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HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, Jazz is an original American art form that affirms |
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the noblest aspirations of our national character, individual |
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discipline, perseverance, and innovation; and |
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WHEREAS, To acknowledge the integral role that jazz music |
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plays in the cultural life of the United States, a campaign has been |
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ongoing in recent years to designate April as Jazz Appreciation |
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Month, with 15 states and numerous cities having already given |
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official recognition to this observance; and |
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WHEREAS, Initiated by the National Museum of American History |
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of the Smithsonian Institution, Jazz Appreciation Month was |
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established to highlight the multicultural history of jazz, its |
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important influence on American life, and the evocative music that |
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has been created by the nation's jazz musicians; and |
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WHEREAS, This admirable effort is a fitting tribute to this |
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musical art form; jazz has produced some of America's leading |
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creative artists and ranks as one of the country's greatest |
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cultural exports to the world; and |
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WHEREAS, Immensely influential in the arts, jazz has inspired |
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classical composers and musicians in many other genres, and its |
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rhythms and spirit of improvisation have also been adopted in |
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artistic fields such as dance, poetry, fiction, and film; and |
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WHEREAS, Jazz has spoken eloquently of freedom for people in |
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the United States and abroad and has become an international |
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language that bridges differences and brings together people of all |
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races, ages, and backgrounds; and |
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WHEREAS, America's jazz heritage deserves to be appreciated |
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as broadly as possible, and this goal can be furthered through |
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education efforts aimed at both children and adults; the |
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designation of Jazz Appreciation Month plays a role in this process |
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by focusing public attention on the music and by providing an annual |
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observance that inspires special concerts and other events to |
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showcase the music; and |
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WHEREAS, Intimately linked with the history of our nation, |
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jazz speaks to the rich and diverse experiences of Americans, and |
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this compelling form of artistic expression indeed deserves to be |
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celebrated and preserved; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the 81st Legislature of the State of Texas |
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hereby proclaim April 2009 as Jazz Appreciation Month in Texas and |
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urge all Texans to take this opportunity to attend performances, |
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listen to recordings, and learn more about the music. |