TITLE: Congratulating Silas Nathaniel Huff on his selection as a U.S. Army band officer.

SUMMARY: Congratulating Silas Nathaniel Huff on his selection as a U.S. Army band officer.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Silas Nathaniel Huff, a distinguished conductor and composer, has enlisted in the U.S. Army and will serve as an army band officer; and WHEREAS, Maestro Huff brings more than 12 years of conducting experience to his new responsibilities; over the course of his career, he has led ensembles in nine different states, as well as orchestras in France, Russia, Bulgaria, and the Czech Republic; in addition to winning plaudits for his work with symphonies and choirs, he has achieved success as a dance conductor and also as a composer; currently, Mr. Huff is the music director for the Round Rock Symphony and the Astoria Symphony, and he will continue directing both while serving in the army; and WHEREAS, After completing his bachelor of arts in performance and composition at Texas State University, Silas Huff continued his studies at the University of California, Los Angeles, where he earned a master of arts in composition, and at California State University, Long Beach, where he received a master of music in conducting; moreover, he has furthered his professional preparation at academies in Germany and France and at workshops given by some of the world's most respected conductors; and WHEREAS, Mr. Huff submitted his application to the U.S. Army band "Pershing's Own" in January 2010; after a lengthy selection and audition process, he was offered the prestigious position of conductor in the U.S. Army on May 25, 2010; he then began the additional process of securing acceptance as an officer candidate; having cleared every hurdle, he officially enlisted on December 8, 2010; and WHEREAS, Mr. Huff leaves for three months of basic training on February 1, 2011; he will then attend Officer Candidate School and the Basic Officer Leadership Course; when he completes these requirements, he will be commissioned as a second lieutenant and will become an army band officer; and WHEREAS, In his capacity as an army bandmaster, Mr. Huff will have a unique opportunity to serve his country while utilizing all of his musical and leadership skills; he expects to rotate through a variety of positions and to tour extensively; he will conduct many different groups, including the U.S. Army band "Pershing's Own," U.S. Army Field Band, and U.S. Army Europe Band and Chorus; and WHEREAS, In making his decision to join the army, Mr. Huff enjoyed the strong support of his wife, Taylor Morris; native Texans, the couple presently split their time between New York City and the Lone Star State; and WHEREAS, A gifted and dynamic artist, Silas Nathaniel Huff can take justifiable pride in his latest achievement, and the bands of the U.S. Army can congratulate themselves as well on gaining the talents of this outstanding conductor; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas Legislature hereby congratulate Silas Nathaniel Huff on his selection as a U.S. Army band officer and extend to him sincere best wishes as he embarks on this exciting new chapter in his career; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Mr. Huff as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Solomons Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 113 was adopted by the House on February 24, 2011, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House