2023 Regular Session ENROLLED
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOL UTION NO. 35
BY SENATORS BERNARD AND LUNEAU AND REPRESENTATIVES COX AND
FIRMENT
A CONCURRENT RESOL UTION
To commend the Northwestern State University (NSU) Middle Lab School Orchestra upon
their outstanding performance at Festival Disney and for their many musical
accomplishments.
WHEREAS, the vision and mission of the NSU Middle Lab School is, "Where future
leaders flourish and excellence thrives", and the students clearly represented the vision and
mission in their performance at the Festival Disney held March 31 through April 1, 2023,
in Orlando, Florida; and
WHEREAS, the prestigious music festival is a positive and educationally meaningful
event for talented middle and high school concert choirs, orchestras, and concert bands; this
year it was the premiere international music festival where 51 orchestras, bands, and choirs
performed with hopes of winning one of the coveted Mickey Mouse trophies; and
WHEREAS, at this year's competition, the NSU Middle Lab School Orchestra
consisted of 61 string orchestra members from sixth through eight grade accompanied by
174 supportive individuals including parents, siblings, and grandparents, under the
leadership of the Lab School Orchestra Director Katrice LaCour and Talent Instructor
Milovan Paz; and
WHEREAS, the group performed in the Ballroom of the Americas at the Disney's
Contemporary Resort and were evaluated by three adjudicators who are distinguished
collegiate music educators including: Dr. Kenneth Dye, Director of Bands and Professor of
Music at the University of Notre Dame; Dr. Rick Good, Department Chair and Director of
Bands at Auburn University; and Professor Gary Langford, Professor Emeritus of Music at
the University of Florida; and
WHEREAS, three types of awards were presented at the award ceremony which took
place in the Indiana Jones Theater; the awards were presented to ensembles receiving a
superior rating (90-100%) or excellent rating (80-89%); and
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WHEREAS, the Best in Class award was presented to the highest rated ensemble
within their division; and Festival Disney Gold, Silver, and Bronze awards were presented
to the three highest superior rated ensembles overall; and
WHEREAS, the NSU Middle Lab School Orchestra impressed judges and earned the
Festival Disney Superior Award with a score of 93.5% as well as the Best in Class for the
highest score in its division; and
WHEREAS, the group was also awarded the Gold Mickey Mouse Award for the
highest score overall; and
WHEREAS, the orchestra is a reflection of the cultural, social, and ethnic diversity
of its community achieving a harmony of interest by working towards a common goal.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby
commend the Northwestern State University Middle Lab School Orchestra for its
magnificent performance at Festival Disney in Orlando; does hereby congratulate them on
an impressive 2023 performance season; and does hereby express sincere and best wishes
for continued individual and group success for band members, Orchestra Director Katrice
LaCour, and Talent Instructor Milovan Paz.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to
Katrice LaCour, Northwestern State University Middle Lab School Orchestra director.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
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