House Resolution 103

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE EXCEPTIONAL AND DEDICATED CAREER OF DR. LEWIS LIDDELL SR., AND CONGRATULATING HIM UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT FROM JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY AFTER 24 YEARS OF DISTINGUISHED SERVICE.

WHEREAS, Dr. Lewis Liddell Sr., a resident of Jackson, Mississippi, has announced his retirement as Director of Bands at Jackson State University after 24 years of exceptional service and leadership; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Liddell's esteemed educational career began as a student at Jackson State University, where he earned his bachelor of music education degree, and continued his musical matriculation at the University of Louisiana Monroe, where he earned his master of music education degree, before culminating his certified educational matriculation, where he ultimately earned his doctorate in music education at Mississippi State University; and

WHEREAS, with a seemingly unquenchable thirst for knowledge, Dr. Liddell pursued additional studies at Louisiana Tech University and the University of Southern Mississippi, before studying marching band techniques under Dr. William C. Moffit and then conducting under Professor William W. Davis and the nationally renowned conductor, Dr. Joe Barry Mullins; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Liddell's directing career began in 1967, when he served as band director at Wesley Ray High School, in Angie, Louisiana, before assuming the role of band director for his high school alma mater at Brinkley High School, in Jackson, Mississippi, in 1970; and

WHEREAS, after 14 years of directing award winning bands within the Jackson Public School system, including the nationally renowned Provine High School Band, which won the 1982 Mid-America National Championship, Dr. Liddell shifted his focus to higher education; and

WHEREAS, prior to reacquainting himself with Jackson State as the Director of Bands in 1992, Dr. Liddell served in a diverse range of capacities including: Director of Bands, Assistant Professor of Fine Arts and the Chairperson Division of Fine Arts at Kentucky State University; Assistant to the President, Assistant Affirmative Action Officer, Director of Institutional Research, and Assistant Professor of Education at Murray State University; Adjunct Professor of Sociology and Affirmative Action Officer at Winona State University; and College of Arts and Science Associate Professor of Music and Assistant to the Dean at North Carolina A&T University; and

WHEREAS, upon returning to Jackson State University, Dr. Liddell led the band program, the Sonic Boom of the South, to statewide, regional and national notoriety, establishing a new benchmark for musical excellence; under his inspiring leadership the marching band grew from a standard marching band of 128 members to an electrifying marching unit, composed of more than 300 members; and

WHEREAS, with an ever growing reputation, the Sonic Boom of the South was frequently invited around the country and abroad; some of the most notable performances include: performing for the New York Jets, the Houston Oilers, Philadelphia Eagles, New Orleans Saints, Indianapolis Colts, Dallas Mavericks, Memphis Grizzles, 1997 Senior Bowl, 2004 Senior Bowl, the 2006, 2009 and 2012 Honda Battle of the Bands, and the 34th NAACP Image Awards, with special guest Cedric the Entertainer and recognized by the NAACP Hall of Champions in 2003; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Liddell's numerous accolades and honors include the 1996 Atlanta Metropolitan Battle of the Bands Award, the Ambassadors of SWAC Award, the Jackson Music Award, the 2005 Martin Luther King Music Award and the Jackson State University National Alumni Association's Achievement Award; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Liddell is a member of the Music Educators National Conference, the College Band Directors National Association, Phi Delta Kappa, Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, Kappa Kappa Psi Band Fraternity and is also a member of Anderson United Methodist Church; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Liddell has served as an adjudicator, consultant, clinician, speaker and conductor throughout the nation; he has also served as guest conductor for the All West Tennessee Honors Band, the All City Senior High Symphonic Band and the Jackson Public School Music Festival All-City Band; and

WHEREAS, under Dr. Liddell's direction the Symphonic Band has continued to garner national and international attention after first being recognized for a critically acclaimed performance at the 1965 New York World's Fair, performing at the National Black Music Caucus Professional Conference in 1995 and more recently the National Black Music Caucus Professional Conference in Atlanta, Georgia; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Liddell is married to fellow Jackson State Professor, Dr. L. Frances P. Liddell, through their loving union they have welcomed four sons and two daughters to share in their many passions, including their school as all six of their children attended Jackson State University; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize the significant professional achievements and stellar employment career of such outstanding leaders as Dr. Liddell, whose commitment to music and education has been of great benefit to his many students and to the entire State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend the dedicated service and exceptional professional career of Dr. Lewis Liddell Sr., congratulate him upon the occasion of his retirement after 49 years of dedication to musical education, for his distinguished career and meritorious commitment to Jackson State University, and extend best wishes for continued success in all of his future endeavors as he enjoys the lighter days of retirement.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Dr. Lewis Liddell Sr., and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.