Senate Resolution 13

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING DR. RUSSELL THOMAS, JR. UPON RECEIVING THE MUSIC EDUCATOR AWARD OF THE 2002 GOVERNOR'S AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE IN THE ARTS.

WHEREAS, Dr. Russell Thomas, Jr. is the recipient of the Music Educator Award of the 2002 Governor's Awards for Excellence in the Arts; and

WHEREAS, he is the founder of the "Jazz In The Schools" program, which is dedicated to the teaching of jazz history, music and improvisation concepts in kindergarten through secondary school; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Russell Thomas, Jr. has presented numerous jazz education workshops at the International Association of Jazz Educators Conference, Southern Arts Exchange Conference, North American Saxophone Alliance Conference, National Black Music Caucus Conference and the International Conference on Music and Dance; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Russell Thomas, Jr. received the Fulbright Group Project Abroad Fellowship in 1996 to study traditional Chinese music in China and a fellowship for the GHANA (West Africa) Freedom Tour '97 to study the music and religion of West Africa; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Russell Thomas, Jr. is an outstanding saxophonist who has performed nationally and internationally with noted jazz musicians and groups as the Little Milton Blues Band, Clark Terry, Joe Henderson, Dizzy Gillespie, David Barker, Bunky Green, the Lionel Hampton Big Band and the Bluz Boys Band; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Russell Thomas, Jr. has received numerous honors and awards, including the Jackson State University Outstanding Faculty Award, the WLBT TV 3 Spirit of Mississippi Award and the Black Jazz Music Award; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Russell Thomas, Jr. received a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from Jackson State University, a Master's Degree in Music Education from Michigan State University and a Doctorate of Philosophy from the University of Utah; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Russell Thomas, Jr. is sharing his talents and knowledge of jazz with the youth of America as the Professor of Music and Director of Jazz Education at Jackson State University; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the Legislature to recognize and commend the outstanding accomplishments and contributions of the citizens of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend Dr. Russell Thomas, Jr. upon his receipt of the Music Educator Award of the 2002 Governor's Awards for Excellence in the Arts.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be presented to Dr. Russell Thomas, Jr.