Senate Concurrent Resolution 504

(As Adopted by Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE 2006 MISSISSIPPI LIONS ALL-STATE BAND FOR THE PROMINENCE THEY HAVE ACHIEVED IN WINNING THE INTERNATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP FOR AN UNPRECEDENTED FOURTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR.

WHEREAS, the Mississippi Lions All-State Band has a 57-year tradition of excellence. The band is selected through a rigorous two-audition process from over 900 students statewide and represents the best of the best; and

WHEREAS, the band is comprised of 143 students from across Mississippi, and this year's band had 53 different high schools represented; and

WHEREAS, the Lions Band has competed in International Parade Championships around the world including: Hawaii, Taiwan, Korea, Hong Kong, Australia, England, Canada, Mexico, France and Africa; and

WHEREAS, the band has won the International Championship 24 times during its history; and this year, for the first time ever, won the championship for the 4th straight year in a row, having won in 2003, 2004, 2005, and now 2006. This string of four straight championships is unprecedented by any band from any state; and

WHEREAS, the Director/Manager of the band is Mr. Gary Cook from Sumrall, Mississippi, the Assistant Director/Manager is Jeff Cannon from Pearl High School, and the Marching Director of this year's band is Mickey Mangum from Kosciusko High School; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we express our appreciation to this group of student musicians who have brought honor and favorable publicity to the State of Mississippi and serve as citizen models for their fellow students:

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 2006 Edition of the Mississippi Lions All-State Band for the prominence they have achieved in winning the International Championship for an unprecedented fourth consecutive year and extend our best wishes to their Directors, Gary Cook, Jeff Cannon and Mickey Mangum, and the band members for their future success.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the Mississippi Lions All-State Band and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.