H.R. No. 1213
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Community orchestras contribute greatly to the
cultural richness of the Lone Star State, and in 2012, the
Brazosport Symphony Orchestra celebrated its 30th anniversary; and
WHEREAS, In the spring of 1982, Clayton Gilpin of the
Brazosport Music Theater and local musicians Jeralyn Friedli and
Margaret Davis met with Rice University conducting student Jim
Hagberg to discuss starting a community orchestra; and
WHEREAS, That summer, a group of student and local players
formed a small string ensemble and performed a well-received
concert under the direction of former high school orchestra
director Bill Atkerson; in the fall of 1982, Mr. Hagberg was hired
as the new group's conductor, to hold one rehearsal a week and three
concerts during the 1982-83 season, and in 1983, Ms. Friedli and
Linda Claiborne formed the symphony board of directors and the
Symphony League; and
WHEREAS, Composed of volunteer musicians from Brazosport and
nearby towns, the BSO today performs under the baton of Dr. John
Antonio Ricarte, who has been music director and conductor for
seven years; affiliated now with the Brazosport Center Stages, the
group performs six major concerts each year, including a family
concert, a pops concert, a holiday concert, and three subscription
concerts; and
WHEREAS, The BSO's repertoire varies from classical works to
Broadway favorites, and its performances have featured appearances
by both professional soloists and talented community soloists as
well as local choirs; since 2006, the orchestra has sponsored a
Young Artists Competition, the winner of which receives a
scholarship and a chance to play with the orchestra; and
WHEREAS, The citizens of Brazosport are indeed fortunate to
have this vibrant cultural institution in their midst to provide
entertainment and inspiration, and this special anniversary
represents a fitting opportunity to celebrate the contributions of
this superb orchestra; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas
Legislature hereby congratulate the Brazosport Symphony Orchestra
on its 30th anniversary and extend to the symphony's conductor,
musicians, and board of directors sincere best wishes for continued
success; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for the orchestra as an expression of high regard by the
Texas House of Representatives.
Bonnen of Brazoria
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 1213 was adopted by the House on April
17, 2013, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House