Explanation
Title
To recognize and congratulate Dr. Paul Droste and Les Susi on their retirement after more than 20 years of bringing music to Columbus, as leaders of the Brass Band of Columbus.
Body
WHEREAS, in 1984, Dr. Paul Droste, Emeritus Professor of Music at The Ohio State University and former director of the OSU Marching Band, founded the Brass Band of Columbus, a self-supporting community band of brass and percussion instrumentation, following the tradition of British brass bands; and
WHEREAS, Les Susi joined as Chief Arranger, Associate Conductor, and cornetist for the forty-piece Brass Band of Columbus, whose membership includes thirty active or retired music educators and a wide range of other professions; and
WHEREAS, the Brass Band of Columbus averages over twenty appearances per year at indoor and outdoor concerts, community events, and church services, representing Central Ohio in state, national, and international conferences of musical organizations, including a recent performance as a part of the British Open Brass Band competition in Birmingham England; and
WHEREAS, under the leadership of Dr. Droste and Mr. Susi, the Brass Band of Columbus has won nine international competitions, most recently in 2002; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
That this Council, along with Columbus City Attorney Richard C. Pfeiffer, Jr., does hereby recognize and congratulate Dr. Paul Droste and Les Susi on their retirement from the Brass Band of Columbus.