MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2017 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Younger, Gollott, Massey, Butler, Harkins, Chassaniol, Horhn, Simmons (13th), Tindell, Jackson (11th), Turner-Ford
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE SUZUKI STRINGS ADVANCED ENSEMBLE OF COLUMBUS, MISSISSIPPI, DIRECTOR DIANE FORD AND FOUNDER TRUDY GILDEA ON THEIR HISTORIC PERFORMANCE IN CARNEGIE HALL.
WHEREAS, the goal of the Suzuki Method of Music instruction is to introduce music to children at an early age and to nurture the desire to play and perform until the student is prepared to go to the college level. The parent-teacher-child triangle encourages successful progress and positive understanding of each learning step during the lessons and at home. Dr. Shinichi Suzuki believed "Where love is deep, much can be accomplished"; and
WHEREAS, Columbus Suzuki Strings was founded in 1980 with a grant from the Mississippi Arts Commission to teach violin. Cello and viola instruction were introduced later. The Columbus Arts Council continues to give grants and rehearsal space to the organization. As students advance in their private and group lessons they may play in the Youth Orchestra and Advanced Ensemble; and
WHEREAS, Trudy Gildea, a tireless supporter of the arts, founded Columbus Suzuki Strings. In addition to founder, she has served as Director, Teacher and Mentor for 37 years. Trudy began playing violin at the age of ten in Bronxville, New York. She was Concertmaster of her high school orchestra and studied private violin at The Julliard School. She has played in orchestras at Universities of Florida, Auburn, Louisiana, Mississippi State College for Women, and continues to play, as a charter member, in the Starkville-MSU Symphony Orchestra. Trudy first visited New York's Carnegie Hall as a child of ten. Now, more than seven decades later, Trudy plans to return to the Premier Concert Venue, this time to perform on its fabled stage with the group she founded, including her daughter, Patti; and
WHEREAS, Diane Ford has been with Columbus Suzuki Strings for 30 years, serving currently as Director, Conductor of the Orchestra and Advanced Ensemble, and as a Teacher. She is taking on the monumental task of preparing the group for this once-in-a-lifetime event. Diane began playing in Dallas, Texas, at the age of nine. In Dallas, she studied with Roxelyn Rhymer and Arlington Judefind, played in the Highland Park High School Orchestra and participated in regional competitions and performances. Diane attended University of Mississippi and graduated from Mississippi University for Women. She trained with Mihoko Hirata, a student of Dr. Suzuki and Rhonda Cole. Diane has organized many Suzuki Workshops in Columbus. She has played in the former Columbus-MUW Orchestra and currently plays with the Starkville/MSU Symphony Orchestra; and
WHEREAS, the Columbus Suzuki String Advanced Ensemble, the showcase of the Suzuki Program, has been invited by Music Celebrations International as one of four groups to participate in the Viennese Masters Orchestra Invitational on June 23, 2017, at historic Carnegie Hall. The musicians have worked hard to consistently receive Superior ratings at Federated Music Festivals and earn top seats in All-State Orchestra. Members have played with orchestras in Starkville, Oxford, Tupelo, Meridian and Tuscaloosa, Alabama. They frequently play for weddings and other special events all across the area. Some members now have students of their own. Members performing at Carnegie Hall under the direction of Diane Ford are: First Violin: Abbey Swartzendruber, Laura Sandifer, Aiden Dunkelburg and JoAnna Younger Jameson; Second Violin: Gracie Swartzendruber, Lucy Sandifer, Tony King and Noel Toma; Third Violin: Trudy Gildea and Jan Atkins; Viola: Lucy Sandifer and Irwin Bell; Cello: Scott Sandifer, Charity James and Patti Gildea; and Accompanist: Denise Sandifer; and
WHEREAS, music and the arts are a very important part of the community and is part of Mississippi's music legacy; and it is with great pride that we recognize this landmark achievement by a group of student musicians and their instructors who have brought honor to 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 Suzuki Strings Advanced Ensemble of Columbus, Mississippi, Director Diane Ford and founder Trudy Gildea on their historic performance in Carnegie Hall, and extend our best wishes to the Suzuki Strings Program for future success.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Director Diane Ford and founder Trudy Gildea, forwarded to the Mississippi Arts Commission, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.