|
|
|
R E S O L U T I O N
|
|
WHEREAS, The orchestra and choir from the McCallum High |
|
School Fine Arts Academy in Austin have been selected to perform at |
|
Carnegie Hall in New York City on June 13, 2009; and |
|
WHEREAS, Approximately 400 highly motivated students from |
|
across the Capitol City attend the Fine Arts Academy at McCallum |
|
High School; these individuals work with faculty and staff at an |
|
accelerated level and in a creative and stimulating environment, |
|
majoring in music, visual arts, dance, and theatre arts; and |
|
WHEREAS, Directed by Malcolm Nelson, the McCallum High School |
|
choirs are composed mainly of Fine Arts Academy members, but are |
|
open to all McCallum High students; the school's five choirs |
|
perform at concerts and productions throughout the school year and |
|
regularly participate in UIL competitions; and |
|
WHEREAS, The McCallum orchestra has grown to nearly 100 |
|
students who are involved in three performing orchestras, a double |
|
bass ensemble, and additional chamber groups and ensembles that are |
|
supported by the Austin Chamber Music Center; Ricky Pringle, the |
|
director of orchestras at the Fine Arts Academy, has worked with |
|
this program for seven years and is known for creating strong |
|
collaborations with other academy students and directors from the |
|
dance, theatre, and vocal music strands; the orchestra has |
|
presented concerts at the Long Center, at the Paramount Theatre, at |
|
Texas State University, and for the Downtown Alliance Christmas |
|
Tree Lighting; and |
|
WHEREAS, Having previously appeared at Carnegie Hall, the |
|
McCallum orchestra was invited once again, along with the McCallum |
|
choir, to perform in its Masterworks Series, in which qualified |
|
ensembles collaborate on a major work with choirs, professional |
|
orchestras, and soloists, under the direction of a nationally |
|
recognized conductor; the McCallum students are performing |
|
Schubert's Mass No. 2 in G major, a piece composed in 1815, and they |
|
will be led by Dr. Andre J. Thomas, a professor of music and |
|
director of choral activities at Florida State University; and |
|
WHEREAS, Through commitment, hard work, and perseverance, |
|
these fine young Texans have earned national recognition for their |
|
musical performances, and they may indeed reflect with great pride |
|
on their outstanding achievements as they embark on this exciting |
|
endeavor; now, therefore, be it |
|
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas |
|
Legislature hereby honor the members of the McCallum High School |
|
Fine Arts Academy orchestra and choir 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 McCallum orchestra and choir as an expression of |
|
high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. |