SEARCH SITE

VIRGINIA LAW PORTAL

SEARCHABLE DATABASES

ACROSS SESSIONS

Developed and maintained by the Division of Legislative Automated Systems.

2009 SESSION

094154484
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 821
Offered January 28, 2009
Commending Buckner Gamby on his illustrious achievements, service, and retirement.
----------
Patron-- Dance
----------

WHEREAS, Buckner Gamby, native son, was reared in a loving and nurturing home by his father and mother, who were devoted to the Gospel ministry and missions and to sustaining a rich and strong family life; and

WHEREAS, although his parents' only child, Buckner Gamby grew up with many foster siblings with whom he enjoys a strong and close relationship; and

WHEREAS, in his formative years, Buckner Gamby demonstrated exceptional musical talent and interest and a great love of sacred music; and

WHEREAS, at age 11, Buckner Gamby and his family moved to Boston to allow him to study piano at the New England Conservatory of Music; following his graduation from Boston Latin School and after a successful two-year tour of duty in the United States Army in Alaska, he returned to the Conservatory, where he earned bachelor and master of music degrees and the coveted Artist Diploma; and

WHEREAS, Buckner Gamby also studied as a Fulbright Scholar in Vienna, Austria, and while in Austria, the New England Conservatory awarded him the Frank Huntington Beebe fellowship for advanced music study in Europe, where he successfully debuted as an accomplished pianist; and

WHEREAS, Buckner Gamby has performed all over the world, including China, Shangzhou, Europe, South Africa, and Indonesia; has been featured as a guest piano soloist; and has performed with many renowned artists and orchestras, among them Arthur Fiedler and the Boston Pops Orchestra; and

WHEREAS, a devoted Christian disciple since age nine and a faithful churchman in his adult years, Buckner Gamby has given his life to performing sacred music for more than 40 years, including service in the music ministries at First Baptist Church, Zion Baptist Church, and Gillfield Baptist Church in Petersburg, and with the Bethany Baptist Association; and

WHEREAS, Buckner Gamby taught for four years at Southern University in Louisiana; cofounded the Petersburg Boys Choir in 1992; was awarded the status of Professor Emeritus by Virginia State University in 1993; received the New England Conservatory of Music's Outstanding Alumnus Award in 2001; was listed in the Who's Who Among American Teachers and the Who's Who Among American Professionals in 2002; and since his retirement from Virginia State University as professor of music in 1992, he continues to serve the university as the accompanist for the concert choir and as a part-time instructor in piano, music theory, and director of the concert choir of the Appomattox Regional Governor's School for the Arts and Technology; and

WHEREAS, Buckner Gamby has received numerous other awards and honors, and his musical genius and influence as a concert pianist, accompanist, musical coach, teacher, organist, choral director, and lecturer is a testament to his noteworthy achievements and magnanimous contributions throughout the Richmond metropolitan and Tri-Cities areas, Commonwealth, nation, and the world; and

WHEREAS, Buckner Gamby's greatest desire in his much-deserved retirement is to enjoy his wonderful relationship with his grandchildren, work with young people, and continue to use his tremendous musical gifts in His service; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Buckner Gamby on his illustrious achievements, service, and retirement; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Buckner Gamby, renowned concert pianist, educator, and faithful servant, as an expression of the General Assembly's esteem and respect for his many accomplishments and service to the community, and its many good wishes for a profitable and peaceful retirement.