HR1397 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1397 LRB099 23085 GRL 50537 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to congratulate Dr. Dello D. Thedford on the occasion of his 50th anniversary of music ministry in East St. Louis and the Metro East area as Music Clinician and Minister of Music; and

WHEREAS, Under the leadership of Dr. Dello Thedford, the Gospel Symphonic Choir was founded in 1996 and is composed of individuals from the Metro-East Community and other surrounding areas and will be celebrating 20 years of ministry; the Gospel Symphonic Choir has been voted "Best New Artist" by the Announcers Guild of the Gospel Music Workshop of America and has been presented in concerts locally and nationally; and

WHEREAS, Under the leadership of Dr. Dello Thedford, the Gospel Symphonic Choir has appeared on national television at the NFL Divisional Championship game; the Gospel Symphonic Choir was the musical artist at the Martin Luther King Celebration performed at the Fabulous Fox Theatre for three consecutive years; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Dello Thedford, teacher, arranger, noted composer, and conductor extraordinaire, serves as the Minister of Music at Shalom Church City of Peace; under the seasoned musical direction of Dr. Thedford and prolific songwriter, arranger, producer, and director Oscar Williams, the Choir was nominated for a Stellar Award in 2015; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Dello Thedford, most-well known as the Maestro, has ministered to the world and served over 22 years as Minister of Music of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in East St. Louis and surrounding communities; he also served as Ministry of Liturgy and Worship Director, Artistic Director, Adjunct Professor of Music, Chairman of the Music Department, Music Director for the Black Repertory Theatre, and vocal coach for the Theater Program of Southern Illinois University of East St. Louis Campus; he also taught in School District #189 and was Music Chairman for the 1999 Billy Graham Crusade; and

WHEREAS, In 2016, Dr. Dello Thedford was awarded the 2016 Co-Fine Arts and Electives Teacher of the Year Award; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Dello Thedford currently serves as the Department Head of Vocal Music and Performing Arts to promote high achievement in fine arts and to provide students access to the best possible vocal music training; he also serves as the Music Director for the Youth Rally for the National Congress of Christian Education of the National Baptist Convention USA Inc.; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Dello Thedford serves as a model of hard work and dedication for the people of the State of Illinois; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Dr. Dello D. Thedford on the occasion of his 50th anniversary of music ministry in East St. Louis and the Metro East area and wish him continued success in the future; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we designate October 30, 2016 as Dr. Dello D. Thedford Day in the State of Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Dr. Dello Thedford as a symbol of our esteem and respect.