81R8516 JH-D
By: Dutton H.C.R. No. 94
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Jazz is an original American art form that affirms
the noblest aspirations of our national character, individual
discipline, perseverance, and innovation; and
WHEREAS, To acknowledge the integral role that jazz music
plays in the cultural life of the United States, a campaign has been
ongoing in recent years to designate April as Jazz Appreciation
Month, with 15 states and numerous cities having already given
official recognition to this observance; and
WHEREAS, Initiated by the National Museum of American History
of the Smithsonian Institution, Jazz Appreciation Month was
established to highlight the multicultural history of jazz, its
important influence on American life, and the evocative music that
has been created by the nation's jazz musicians; and
WHEREAS, This admirable effort is a fitting tribute to this
musical art form; jazz has produced some of America's leading
creative artists and ranks as one of the country's greatest
cultural exports to the world; and
WHEREAS, Immensely influential in the arts, jazz has inspired
classical composers and musicians in many other genres, and its
rhythms and spirit of improvisation have also been adopted in
artistic fields such as dance, poetry, fiction, and film; and
WHEREAS, Jazz has spoken eloquently of freedom for people in
the United States and abroad and has become an international
language that bridges differences and brings together people of all
races, ages, and backgrounds; and
WHEREAS, America's jazz heritage deserves to be appreciated
as broadly as possible, and this goal can be furthered through
education efforts aimed at both children and adults; the
designation of Jazz Appreciation Month plays a role in this process
by focusing public attention on the music and by providing an annual
observance that inspires special concerts and other events to
showcase the music; and
WHEREAS, Intimately linked with the history of our nation,
jazz speaks to the rich and diverse experiences of Americans, and
this compelling form of artistic expression indeed deserves to be
celebrated and preserved; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 81st Legislature of the State of Texas
hereby proclaim April 2009 as Jazz Appreciation Month in Texas and
urge all Texans to take this opportunity to attend performances,
listen to recordings, and learn more about the music.