Senate Resolution No. 2355 BY: Senator GRIFFO HONORING Dr. Michael "Doctuh" Woods upon the occasion of his retirement after many years of distinguished service to Hamilton College WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge the significant milestones in the distinguished careers of esteemed residents of this noble Empire State; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Dr. Michael "Doctuh" Woods upon the occasion of his retirement after many years of distinguished service to Hamilton College in Clinton, New York; and WHEREAS, An award winning bassist, educator, composer, lecturer, and clinician, Dr. Michael Woods has written more than 700 compositions of various styles such as choral, orchestral and chamber, jazz combo and big-band; and WHEREAS, Dr. Michael Woods has earned his D.M.A., University of Oklahoma; M.M., Indiana University; and B.M., University of Akron; and WHEREAS, As a testament to his artistry, Dr. Michael Woods' works have been performed by the Albany Symphony, Cleveland Chamber Ensemble, Erie Philharmonic Orchestra, Midland Symphony Orchestra, Utica Symphony, Tulsa Philharmonic Orchestra, Little Rock Symphony, Anderson Symphony, North Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, Lafayette Symphony, Central New York Jazz Orchestra, Tulsa Philharmonic, Pro Musica Orchestra, Salt City Jazz Collective, and the Pittsburgh New Music Ensemble; and WHEREAS, Fostering students' knowledge of the arts, Dr. Michael Woods has taught courses such as Composition Seminar, Jazz Arranging, African American Popular Music, Jazz Improvisation, History of Jazz to the 1950s, and History of Jazz since the 1950s; and WHEREAS, Dr. Michael Woods is affiliated with the following commissions: the Albany Symphony in 2004 through 2007 and 2009, Pittsburgh New Music Ensemble, Pro Musica Orchestra, Columbus, Ind., Lafayette Symphony, and Lafayette, Ind.; he has had premieres featured in the Erie Philharmonic Orchestra, Midland Symphony Orchestra, Utica Symphony, Tulsa Philharmonic Orchestra, Little Rock Symphony, and Anderson Symphony and maintains a residency at the Mary Anderson Centre for the Arts; and WHEREAS, An influential member of society, Dr. Michael Woods is affiliated with the following professional entities: American Society of University Composers, Society for New Music, Center for Black Music Research, American Composers Forum, International Society of Bassists, Black Jazz Caucus, International Association of Jazz Educators, NAACP, National Jazz Service Organization, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, National ACT-SO adjudicator - NAACP, and International COGIC; and WHEREAS, In his capacity as a professor at Hamilton College, Dr. Michael Woods served with loyalty, honor and distinction, and was governed by a keen sense of duty and always showed a unique grasp of human problems in his official acts; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Dr. Michael "Doctuh" Woods upon the occasion of his retirement after many years of distinguished service to Hamilton College; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Dr. Michael "Doctuh" Woods.