NO. R-171. JOINT RESOLUTION CONGRATULATING VERNE COLBURN ON HIS RETIREMENT AS COMMANDER OF THE 40TH ARMY BAND.
Offered by:Representatives Stafford of Brighton, Alberico of Rutland City, Fyfe of Newport City, Klopchin of Clarendon, Molloy of Arlington, Murphy of Ludlow, Shea of Shaftsbury and Spain of Bradford.
Whereas, Verne Colburn has dedicated his life to music education and performance, and
Whereas, after completing his undergraduate music degree at the prestigious New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, he moved to Vermont for an intended temporary stay, and
Whereas, instead, Verne Colburn decided that Vermont was an ideal place to live and engage in a musical career and has spent his entire professional career teaching and conducting musical ensembles in the Green Mountain state, and
Whereas, in 1973, he joined the Vermont National Guard’s 40th Army Band as a performing enlisted officer, and
Whereas, in 1976, he was appointed a warrant officer and Commander of the 40th Army Band, and
Whereas, he has guided the band during a period of impressive growth from 20 to 50 players, and
Whereas, he has proudly conducted the band at the United States Capitol after emerging from a competitive selection process at the 1994 Convention of the Association of Concert Bands, and
Whereas, most importantly, the band, under Verne Colburn’s expert baton, has delighted many a Farmers’ Night audience at the Vermont State House, and
Whereas, after 20 years of nurturing and conducting the 40th Army Band, Verne Colburn has decided to conclude his military duties, now therefore be it
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives:
That the General Assembly congratulates Verne Colburn for his musical accomplishments, and in particular, for nurturing the 40th Army Band into a musical ensemble that is much loved by all Vermonters, and be it further
Resolved: That the Secretary of State be directed to send a copy of this resolution to Commander Verne Colburn.