By:  Wilson                                           H.C.R. No. 60
       73R4824 MPC-D
                                 CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
    1-1        WHEREAS, The nationally famous "Ocean of Soul" marching band
    1-2  of Texas Southern University has entertained and delighted hundreds
    1-3  of thousands of spectators with its unique style of rhythm and
    1-4  showmanship; and
    1-5        WHEREAS, Under the dynamic leadership of "Ocean of Soul"
    1-6  director Benjamin J. Butler II, this talented 200-member band has
    1-7  garnered international fame as well with its astonishingly
    1-8  versatile marching "ocean" of musicians; and
    1-9        WHEREAS, The name "Ocean of Soul" was given to the Texas
   1-10  Southern University Marching Band in July 1969 by Mr. Butler, who,
   1-11  having been informed that the band lacked "soul," made it his
   1-12  primary goal to bring that attribute to the band; and
   1-13        WHEREAS, Countless hours of laborious and difficult
   1-14  rehearsals by Mr. Butler, his accomplished band members, and staff
   1-15  have resulted in a well-disciplined marching band filled with
   1-16  tremendous enthusiasm and spirit; and
   1-17        WHEREAS, The "Ocean of Soul" has performed numerous times on
   1-18  national television and before capacity crowds in Houston's
   1-19  Astrodome; and
   1-20        WHEREAS, This prize-winning assembly of musicians has won
   1-21  national acclaim with its superior style of entertainment;
   1-22  accolades include recognition as the best band in the 1987 National
   1-23  Martin Luther King, Jr., Intercollegiate Battle of the Band
   1-24  Contest, presentation of a Certificate of Merit by the Legislative
    2-1  Black Caucus of the State of Texas for outstanding contributions in
    2-2  the field of entertainment, and invited performances at the 1990
    2-3  NCAA basketball tournament and the 1991 inaugural parade of
    2-4  Governor Ann Richards; and
    2-5        WHEREAS, This distinctive marching band enjoys national
    2-6  recognition with a nickname that is an integral part of the band's
    2-7  identity, and its continuation as the "Ocean of Soul" is vital to
    2-8  its unique prestige as the marching band of Texas Southern
    2-9  University; now, therefore, be it
   2-10        RESOLVED, That the 73rd Legislature of the State of Texas
   2-11  hereby express its desire that any marching band representing Texas
   2-12  Southern University retain the name "Ocean of Soul;" and, be it
   2-13  further
   2-14        RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
   2-15  prepared for the board of trustees of Texas Southern University as
   2-16  an expression of the intent of the Legislature of the State of
   2-17  Texas.