House Resolution 122

A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING AND COMMENDING THE SOUTH JONES HIGH SCHOOL "BAND OF BRAVES" MARCHING BAND FOR ITS MANY OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS.

WHEREAS, the South Jones High School "Band of Braves" Marching Band has built a reputation as one of the most successful performing arts groups in the State of Mississippi, a truly incredible accomplishment; and

WHEREAS, for the 2021-2022 school year, Jones County Schools prioritized the continuation of a high caliber music education, and because of this, the South Jones High School "Band of Braves" Marching Band adapted to new rehearsal strategies, as students worked hard and persevered through late-night practices, continuing South Jones's tradition of excellence; and

WHEREAS, remarkably, since 2013, the band program has grown from 190 students (6th grade through 12th grade) to over 350 students; and

WHEREAS, the community and band parent association has been vital to the band program's growth and sustained success by always supporting the program and its stakeholders; and

WHEREAS, beginning in 2014, the band program's competitive successes began to accumulate with a USBands Southern State Championship win, and the band has since continued to be in the top three each year at state marching championships, winning three back-to-back gold medals, a silver medal and a bronze medal; and

WHEREAS, notable honors and accolades of the "Band of Braves" include: 2022 All Superior ratings State Marching Evaluation; 2022 Best in Class and Overall Champion at the Gautier Swamp Classic and Neshoba Central Rocket Invitational; 2022 East Tennessee Bands of America Class AA Regional Champion and overall second place; and 2022 MHSAA (Mississippi High School Activities Association) Class 5A State Marching Champions, for the third year in a row; and

WHEREAS, because of their tremendous hard work, steadfast determination, and dedication to excellence, the band has been invited to be the featured concert ensemble at the 2023 Mississippi Bandmasters Association Clinic in Natchez, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend outstanding Mississippi students, especially those such as the members of the South Jones High School "Band of Braves" Marching Band, who have brought honor to South Jones High School and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby recognize and commend the members of the South Jones High School "Band of Braves" Marching Band for their outstanding achievements, and extend best wishes for continued success in all of their future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Mr. Brian Joyce, Director of Bands, and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.