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TO CONGRATULATE THE SANDLAPPER SINGERS OF COLUMBIA ON THE OCCASION OF THEIR TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY, TO THANK THE SINGERS AND THEIR FOUNDING ARTISTIC DIRECTOR, DR. LILLIAN QUACKENBUSH, FOR THE TWO DECADES OF MUSICAL EXCELLENCE AND ENJOYMENT THEY HAVE BROUGHT TO THE PEOPLE OF THIS GREAT STATE AND BEYOND, AND TO WISH THE GROUP MUCH CONTINUED SUCCESS.
Whereas, appreciative of the Sandlapper Singers' well-known musicianship and uniquely entertaining style, the South Carolina Senate is pleased to learn that the group's 2015-2016 concert season marks its twentieth anniversary, as well as that of Dr. Lillian Quackenbush, its founding artistic director and conductor; and
Whereas, from the beginning, the Sandlapper Singers established a twofold mission: first, the presentation of American choral music (with a special emphasis on that of their home State) in an uplifting, engaging style and, second, the provision of educational opportunities for young singers; and
Whereas, organized in 1996, the thirty-voice auditioned ensemble performs an annual subscription series of three concerts in the Columbia metro area. After performing in the capital city, where each concert is presented twice, the Singers carry their music throughout South Carolina and to neighboring states. Offering a delightful mix of both familiar and new music, Sandlapper concerts present, in addition to sumptuous and inspiring singing, a variety of the other arts, including the visual arts, dance, theater, and insightful commentary. Further, the Singers commission and premiere works by South Carolina composers; and
Whereas, the group has grown its emphasis on education, inviting children and youth to participate in its programs and establishing a parallel youth choir. The Singers also donate a portion of ticket sales to local public school choral programs where funding is a challenge and award a vocal scholarship annually; and
Whereas, to inaugurate their twentieth-anniversary season, the Sandlapper Singers will host a "Singing with the Stars" party in September. October's concerts feature a hit parade of favorite requested songs, with special guest Dick Goodwin and his big band; December's holiday concerts with orchestra follow; February offers world-renowned composer Libby Larson's choral drama of a James Dickey poem; and April arrives with the premiere of a commissioned work by Donald McCullough; and
Whereas, while the group's twentieth-anniversary season commences with a lighthearted party, it concludes with a regretted parting: the retirement of Dr. Lillian Quackenbush, as well as that of her husband, tenor David Quackenbush, who has faithfully served as the Singers' business manager since 1996. To ease the transition in leadership entertainingly, during the October concerts the Sandlapper Singers will invite audience feedback after the two finalists for Lillian's replacement conduct these performances; and
Whereas, a "hard act to follow," Dr. Lillian Quackenbush earned her doctorate in music from the University of South Carolina and is holder of the 2012 Elizabeth O'Neill Verner Award for Lifetime Achievement in the arts, a coveted honor given by the Governor's Office and the South Carolina Arts Commission. This sublimely skilled singer-actress-teacher is also the retired chair of the Columbia College Music Department and recently retired as music director of Shandon Presbyterian Church. She serves as artistic director and conductor of the Greater Columbia Sing-along Messiah and has conducted the Columbia Choral Society for Spoleto in Charleston and the Charleston Symphony Orchestra in Columbia; and
Whereas, cognizant of the Sandlapper Singers' twenty years of celebrated achievements, the Senate takes great pleasure in saluting this fine ensemble of musical ambassadors for the City of Columbia and the State of South Carolina on their twentieth anniversary. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate:
That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, congratulate the Sandlapper Singers of Columbia on the occasion of their twentieth anniversary, thank the Singers and their founding artistic director, Dr. Lillian Quackenbush, for the two decades of musical excellence and enjoyment they have brought to the people of this great State and beyond, and wish the group much continued success.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the Sandlapper Singers.
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