82S11351 JNC-D
By: Workman H.R. No. 293
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The city of Austin lost a gifted musician and an
inspiring educator with the passing of Bruce Dinkins on June 22,
2011, at the age of 60; and
WHEREAS, A native of Buffalo, New York, Mr. Dinkins was born
on April 12, 1951, to Autumn and Claude Dinkins; he discovered his
passion for the clarinet at an early age and earned the distinction
of first chair in the Florida All-State Band while he was still in
high school; he went on to earn his bachelor's degree in clarinet
performance from the University of Tampa and his master's degree
from The New England Conservatory before pursuing additional
graduate studies at Florida State University and The Juilliard
School; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Dinkins toured Europe as part of the New England
Conservatory Orchestra, featuring Gunther Schuller and Leonard
Bernstein; he also performed with the Jacksonville and Macon
Symphonies, conducted the Memphis Youth Symphony, and served as the
conductor-in-residence of the Sewanee Summer Music Festival in
Sewanee, Tennessee, for more than 25 summers; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Dinkins began his notable teaching career at
Florida Junior College and Jacksonville University; he worked with
Emory University in Atlanta and later became a high school band
director, holding positions in Georgia and South Carolina before
arriving in the Lone Star State; and
WHEREAS, For the past decade, Mr. Dinkins led the band at
James Bowie High School in Austin; he was beloved by his students,
and under his able direction, they achieved great success; in
addition to earning the University Interscholastic League concert
and marching Sweepstakes awards every year, the group was honored
by the John Philip Sousa Foundation with the prestigious Sudler
Shield and became Grand National Champions at the Smoky Mountain
Music Festival; Mr. Dinkins was also personally recognized with his
induction into the American Bandmasters Association, an
accomplishment of which he was especially proud; and
WHEREAS, In all of his endeavors, he enjoyed the support of
his wife of 29 years, Hildy, and he took great joy in his children,
Jordan and Adam; and
WHEREAS, Though it is impossible to gauge the full effect of a
man's life, some individuals leave their unmistakable mark on the
world as they move through it, and Bruce Dinkins's contributions to
his students and profession will long resonate in the lives of all
who knew him; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas
Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby pay tribute to the life of
Bruce Dinkins and extend deepest sympathy to the members of his
family: to his wife, Hildy Edelman Dinkins; to his daughter,
Jordan; to his son, Adam; to his brother, Paul Dinkins, and his
wife, Sharon; and to his other relatives and many friends; and, be
it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of
Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Bruce
Dinkins.