MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2000 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Kirby

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE PEARL HIGH SCHOOL "PIRATE" BAND AND STAFF FOR BEING SELECTED TO MARCH IN THE MACY'S THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE IN NEW YORK CITY AND APPEARING ON THE "TODAY" SHOW IN ITS ANNUAL MARCH THROUGH THE STUDIO.

WHEREAS, the Pearl High School "Pirate" Band was selected to be one of eleven bands from across the nation to be featured marching in the 1999 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, and was invited to be the featured band on the NBC "Today" show in New York City in its annual "march through the studio" sequence the day before Thanksgiving, which featured an interview with Drum Major Morgan Cowart concerning the City of Pearl and the Pearl High School Band; and

WHEREAS, the staff of the Pearl High School Band are to be congratulated for their professionalism in building this program into one of the finest in the state and region, particularly in light of the difficult events which were experienced by the student body of this institution: Ted Burns, High School Director, Jeff Cannon, Assistant High School Director, Marc Johnson, Junior High Director, and Joy Leming, Elementary Band Director; and

WHEREAS, the honors and achievements of this award-winning band are a matter of record: 1996, earned the award for "Best Performing Band" in the Cherry Blossom Parade in Washington, D.C., including "Best Color Guard" in the parade, 1997 crowned Grand Champions at the Mississippi Marching Band Championship in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, while earning superior ratings in band, color guard and percussion, 1998, received third place trophy overall, second in Class AAAAA, at the Mississippi Marching Band Championship in Hattiesburg, 1998, recognized by the ASBDA with the "Award of Excellence" for outstanding band program in the State of Mississippi, the band has earned consecutive superior ratings in marching at the Mississippi State Marching Festival for the past 32 years, and the Pearl High School Symphonic, Concert and Varsity concert bands have consistently earned superior ratings at the Mississippi State Band Festival; and

WHEREAS, it was with great pride that we watched the Pearl High School Marching Band on national television, and we recognize this fine group of student musicians who have brought honor to their school, their community and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Pearl High School "Pirate" Marching Band and band staff for being selected to be one of eleven bands from across the nation to be featured in the 1999 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York and for appearing on NBC's "Today" show, and we wish them continued success and musical excellence in their future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this Resolution be presented to the "Pirate" Band and to the Principal of Pearl High School, and be made available to the State Board of Education and the Capitol Press Corps.