84R23049 BPG-D
By: Dukes H.R. No. 2190
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Don T. Haynes Jr. is retiring as director of bands at
LBJ High School in Austin in May 2015, concluding a distinguished
career in education that has spanned 41 years; and
WHEREAS, An exceptionally gifted teacher, Don Haynes has led
the school's bands since 1975, and his students have won numerous
first-place awards at festivals in Texas, Florida, Oklahoma,
California, and Colorado; the LBJ bands consistently take Division
1 and sweepstakes honors in UIL marching and concert competitions,
and the LBJ Marching Band has made five appearances in the UIL State
Marching Band Contest; and
WHEREAS, The Jaguar Band has performed twice in London and
once in Paris, and 150 band members toured China as musical
ambassadors for a week in 2007; while instilling in his students a
sense of discipline and a strong commitment to excellence,
Mr. Haynes has demonstrated great kindness as well, giving
youngsters rides when they lack transportation and even springing
for lunch when they forget to bring food to summer band practices;
and
WHEREAS, Frequently invited to conduct region bands,
Mr. Haynes has also made guest appearances in New Mexico,
Louisiana, and Florida; his vision guided the creation of the
Capital City Marching Festival, now one of the state's top
UIL-preparatory events; he is an active UIL adjudicator for concert
and marching bands at all levels, and he has served on the UIL State
Sightreading Advisory Committee; in addition, he has benefited the
Texas Music Educators Association in many leadership roles,
including as a member of its advisory board, and he has served as
president of the Texas Bandmasters Association; and
WHEREAS, In 2007, the Austin Independent School District
board voted to name the new LBJ High School auditorium the Don T.
Haynes Theater; moreover, Mr. Haynes is the recipient of the
prestigious UIL Denius Award and the AISD African American Heritage
Award, and his colleagues have selected him as Teacher of the Year
four times; and
WHEREAS, This esteemed educator holds both a bachelor's
degree in music and a master's degree in instrumental music
conducting from The University of Texas at Austin; before joining
the LBJ High School faculty, he was the assistant band director at
Anderson High School for two years; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his long career, Don Haynes has served as
an exemplary mentor and role model, and he has helped countless
young Texans not only improve their skills as musicians but also
develop confidence, character, and the positive focus they need to
lead happy, productive lives; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas
Legislature hereby congratulate Don T. Haynes Jr. on his retirement
from LBJ High School and extend to him sincere best wishes for the
future; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Mr. Haynes as an expression of high regard by the Texas
House of Representatives.