TITLE: In memory of Bowie High School band director Bruce Dinkins of Austin.

SUMMARY: In memory of Bowie High School band director Bruce Dinkins of Austin.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The city of Austin lost a gifted musician and an inspiring educator with the passing of Bruce Dinkins on June 22, 2011, at the age of 60; and WHEREAS, A native of Buffalo, New York, Mr. Dinkins was born on April 12, 1951, to Autumn and Claude Dinkins; he discovered his passion for the clarinet at an early age and earned the distinction of first chair in the Florida All-State Band while he was still in high school; he went on to earn his bachelor's degree in clarinet performance from the University of Tampa and his master's degree from The New England Conservatory before pursuing additional graduate studies at Florida State University and The Juilliard School; and WHEREAS, Mr. Dinkins toured Europe as part of the New England Conservatory Orchestra, featuring Gunther Schuller and Leonard Bernstein; he also performed with the Jacksonville and Macon Symphonies, conducted the Memphis Youth Symphony, and served as the conductor-in-residence of the Sewanee Summer Music Festival in Sewanee, Tennessee, for more than 25 summers; and WHEREAS, Mr. Dinkins began his notable teaching career at Florida Junior College and Jacksonville University; he worked with Emory University in Atlanta and later became a high school band director, holding positions in Georgia and South Carolina before arriving in the Lone Star State; and WHEREAS, For the past decade, Mr. Dinkins led the band at James Bowie High School in Austin; he was beloved by his students, and under his able direction, they achieved great success; in addition to earning the University Interscholastic League concert and marching Sweepstakes awards every year, the group was honored by the John Philip Sousa Foundation with the prestigious Sudler Shield and became Grand National Champions at the Smoky Mountain Music Festival; Mr. Dinkins was also personally recognized with his induction into the American Bandmasters Association, an accomplishment of which he was especially proud; and WHEREAS, In all of his endeavors, he enjoyed the support of his wife of 29 years, Hildy, and he took great joy in his children, Jordan and Adam; and WHEREAS, Though it is impossible to gauge the full effect of a man's life, some individuals leave their unmistakable mark on the world as they move through it, and Bruce Dinkins's contributions to his students and profession will long resonate in the lives of all who knew him; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby pay tribute to the life of Bruce Dinkins and extend deepest sympathy to the members of his family: to his wife, Hildy Edelman Dinkins; to his daughter, Jordan; to his son, Adam; to his brother, Paul Dinkins, and his wife, Sharon; and to his other relatives and many friends; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Bruce Dinkins. Workman Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 293 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on June 29, 2011. Chief Clerk of the House