79R14789 BJM-D

By:  Keel                                                         H.R. No. 1499



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, The members of the James Bowie High School Outdoor 
Performing Ensemble of Austin achieved an impressive success by 
winning the Fiesta Bowl National Band Championship held in Phoenix 
on December 30, 2004; and
	WHEREAS, With a program entitled "Mysteries of the Fifth 
Sun," featuring the music of Alberto Ginesteria, the band bested 
schools from around the country to be named "Grandmaster 
Sweepstakes Champion"; moreover, the impressive showing earned 
recognition for "Best Visual Performance," "Best Music 
Performance," and "Best Marching Performance" as well as top honors 
in the Fiesta Bowl Parade the following day; and
	WHEREAS, The victory in Phoenix was especially poignant as 
the students were mourning the sudden loss of band member Robert 
Plumlee, who died only two days before the contest; deciding to 
proceed with competition in memory of Robert, the ensemble showed 
great poise and maturity in the face of tragedy; and
	WHEREAS, In addition to their latest accomplishment, this 
talented group of musicians have well represented their school at a 
host of competitions, placing in state and national contests, 
consistently achieving first division ratings, and earning spots in 
the Texas All-State and All-Region bands; the band also won first 
place at the 2004 Bands of America contest held in Huntsville; and
	WHEREAS, Under the able leadership of director Bruce Dinkins 
and his assistants, Cathy Bennett, Mike Elam, and Andrew Polk, the 
James Bowie High School Outdoor Performing Ensemble exemplifies the 
qualities of commitment and perseverance necessary for excellence, 
and it is a genuine pleasure to recognize the band members and their 
leaders for this recent achievement; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas 
Legislature hereby congratulate all those associated with the James 
Bowie High School Outdoor Performing Ensemble for winning the 2004 
Fiesta Bowl National Band Championship and extend to them sincere 
best wishes for continued success; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for the band as an expression of high regard by the Texas 
House of Representatives.