HR0080 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0080 LRB095 09816 KXB 30027 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to recognize the Danville Symphony Orchestra on its 40th anniversary year; and

WHEREAS, Harry and Gail Adams conceived the idea that Danville needed a symphony orchestra in 1967; Mary Miller, President of Danville Junior College, was enlisted to support the formation of the orchestra and to ensure that college credit was received by the members for their participation; and

WHEREAS, The Danville Junior College Symphony Orchestra made its debut in December of 1967; there were two concerts that season with 53 players; and

WHEREAS, Danville Junior College provided rehearsal space, music stands, a set of timpani, and a bassoon; by 1969 financial support was coming from the City of Danville, the Music Performance Trust Fund of the American Federation of Musicians, the Illinois Arts Council, the National Endowment for the Arts, Danville Junior College, and generous local donors; and

WHEREAS, The Danville Symphony Orchestra Board of Directors was established in 1970; the Viennese Ball became an annual fundraising event in 1971; and in 1972 the Symphony Guild was established to support the Orchestra; and

WHEREAS, Volunteers provide an annual Young Artists Competition each year and provide strong education programs in the Danville area schools; and

WHEREAS, There are 60 members under the direction of Maestro Jeremy Swerling and over 1,400 patrons that enjoy performances each year; four regular season concerts, a Children's concert, and an Arts in the Park concert are held each year; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Maestro Jeremy Swerling and the members of the Danville Symphony Orchestra on reaching this milestone anniversary; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Maestro Jeremy Swerling as a symbol of our respect.