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2016 SESSION

16105723D
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 408
Offered March 2, 2016
Commending the Heifetz International Music Institute.
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Patrons-- Bell, Richard P. and Landes; Senator: Hanger
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WHEREAS, the Heifetz International Music Institute, a unique summer institute that has served the Staunton community through its partnership with Mary Baldwin College for five years, celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2016; and

WHEREAS, established by violinist Daniel Heifetz in 1996, the Heifetz International Music Institute held its first summer program with 20 violin students at Glenelg Country School in Maryland; and

WHEREAS, Daniel Heifetz pioneered the Heifetz Performance and Communication Training system, which combines traditional approaches to music instruction with components of voice, public speaking, and drama education, revolutionizing music education; and

WHEREAS, the Heifetz International Music Institute relocated to St. John’s College in Annapolis in 1998, and the institute began to include courses on viola, cello, and piano; and

WHEREAS, in 2002, the Heifetz International Music Institute relocated again to Brewster Academy in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, initiating another period of expansion; the institute enrolled record numbers of students, added several new classes, and strengthened the community outreach program; and

WHEREAS, the Heifetz International Music Institute has attracted teaching artists from some of the country’s most prestigious music schools, and in 2009, NPR’s “From The Top” recorded a live broadcast at the institute; and

WHEREAS, after discontinuing piano and voice programs to focus on stringed instruments, the Heifetz International Music Institute entered into a new partnership with the Staunton campus of Mary Baldwin College in 2011; and

WHEREAS, the Heifetz International Music Institute has enhanced cultural life in Staunton by engaging with schools, churches, and community organizations through the Heifetz on Tour and Virginia Visiting Artist in Residence programs; and

WHEREAS, offering intensive six-week training programs for young violin, viola, and cello players, the Heifetz International Music Institute has brought students representing 23 states and eight countries to the Staunton area; and

WHEREAS, in 2015, the Heifetz International Music Institute deepened its ties with the Staunton community by moving its headquarters, box office, and a new gift shop to the city’s historic downtown; and

WHEREAS, the Heifetz International Music Institute will commemorate its 20th anniversary with special events throughout its 2016 concert season; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend the Heifetz International Music Institute for its contributions to cultural life in Staunton and service to young musicians around the world on the occasion of its 20th anniversary; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Daniel Heifetz as an expression of the General Assembly’s admiration for the Heifetz International Music Institute’s commitment to excellence in music instruction.