House Concurrent Resolution 49

(As Adopted by House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE MIZE HIGH SCHOOL MARCHING BAND AND BAND DIRECTOR PATRICK VINCENT FOR WINNING THE 2017 MISSISSIPPI BANDMASTERS ASSOCIATION/MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION (MHSAA) CLASS 2A STATE MARCHING BAND CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, for the first time ever in the school's history, the Mize High School Pride Marching Band won the 2017 Mississippi Bandmasters Association/Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 2A State Marching Band Championship on Saturday, November 4, 2017, accomplishing a feat that has been a coveted prize for the student musicians; and

WHEREAS, scored on music, marching, visual and general effects, the band competed against several well-contended bands throughout the state in what proved to be a long day of events after traveling to Pearl High School to embark upon the performance of a lifetime; and

WHEREAS, the band program, led by fifth-year Mize Band Director Patrick Vincent, with the assistance of his wife Emily, who serves as color guard instructor and band assistant, stunned the crowd and awed the judges at Pearl High School with a riveting performance of "Starry Night," in tribute to Vincent Van Gogh's creation of the famous painting bearing the performance's namesake, arranged by Randall Standridge and drill design by Robert Strunks; and

WHEREAS, deflecting the praise lauded upon himself and his wife, the Vincents devoted countless hours preparing the band members for the biggest show of talent and artistry of the year after qualifying for marching competition upon receiving All-Superior ratings during the MHSAA District Marching Festival which qualified them for state championship competition in 2016 and 2017; and

WHEREAS, the Mississippi High School Activities Association and the Mississippi Bandmasters Association began this series of competitions 14 years ago, and this state title win by Mize, which resulted in a first-place finish in music performance, second-place finishes in visual performance and percussion and a third-place finish in general effect, honors the band's rich history in musical excellence, exemplified in the long hours, hard work and attention to detail put into the show's precise execution; and

WHEREAS, the band is comprised of: drum major, Lauren Bartran; color guard members, Desirae Blackwell, Annaleigh Ragsdale, Erin Carter, Gracie Sullivan, Montanah Middleton, Faith McWilliams and Lauren Sistrunk; flutes, Chyanne Middleton, Mickie Warren, Jacie Dickerson, Laney Bruce, Ava Hackler and Abby Doiron; clarinets, MaKayla Luper, Caleb McCord and Raelynn Saranthus; bass clarinet, Paula Keyes; alto saxophones, Brandon Hays and Jacob Blackwell; tenor saxophone, Dawson Temple; baritone saxophone, Christopher Bowen; trumpets, Garret Anglin, Bailey Kile, Byron Pemberton, Summer Hughes, Landon Berryhill, Avery Kile, Brayden Davidson, Joanna Dickerson and Tanner Barnett; French horns, Zach Hand and Sarah Beavers; trombones, Mason Anglin, Darian McCord and Drew Saranthus; euphoniums, Seth Runnels and Jordan Kendrick; tubas, Daylen Hux and Brady Warren; percussion, Sam Holston, Conner Smith, Jacob Dickerson, Drake Sellers, Gamble Sullivan and Macyn Welborn; and front ensemble, Curtis Adcox, Abigail Bartran, Emily Bartran, Jackson Ishee, Raelyn Lee and Lauren Runnels; and

WHEREAS, these students have persevered to achieve the highest honor attainable within the two associations' honors and awards, and have remained consistent in dedicating each of their performances to the Lord; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize the special accomplishments and attitude of such an outstanding group of student musicians as the Mize High School Marching Band, who have brought honor to their school, their parents, their community and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Mize High School Marching Band and Band Director Patrick Vincent upon winning the 2017 Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 2A State Marching Band Championship, and extend best wishes for continued success in all of their future musical and academic endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Mr. Patrick Vincent on behalf of the Mize High School Marching Band and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.