Senate Concurrent Resolution 516

(As Adopted by Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE PEARL HIGH SCHOOL "PIRATE" MARCHING BAND AND BAND DIRECTOR JEFF CANNON FOR WINNING THE MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION/MISSISSIPPI BAND ASSOCIATION CLASS 5A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP FOR THE THIRD TIME IN FIVE YEARS.

WHEREAS, on Saturday, October 29, 2011, the Pearl High School "Pirate" Marching Band received First Place in the Mississippi High School Activities Association/Mississippi Band Association 2011 Class 5A State Marching Band Championship in Pearl, Mississippi, its third State Championship in five years; and

WHEREAS, there were 10 Class 5A All-Superior bands vying to become the Grand Champion at the competition that was held at Ray Rogers Stadium. "We won by a full point, which is a lot in these competitions," Pearl Director of Bands Jeff Cannon said. "Usually, the difference between the top bands is a fraction of a point. Last year, we came in second by two one-hundredths of a point." Director Cannon said Pearl's score of 94.95 was the highest score of any band in all the classes at the competition and the highest score for a Class 5A band as far back as he has record; and

WHEREAS, the name of the program the 162-member band performs is "Russian Images." In the show, the band members play music by Russian composers as they and the color guard form iconic images from Russia, including a hammer and sickle and snowflakes that moved, and a cathedral complete with stained glass windows. At one point in the show, the band members break into pods to symbolize the breakup of the Soviet Union and then cross lines to represent the country's violent history since the breakup. The music and the show were difficult, but the band members and the crowd really enjoyed the performance; and

WHEREAS, assisting Cannon with the Pirate Band are: Associate Director of Bands Matt Rowan, Color Guard Instructor Aimee Sudduth, Percussion Instructor Matt Little, Junior High Band Director Jason Harrell, Color Guard Instructor Amye Henry, student teacher Katie Spiers, Assistant Percussion Instructor Daniel Hester, and Josh Waite, who helps instruct in the use of the sabers that are part of the show; and

WHEREAS, fifth-year Director Jeff Cannon said the title was the result of a lot of hard work and tons of support from the community, not just band members, but parents and school and district administrators. Pearl Superintendent of Schools Ray Morgigno, Pearl High School Principal Matt Dillon and the Pearl School Board provided support for the band, and the Band Booster program did an outstanding job. There were 140 parents working at the Championship Competition. Band Booster officers are: Presidents Todd and Mischa Ambrose, Vice Presidents Daryn and Debbie Berry, Secretary Holly Romines, Treasurer Carolyn Browning, and Purchasers Freddy and Jenny Ansley; and

WHEREAS, the Mississippi High School Activities Association and the Mississippi Band Association began having this series of competitions 8 years ago. This State Title honors the Pearl Band program's long, rich history in musical excellence, the only band in the history of the Championship to have finished in the top 5 every year; and

WHEREAS, with a motto of "Excellence Through Perseverance," 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 with great pride that we recognize the special accomplishments and attitude of this outstanding group of student musicians, who have brought honor to their school, their parents, 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 its Directors upon winning the "2011 Class 5A State Marching Band Championship," its third State Championship in 5 years, and extend our best wishes for continued success in their future musical and academic endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Band Director Jeff Cannon, Pearl High School Principal Raymond Morgigno, forwarded to the Pearl School District Board of Trustees, and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.