By: Hunter H.R. No. 1218
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Dr. Charles Nelson, an esteemed musician and
accomplished vocalist in the world of opera, has authored a unique
collection of memories and biographies regarding a specially
selected group of choral directors who have distinguished
themselves in the history of choral work in Texas; and
WHEREAS, This collection has been published in a limited
edition entitled "Lest We Forget"; and
WHEREAS, This book contains historical references to
important musicians, singers and choral directors who earned
degrees from many distinguished universities and who are all
individually talented and accomplished throughout a lifetime of
achievement; and
WHEREAS, These exceptional individuals have developed
outstanding careers with their music and have mastered the art of
sharing their talents with others; and
WHEREAS, These dedicated individuals have used their talents
and energies to teach young people ranging from elementary to
collegiate students as well as adults in many community endeavors;
and
WHEREAS, These accomplished musicians have truly led
outstanding lives and have taught and motivated countless other
musicians; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Nelson has written this volume as a tribute to
his fellow choral directors over a lifetime of admiration, respect
and friendship; and
WHEREAS, He has overcome the effects of polio contracted at
an early age in life and has gone on to serve as a faithful husband,
father, grandfather, brother and Christian example to all who have
known and loved him including his brother Byron Nelson, the
legendary golfer; and
WHEREAS, He completed two music degrees at the University of
North Texas and has been recognized with an honorary doctorate from
Abilene Christian University; and
WHEREAS, He has performed vocally with more than fifty
symphony orchestras throughout the country and has performed in
forty-five states throughout our great nation; and
WHEREAS, He has distinguished himself as a teacher and
professor of music in the public schools of Texas; David Lipscomb
University in Nashville, Tennessee; East Texas State University in
Commerce, Texas; and has served as Artist in Residence at Abilene
Christian University; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Dan Wood, recognized in this book as being an
outstanding choral director and performer in his own right and has
achieved many singing accolades for more than a dozen years with the
River City Pops, an adult community choir in Austin, Texas, and also
has sung with the First United Methodist Sanctuary Choir in Austin,
Texas; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Wood is an actor with a theater company in Austin
and is the Executive Director of the Texas Choral Directors
Association; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Wood is married to the former Marilyn Good and
they have four married children and six grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, Others recognized in the book as distinguished
choral directors are Dr. Wilfred C. Bain, Dr. Euell Porter,
Mrs. Julia Dean Evans, Mr. Frank McKinley, Mr. Michael Johnstone,
Mr. Gene Kenney, Dr. Lloyd Pfautsch, Mr. A. M. "Al" Autrey,
Dr. B. R. "Bev" Henson, Dr. Ruth Whitlock, and Dr. Hugh Sanders;
and
WHEREAS, Dr. Nelson is married to the former Betty Brown and
they have three children and seven grandchildren and they have
contributed to the artistic endeavors of communities in Texas and
Tennessee; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Nelson performed at the Governor's Mansion in
Austin, Texas, at the invitation of Governor Ann Richards on May 29,
1993 with the accolades of state leadership, legislators,
outstanding citizens and many friends; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas
Legislature commend Dr. Charles Nelson as the author of this
splendid tribute to these Texas Choral Directors in "Lest We
Forget" and for his lifetime achievements as a music scholar,
teacher, vocal performer and as a great Texan; and, it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Dr. Nelson, his family, and his friends as an
expression of high regard from the Texas House of Representatives.