H.R. No. 113
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Silas Nathaniel Huff, a distinguished conductor and
composer, has enlisted in the U.S. Army and will serve as an army
band officer; and
WHEREAS, Maestro Huff brings more than 12 years of conducting
experience to his new responsibilities; over the course of his
career, he has led ensembles in nine different states, as well as
orchestras in France, Russia, Bulgaria, and the Czech Republic; in
addition to winning plaudits for his work with symphonies and
choirs, he has achieved success as a dance conductor and also as a
composer; currently, Mr. Huff is the music director for the Round
Rock Symphony and the Astoria Symphony, and he will continue
directing both while serving in the army; and
WHEREAS, After completing his bachelor of arts in performance
and composition at Texas State University, Silas Huff continued his
studies at the University of California, Los Angeles, where he
earned a master of arts in composition, and at California State
University, Long Beach, where he received a master of music in
conducting; moreover, he has furthered his professional
preparation at academies in Germany and France and at workshops
given by some of the world's most respected conductors; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Huff submitted his application to the U.S. Army
band "Pershing's Own" in January 2010; after a lengthy selection
and audition process, he was offered the prestigious position of
conductor in the U.S. Army on May 25, 2010; he then began the
additional process of securing acceptance as an officer candidate;
having cleared every hurdle, he officially enlisted on December 8,
2010; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Huff leaves for three months of basic training
on February 1, 2011; he will then attend Officer Candidate School
and the Basic Officer Leadership Course; when he completes these
requirements, he will be commissioned as a second lieutenant and
will become an army band officer; and
WHEREAS, In his capacity as an army bandmaster, Mr. Huff will
have a unique opportunity to serve his country while utilizing all
of his musical and leadership skills; he expects to rotate through a
variety of positions and to tour extensively; he will conduct many
different groups, including the U.S. Army band "Pershing's Own,"
U.S. Army Field Band, and U.S. Army Europe Band and Chorus; and
WHEREAS, In making his decision to join the army, Mr. Huff
enjoyed the strong support of his wife, Taylor Morris; native
Texans, the couple presently split their time between New York City
and the Lone Star State; and
WHEREAS, A gifted and dynamic artist, Silas Nathaniel Huff
can take justifiable pride in his latest achievement, and the bands
of the U.S. Army can congratulate themselves as well on gaining the
talents of this outstanding conductor; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas
Legislature hereby congratulate Silas Nathaniel Huff on his
selection as a U.S. Army band officer and extend to him sincere best
wishes as he embarks on this exciting new chapter in his career;
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Mr. Huff as an expression of high regard by the Texas
House of Representatives.
Solomons
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 113 was adopted by the House on
February 24, 2011, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House