Senate Resolution No. 171 BY: Senator GRIFFO COMMENDING Michael "Doc" Woods upon the occasion of his induction into the 2024 Oneida County Historical Richard W. Couper Living Legends Hall of Fame on October 10, 2024 WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that the quality and character of life in this great Empire State is indelibly enriched by the faithful and untiring efforts of those individuals who have helped shape the history of their areas; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Michael "Doc" Woods upon the occasion of his induction into the 2024 Oneida County Historical Richard W. Couper Living Legends Hall of Fame on Thursday, October 10, 2024, at the Irish Cultural Center in Utica, New York; and WHEREAS, The Oneida County Historical Hall of Fame was established in 1946 and honors individuals from Oneida County who made an impact on the local community and the world; the Living Legends category was added in 2001 to celebrate present-day models of people making a difference; and WHEREAS, With a major in music composition and a minor in string bass at Indiana University (M.M.) and the University of Oklahoma (D.M.A.), Michael "Doc" Woods was the first African American to receive a doctoral degree in music composition from the latter college; he completed his residency at Mary Anderson Center for the Arts in Indiana; and WHEREAS, Michael "Doc" Woods has penned more than 700 compositions in musical styles that include choral, orchestral and chamber works, and jazz combo and big-band charts; his masterpieces have been performed by the Albany Symphony, North Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, Central New York Jazz Orchestra, Tulsa Philharmonic, and Salt City Jazz Collective; and WHEREAS, "Doctuh" Michael Woods is director and bassist for the Zoe Jazz Band and bassist for the Omniverse Jazz Ensemble; both of these groups perform his compositions; and WHEREAS, Throughout his career, Michael "Doc" Woods has taught many courses, including African-American Popular Music, Jazz Improvisation, and History of Jazz; and WHEREAS, Michael "Doc" Woods is professionally affiliated with numerous organizations, including the American Society of University Composers, Center for Black Music Research, NAACP, and National Jazz Service Organization; and WHEREAS, With a tireless and unwavering commitment to Central New York and beyond, Michael "Doc" Woods devoted his entire life to making communities better places for their citizens to live, work, and play; and WHEREAS, This extraordinary man has lived an immensely beautiful life built on compassion, kindness, and respect for others; he is one of the most significant and enduring civic leaders in the County of Oneida, and his insight and strength will forever inspire the lives of the countless people he has touched; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend Michael "Doc" Woods upon the occasion of his induction into the 2024 Oneida County Historical Richard W. Couper Living Legends Hall of Fame on October 10, 2024; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Michael "Doc" Woods.