H.R. No. 127
 
 
 
R E S O L U T I O N
         
  WHEREAS, A Central Texas entertainment institution, the
 
  Round Top Brass Band is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2011;
 
  and
         
         WHEREAS, Founded by Ronnie Sacks and George Koudelka in 1970,
 
  the Round Top Brass Band carries on the rich tradition of German and
 
  Bohemian folk music that is such an essential part of the regional
 
  culture; beginning with just six members, several of whom were
 
  students at Southwest Texas State University, the group later
 
  attracted seasoned professionals and today draws on a roster of
 
  nearly 30 musicians; and
         
         WHEREAS, Through the decades, the band has thrived under the
 
  leadership of Mr. Sacks, who plays trumpet, and Mr. Koudelka, who
 
  plays drums; both men take their place on the bandstand for the
 
  group's performances, which have included appearances at area
 
  events such as the Round Top Fourth of July celebration, Wurstfest
 
  in New Braunfels, and the Czech Festival in Rosenberg, as well as a
 
  performance by invitation at the 750th anniversary of Erndtebruck,
 
  Germany; and
         
         WHEREAS, The ensemble often plays arrangements created by Mr.
 
  Sacks, who has developed modern versions of the old-world folk
 
  music that was popular in Texas over a century ago; his work is
 
  carrying on a family tradition, as his great-grandfather, William
 
  Sachs, was the drummer for the well-known Etzel Band that performed
 
  in the Round Top area at the turn of the 20th century; the Round Top
 
  Brass Band is also known to explore other types of music, such as
 
  American marches and Christmas pieces; and
         
         WHEREAS, The members of this notable group have demonstrated
 
  great skill and dedication and are appreciated not only for the
 
  entertainment they provide but also for keeping alive one of the
 
  venerable musical traditions of the Lone Star State; now,
 
  therefore, be it
         
         RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas
 
  Legislature hereby congratulate the Round Top Brass Band on four
 
  decades of music making and extend to the band's members 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.
 
  Kleinschmidt
 
  ______________________________
  Speaker of the House     
 
         I certify that H.R. No. 127 was adopted by the House on
  January 25, 2011, by a non-record vote.
 
  ______________________________
  Chief Clerk of the House