H*4687 Concurrent Resolution, By Meacham-Richardson
 A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION EXTENDING THE CONGRATULATIONS AND BEST WISHES OF THE
 MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA TO THE FORT
 MILL HIGH SCHOOL BAND OF FORT MILL HIGH SCHOOL IN YORK COUNTY, AS IT
 CELEBRATES ITS FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY.

   02/24/00  House  Introduced, adopted, sent to Senate HJ-14
   02/29/00  Senate Introduced, adopted, returned with concurrence SJ-15

EXTENDING THE CONGRATULATIONS AND BEST WISHES OF THE MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA TO THE FORT MILL HIGH SCHOOL BAND OF FORT MILL HIGH SCHOOL IN YORK COUNTY, AS IT CELEBRATES ITS FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY.

Whereas, in 1949, music was added to the curriculum of Fort Mill High School in York County, and under the direction of Ben Stevenson, a graduate of the New England Conservatory of Music, a band program was organized; and

Whereas, the Fort Mill High School Band performed its first concert in December, 1949, at Unity Presbyterian Church, and on Christmas Eve of that year, participated in its first parade along Fort Mill's Main Street; and

Whereas, from 1949 to 1972, the band program steadily grew and improved while under the batons of five different directors: Ben Stevenson (1949-53); James Blanton (1953-57); Guy Womble (1957-59); Keebler Mills (1959-71); and George Wingard (1971-72); and

Whereas, with the hiring of John Deloach in 1972, the modern era of the Fort Mill High School Band began. Band Director Deloach ushered in the following components of marching band that now are taken for granted: band camp away from home; music coordinated with drill movements on a football field; band competitions; and color-guard units; and

Whereas, under the following band directors, the Fort Mill High School Band emerged as one of the premier band programs in the Southeastern United States: John Deloach (1972-77); Ernie Thigpen (1977-81); and Terry Holliday (1981-87); and

Whereas, over the last decade the band program has continued to grow and improve beyond all expectations; and

Whereas, under the leadership of Bob Cotter (1987-92), Scott Lambert (1992-94), and current Band Director, Martin Dickey, the young people who have participated in the Fort Mill High School Band Program have proven that laurels are to be earned and not rested upon; and

Whereas, no other high school band in South Carolina has enjoyed as much success as the Fort Mill High School Band over the last twenty-five years which includes: eighteen South Carolina State Marching Band Championships, including the last five consecutive AAA South Carolina State Marching Band Championships; national parade appearances in the 1976 National Bicentennial Parade, the 1986 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, the 1995 Tournament of Roses Parade, and the 1999 First Night Honolulu Festival; National Field Show appearances in the 1983 and 1990 Citrus Bowls, 1989 Festival of States, and the 1992 Bands of America Grand National; and

Whereas, the current and former members, band directors, and friends of the Fort Mill High School Band are to be commended for the band's fifty-year history and tradition. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:

That the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina extends its congratulations and best wishes to the current and former members and friends of the Fort Mill High School Band of Fort Mill High School in York County as they celebrate the fifty years of history, tradition, success, and entertainment the band has provided to the citizens of York County, South Carolina, and the nation.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Martin Dickey, Fort Mill High School Band Director.