WHEREAS, The Walla Walla Symphony is the oldest continuously operating symphony society west of the Mississippi; and
     WHEREAS, The Walla Walla Symphony and "symphony night" have gained the enthusiastic support of the people and businesses of Walla Walla for 100 years, making them Walla Walla institutions and giving the community the incredible opportunity of gathering together and experiencing the joy and transcending power of beautiful, uplifting, live orchestral music; and
     WHEREAS, The Walla Walla Symphony is fully dedicated to serving all the people of the Walla Walla valley and outlying communities, and consider the people as their "real" owners in the truest sense of the word; and
     WHEREAS, The Walla Walla Symphony started in June 1907 as a "symphony" club and has now become a full scale symphony society governed by a dedicated group of board members and fielding a complete semiprofessional symphony with a season of six concerts; and
     WHEREAS, The Walla Walla Symphony also performs two children's concerts for over 3,000 children each year, giving kids an opportunity to get "up close and personal" with the instruments and helps pass on the legacy and appreciation of the symphonic music tradition to a new generation; and
     WHEREAS, The Walla Walla Symphony also rounds out its musical offerings by performing a family concert, recital series, and concert series, with the purpose of appealing to audiences that typically might not be as interested in symphonic music; and
     WHEREAS, The Walla Walla Symphony has performed with internationally acclaimed soloists over the years which have included Jean-Pierre Rampal, Janos Starker, Eugene Fodor, David Abel, and Leopold Godowsky; and
     WHEREAS, The Walla Walla Symphony also supports children throughout the Walla Walla valley and outlying communities by providing donated tickets, instruments, and scholarships to young musicians; and
     WHEREAS, The Walla Walla Symphony has been called one of "Walla Walla's cultural jewels" by Tom Cronin, President Emeritus of Whitman College, and Sharon Thompson, who has been involved with the symphony for almost 50 years, attributes the success and longevity of the symphony to hard work and the "magical" touch by everyone involved;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize the outstanding contributions the Walla Walla Symphony has made to the people of the Walla Walla valley, its outlying communities, and all the people of the state of Washington, and congratulate it on its phenomenal success; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives to the director, the board members, and the artists of the Walla Walla Symphony.