New York State Senate Resolution No. 1664

BY: SENATOR MAYER

COMMEMORATING the 25th Anniversary Celebration of The American Association for Development of the Gifted and Talented on June 9, 2019, and paying tribute to its President and Music Director, Elena Rossman

WHEREAS, Musical organizations, and the cultural and educational benefits they confer, play a vital role in the development of their communities; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and commend those artists landmarks which have brought outstanding entertainment and cultural enrichment to the citizens of the great State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of The American Association for Development of the Gifted and Talented, to be observed with a concert gala, Passion of Music 2019, at Carnegie Hall in New York City, and to pay tribute to its President and Music Director Elena Rossman; and

WHEREAS, The American Association for Development of the Gifted and Talented (AADGT), founded 25 years ago by Elena Rossman, has been a leading organization for developing extraordinary gifted classical musicians and artists; and

WHEREAS, Through AADGT, young musicians and vocalists from around the world to perform at Carnegie Hall and in Westchester County, New York; children from across the United States, Europe and Asia who have participated in AADGT programs have gone on to become prominent artists; and

WHEREAS, This vital organization also coordinates scholarships for young people to attend music festivals and gives grants for summer musical camps in many cases children who have participated in AADGT programs have gone on to become prominent artists; and

WHEREAS, Elena Rossman has resided in the United States since she legally immigrated in 1993; since this time, unable to speak English, she understood the power of music to connect people across cultures; and

WHEREAS, With a profound love for classical music and a passion for her musical education and its ability to bring fulfillment to young people, Elena Rossman has devoted her time and talents; for over 25 years’ time, she has built a consistent track record of teaching, recognizing, supporting, encouraging and giving young gifted musicians the opportunity to realize their great potential and dreams; and

WHEREAS, A well-known and widely respected classical piano professional, Elena Rossman currently provides musical consultations and lessons to gifted musicians both nationally and internationally and teaches piano to children of all levels; and

WHEREAS, The success of AADGT is in direct correlation to the efforts of Elena Rossman, whose involvement is and has always been characterized by an impressive commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of excellence in all endeavors on behalf of the organization and the community it serves; and

WHEREAS, A vibrant arts community encourages collaboration, instills local pride, draws people from throughout the region to its cultural and educational events, and has significantly contributed to the richness of New York’s cultural palate; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that when artistic organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our attention, they should be recognized by all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commemorate the 25th Anniversary Celebration of The American Association for Development of the Gifted and Talented, and to pay tribute to its President and Music Director Elena Rossman; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Elena Rossman, President and Music Director, The American Association for Development of the Gifted and Talented.

Adopted by the New York State Senate on May 21, 2019