H.R. No. 914
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The orchestra and choir from the McCallum High
School Fine Arts Academy in Austin have been selected to perform at
Carnegie Hall in New York City on June 13, 2009; and
WHEREAS, Approximately 400 highly motivated students from
across the Capitol City attend the Fine Arts Academy at McCallum
High School; these individuals work with faculty and staff at an
accelerated level and in a creative and stimulating environment,
majoring in music, visual arts, dance, and theatre arts; and
WHEREAS, Directed by Malcolm Nelson, the McCallum High School
choirs are composed mainly of Fine Arts Academy members, but are
open to all McCallum High students; the school's five choirs
perform at concerts and productions throughout the school year and
regularly participate in UIL competitions; and
WHEREAS, The McCallum orchestra has grown to nearly 100
students who are involved in three performing orchestras, a double
bass ensemble, and additional chamber groups and ensembles that are
supported by the Austin Chamber Music Center; Ricky Pringle, the
director of orchestras at the Fine Arts Academy, has worked with
this program for seven years and is known for creating strong
collaborations with other academy students and directors from the
dance, theatre, and vocal music strands; the orchestra has
presented concerts at the Long Center, at the Paramount Theatre, at
Texas State University, and for the Downtown Alliance Christmas
Tree Lighting; and
WHEREAS, Having previously appeared at Carnegie Hall, the
McCallum orchestra was invited once again, along with the McCallum
choir, to perform in its Masterworks Series, in which qualified
ensembles collaborate on a major work with choirs, professional
orchestras, and soloists, under the direction of a nationally
recognized conductor; the McCallum students are performing
Schubert's Mass No. 2 in G major, a piece composed in 1815, and they
will be led by Dr. Andre J. Thomas, a professor of music and
director of choral activities at Florida State University; and
WHEREAS, Through commitment, hard work, and perseverance,
these fine young Texans have earned national recognition for their
musical performances, and they may indeed reflect with great pride
on their outstanding achievements as they embark on this exciting
endeavor; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas
Legislature hereby honor the members of the McCallum High School
Fine Arts Academy orchestra and choir and extend to them sincere
best wishes for continued success; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for the McCallum orchestra and choir as an expression of
high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.
Naishtat
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 914 was adopted by the House on March
26, 2009, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House