SCR 79

2026 Regular Session  ENROLLED
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 79
BY SENATOR LUNEAU
  A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
To commend and congratulate Grambling State University upon the celebration of the
       centennial of the Grambling State University "World Famed" Tiger Marching Band
       and to recognize its outstanding contributions to music, education, culture, and the
       proud heritage of the state of Louisiana.
       WHEREAS, Grambling State University is celebrating the centennial of its "World
Famed" Tiger Marching Band, marking one hundred years since the band's founding in
1926; and
       WHEREAS, in 1926, founder and president of Grambling State University Charles
P. Adams requested Ralph Waldo Emerson Jones to establish and organize a marching band,
and with only seventeen instruments, Ralph Jones began laying the foundation for a proud
and enduring musical tradition; and
       WHEREAS, from these humble beginnings, the Grambling State University Tiger
Marching Band has grown into one of the most distinguished collegiate marching bands in
the nation and has long served as a premier ambassador for Grambling State University and
the state of Louisiana; and
       WHEREAS, beginning in 1952, under the leadership of renowned director Conrad
Hutchinson Jr., the band was elevated to new heights of precision, discipline, and artistry and
became widely known as "The Best Band in the Land"; and
       WHEREAS, the Grambling State University Tiger Marching Band has earned
national and international recognition through performances on some of the most prominent
stages in the world, including major collegiate and professional sporting events, such as its
historic appearance at Super Bowl I, United States Presidential Inaugural Parades and
inaugural events, international performances, and major motion pictures and national media;
and
       WHEREAS, the band has continued for generations to showcase musical excellence,
cultural pride, and the distinctive tradition of historically Black college and university
marching bands, inspiring audiences across Louisiana, the nation, and the world; and
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SCR NO. 79  ENROLLED
       WHEREAS, the Grambling State University Tiger Marching Band has long been an
integral part of the tradition and pageantry of the Bayou Classic, contributing to one of
Louisiana's most celebrated annual cultural and collegiate events; and
       WHEREAS, through its commitment to discipline, artistry, and excellence, the band
has provided generations of students with opportunities for musical achievement, leadership
development, and service to the university; and
       WHEREAS, the band continues to serve as a source of pride and unity for students,
alumni, faculty, staff, and supporters and remains an enduring symbol of the heritage and
spirit of Grambling State University; and
       WHEREAS, the celebration of the centennial of the Grambling State University
Tiger Marching Band is a fitting occasion to recognize and honor the directors, student
musicians, staff, alumni, and supporters whose dedication and talent have sustained this
proud legacy for one hundred years.
       THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby
commend and congratulate Grambling State University upon the celebration of the
centennial of the Grambling State University "World Famed" Tiger Marching Band and does
hereby recognize its outstanding contributions to music, education, culture, and the proud
heritage of the state of Louisiana.
       BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to Dr.
Martin Lemelle, Jr., President of Grambling State University.
  PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
  SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
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