SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 705 WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to join the Dallas Independent School District in celebrating the naming of the Robert A. Simpson Sr. Band Hall at Wilmer-Hutchins High School; and WHEREAS, For more than 30 years, the late Robert A. Simpson, Sr., was head of the Fine Arts Department for the Wilmer-Hutchins Independent School District; he also served for many years at Wilmer-Hutchins High School as director of the band, which was known as the Marching Music Machine; and WHEREAS, Mr. Simpson was known affectionately to several generations of students as "Simp," and he devoted his time and energy to ensuring that each of his students received the skills necessary to thrive and succeed in today's complex world; and WHEREAS, A talented musician himself, he performed with such iconic musicians as Tina Turner, Lionel Hampton, and Freddie King, and he played with the Dallas Jazz Orchestra and the Onzy Matthews Orchestra; he was also the founder and executive director of the Third Coast Arts Center, and he was inducted into the Dallas Metroplex Musicians Association Hall of Fame; and WHEREAS, Robert A. Simpson, Sr., had a profound influence on the lives of countless students, and it is truly fitting that the room in which his influence found its full expression be named in his honor; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 83rd Legislature, hereby pay tribute to the life and legacy of the late Robert A. Simpson, Sr., and extend best wishes to the administration, students, faculty, and staff of Wilmer-Hutchins High School for a memorable ceremony naming the band hall in his honor; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared in honor of this special occasion. West ________________________________ President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on April 18, 2013. ________________________________ Secretary of the Senate ________________________________ Member, Texas Senate