H.R. No. 769
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Ruben G. Hernandez has greatly enriched the proud
musical tradition of Austin and the State of Texas through his
leadership of the Nash Hernandez Orchestra, which has been pleasing
audiences for 60 years; and
WHEREAS, The musical ensemble was founded by Nash Hernandez,
Sr., in the spring of 1949, and from the beginning, it specialized
in performing an infectious mix of big-band swing, jazz, and Latin
musical styles; through the decades, the band has drawn fans of all
ages, races, and backgrounds, including everyone from college
students to dance enthusiasts to Texas political leaders; and
WHEREAS, Nash Hernandez passed away in June 1994 at the age of
72, but before he died, he asked his son, Ruben, to carry on his
musical legacy by taking over the orchestra; Ruben agreed, and in
the 15 years since, he has maintained the group's popularity by
performing regularly at venues, special events, and weddings around
the state; and
WHEREAS, Born on July 11, 1959, Ruben Hernandez is actually
10 years younger than the band he directs, but he has a long musical
history of his own; he learned to play the drums at the age of four
with the help of his brother, Dave, and began performing with the
orchestra when he was just 11 years old; drawing inspiration from
renowned drummers such as Buddy Rich and Tito Puente, he devoted
himself to music and earned a degree in theory and composition from
The University of Texas at Austin in 1981; and
WHEREAS, Since becoming leader of the orchestra, Mr.
Hernandez has maintained his father's practice of performing for
charitable events and at fund-raisers for deserving causes, and the
band regularly plays special concerts at senior citizens
facilities; for these admirable efforts, and for keeping alive a
historic Texas ensemble and its timeless music, Ruben Hernandez and
his fellow musicians are indeed deserving of recognition; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas
Legislature hereby honor Ruben G. Hernandez for perpetuating the
musical legacy of the Nash Hernandez Orchestra and extend best
wishes to the members of the band on the event of the ensemble's
60th anniversary; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Mr. Hernandez as an expression of high regard by the
Texas House of Representatives.
Rodriguez
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 769 was adopted by the House on March
11, 2009, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House