| |
| |
|
|
R E S O L U T I O N
|
|
|
WHEREAS, The Austin Symphony Orchestra's Be at the Symphony |
|
|
(BATS) organization is celebrating its 25th anniversary during the |
|
|
2024-2025 season; and |
|
|
WHEREAS, Established in 1999, BATS inspires young |
|
|
professionals to engage with and support the orchestral community |
|
|
in Austin; the idea for the organization was conceived by Tom |
|
|
Sellers, a longtime patron of the Austin Symphony Orchestra, who |
|
|
sought to cultivate a new generation of patrons dedicated to |
|
|
exploring and advocating for the arts; and |
|
|
WHEREAS, Many of the founding members of BATS continue to |
|
|
play an active role in the program, contributing meaningfully to |
|
|
its ongoing development and success; the initiative has thrived |
|
|
under the guidance of numerous distinguished leaders throughout its |
|
|
history, including its current president, Laramie Stroud, current |
|
|
board of directors, Alicia Adkins, Kurtis Friesen, David Glenn, |
|
|
Ellen Gouws, Benjamin Hartman, Sylvia Mayer, Asha McElfish, |
|
|
Elizabeth Michael, Sarah Oncken, George Ramon, Kevin Regan, |
|
|
Jennifer Soto, Ash Williams, and Lola Wilson, and countless past |
|
|
board members; and |
|
|
WHEREAS, The BATS program offers its members unique access to |
|
|
live symphonic performances, including attendance at select |
|
|
Masterworks Series concerts during the Austin Symphony Orchestra's |
|
|
performance season; members also participate in a wide range of |
|
|
enriching experiences, including exclusive social gatherings, |
|
|
opportunities to meet world-renowned guest artists, conversations |
|
|
with Maestro Peter Bay, volunteer service at symphony events, and |
|
|
the chance to connect with a community of music enthusiasts; and |
|
|
WHEREAS, Over the past two and a half decades, BATS has played |
|
|
a vital role in promoting Austin's vibrant arts scene and culture, |
|
|
and it is a pleasure to join in recognizing the organization for its |
|
|
many contributions; now, therefore, be it |
|
|
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas |
|
|
Legislature hereby commemorate the 25th season of the Austin |
|
|
Symphony Orchestra's Be at the Symphony program and extend to all |
|
|
those associated with the organization sincere best wishes for the |
|
|
future; and, be it further |
|
|
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be |
|
|
prepared for BATS as an expression of high regard by the Texas House |
|
|
of Representatives. |