HR0510 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0510 LRB097 13269 GRL 57778 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to congratulate the past and present instructors and administrators of Jacksonville School District #117 on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the District's Music Department; and

WHEREAS, In 1911, a dedicated individual, Mrs. Ailsie Goodrick, was hired to create and develop a choral department at Jacksonville High School; her work resulted in the Treble Clef Club for young women and the Glee Club for young men; she served as the sole music instructor for the next two years; in 1913, her husband came on to develop instrumental music, which he did in the form of the JHS Band and Orchestra; and

WHEREAS, Since the Goodricks' pioneering work, the Music Department of District #117 has had many passionate and talented members, including: Miss Lena Hopper (1917-1946), who led the choral music department for the next 30 years and was given the title of Supervisor of Music in 1937; Miss Carol Hitchcock (1941), a graduate of Jacksonville's own MacMurray Conservatory of Music; Mr. G. Lloyd Schultz (1942-1944), who brought instrumental music to other schools in the District before being called to duty in World War II; Miss Bonnie Kent (1945), another MacMurray graduate; Mr. Elbert Edelbrock (1946), who had directed one of many World War II Army bands and was assisted at the grade school level by Mr. Oscar Schutte; and

WHEREAS, In 1947, a young and talented Mr. Jim Welch took over District #117's Music Department, remaining there until 1979; during his tenure, the Music Department grew dramatically, expanding to include various committed teachers, including Mr. John Hayter and Mr. Richard Moorhouse (Orchestra), Mr. Philip Falcone and Mr. Donald Lord (Chorus), Mrs. Elaine Peebles and Mrs. Joyce Pratt (Elementary Choral), and Mr. Marshall Fowler and Mr. Charles Groce (Junior High Bands); after becoming the Director of Music Education for District #117 in 1969, Mr. Welch and his students went on to earn many honors and accomplishments throughout his 32 years of service; and

WHEREAS, Since Mr. Welch's tenure, the Music Department has continued this tradition of excellence, including superior instruction and leadership from Mr. Marshall Fowler (1979-1984), whose marching band was also able to achieve multiple awards and achievements; Mr. Les Fonza (1984-1986), who was instrumental in the development of the Jazz Band; Mr. Steve Jones (1986-2003), whose robust and eclectic knowledge of music improved all aspects of student learning and performance; and Mr. Steve Thorne (2004-present), who continues this dedication to music to this day; and

WHEREAS, The Music Department of Jacksonville School District #117 has stood as a model of fortitude, commitment, and love of music to the people of the State of Illinois for an entire century; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Jacksonville School District #117 on the occasion of the 100th Anniversary of its Music Department and wish the Music Department and its students continued success in the future; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Jacksonville School District #117 as a symbol of our esteem and respect.