A HOUSE RESOLUTION honoring the north carolina symphony and its founders.
Whereas, the North Carolina Symphony played its first concert under its founding conductor Lamar Stringfield on May 14, 1932, at Hill Hall on the campus of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; and
Whereas, the tireless efforts of Dr. Benjamin and Maxine Swalin led to passage by the North Carolina General Assembly of the historic "Horn‑Tootin' Bill" in 1943, thus establishing a 69‑year partnership with the State of North Carolina and forming the basis for the most far‑reaching music education program in the United States; and
Whereas, the North Carolina Symphony has, since that day, traveled more than 500,000 miles by bus to present concerts throughout the State of North Carolina, delighting and entertaining generations of citizens by demonstrating the highest level of artistic quality and performance standards, and embracing its dual legacies of statewide service and music education; and
Whereas, the North Carolina Symphony offers 45 yearly education concerts for schoolchildren across the State, as well as professional development workshops for teachers that support North Carolina curriculum standards in education and supplement the North Carolina Symphony education concerts, and through its Ensembles in the Schools program, visits classrooms for an interactive performance and learning experience; and
Whereas, the North Carolina Symphony further enhances music opportunities for young people in North Carolina through programs such as the Instrument Zoo, an opportunity for young people to see instruments and try them out; Young Strings of the Triangle, a private lesson program for string students created to nurture and develop the musical potential of minority and under served players; and North Carolina Symphony Youth Sinfonietta, a chamber orchestra of talented young musicians selected by audition; and
Whereas, the North Carolina Symphony recognizes excellence in young musicians and helps them launch their careers through its annual Kathleen Price and Joseph M. Bryan Youth Concerto Competition, and in music educators through its annual Maxine Swalin Award for Outstanding Music Educator; and
Whereas, the North Carolina Symphony, celebrating its 80th concert season in 2012‑2013, continues to be artistically inspirational, creative, and vibrant; educationally essential and relevant; and organizationally excellent and community‑minded; Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
SECTION 1.  The House of Representatives honors the memory of Lamar Stringfield, Dr. Benjamin Swalin, and Maxine Swalin and expresses its appreciation for their roles in founding the North Carolina Symphony.
SECTION 2.  The House of Representatives proclaims 2012 as "North Carolina Symphony Year" in recognition of the North Carolina Symphony's outstanding record of 80 years of service.
SECTION 3.  The Principal Clerk shall transmit a certified copy of this resolution to the President of the North Carolina Symphony.
SECTION 4.  This resolution is effective upon adoption.