other young men of his generation in service to the nation during World War II and served as a musician with the United States Navy band; and

WHEREAS, after his honorable military service, Emery Fears earned a bachelor's degree from Howard University and eventually a master's degree from the University of Michigan; and

WHEREAS, Emery Fears pursued a career in education as a music teacher and band director and led bands from I.C. Norcom High School and Manor High School to earn a total of 18 consecutive superior ratings at Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors Association Festivals; I.C. Norcom High School was also elected to the John Philip Sousa Foundation's Historic Roll of Honor of High School Concert Bands during his tenure; and

WHEREAS, after years of success at the high school level, Emery Fears became the director of bands at Norfolk State University in 1974 and enjoyed a career there for 17 years; he helped the institution earn national recognition by creating its symphonic wind ensemble and Spartan Legion marching band; and

WHEREAS, affectionately known as "Chief," Emery Fears inspired his students to achieve greatness by teaching them self-discipline, instilling in them his boundless passion for music, and building an unrivaled esprit de corps in his bands; and

WHEREAS, actively committed to the enhancement of band programs in North America, Emery Fears served on the boards of the National Band Association and the American Bandmasters Association and as a past president of the Southern Division of the College Band Directors National Association; he was also a member of the John Philip Sousa Foundation's Flag of Honor Jury, which honors outstanding high school bands around the country; and

WHEREAS, Emery Fears earned a staggering number of awards and accolades over the course of his career, including the Diploma of the Sudler Order of Merit from the John Philip Sousa Foundation, the Citation of Excellence from the National Band Association, the Roy A. Woods Outstanding Teacher Award from Norfolk State University, the Distinguished Service to Music Medal from the Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity, and the National Award from the National Association for the Study and Performance of African-American Music; and

WHEREAS, Emery Fears will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his wife of 43 years, Cheryl; his children, Cheryl, Jason, and Ashlyn, and their families; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of Virginia hereby note with great sadness the loss of Emery L. Fears, Jr., a music educator and conductor who touched countless lives throughout the Commonwealth and the world through his inspirational leadership and commitment to excellence; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Emery L. Fears, Jr., as an expression of the Senate of Virginia's respect for his memory.