WHEREAS, The Olympia Symphony Orchestra began community concerts in the 1920s and began regular concerts as a community-based volunteer symphony orchestra at the end of World War II; and
     WHEREAS, The Olympia Symphony Orchestra was officially incorporated as a nonprofit community orchestra on October 23, 1952; and
     WHEREAS, The Olympia Symphony Orchestra has passed the baton to many gifted Maestros over the intervening years, including Carl Moldrem, Les Armstrong, Fred P. Schlichting, Irv Wright, Ian K. Edlund, Jonathan Shames; and
     WHEREAS, Most recently, the Symphony has flourished under the outstanding leadership of Maestro Hue Edwards; and
     WHEREAS, The Olympia Symphony Orchestra has provided years of education, entertainment, and the many benefits of community cultural enhancement to literally tens of thousands of residents of Southwest Washington during the course of hundreds of concerts over decades; and
     WHEREAS, At the invitation of the Governor of the State of Washington for the past six years, the Olympia Symphony Orchestra has provided for the enjoyment of Capitol area residents, by performing a free symphonic concert on the lawn of the Capitol Campus on the last Sunday of each July; and
     WHEREAS, The past 60 years of community enrichment has involved thousands of South Sound volunteers donating their skills and talents by acting in their capacity as board members, musicians, students, audience participants, donors, and other lovers of symphonic music; and
     WHEREAS, As the Olympia Symphony Orchestra turns sixty years of age this October, it takes its place as one of the longest continuously performing community-based orchestras in the State of Washington;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Senate congratulate the Olympia Symphony Orchestra Board, its Maestro Hue Edwards, its staff and musicians, and its thousands of supporters on its 60th Birthday; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate, on behalf of the people of the state of Washington, extend its sincerest wish that the next 60 years will bring as much enjoyment and great music to the Capitol Lawn and to the Capital City as the last 60 years; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to the Olympia Symphony Orchestra.