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SCR 79

COMMENDATIONS: Commends and congratulates Grambling State University upon the celebration of the centennial of the Grambling State University "World Famed" Tiger Marching Band and recognizes its outstanding contributions to music, education, culture, and the proud heritage of the state of Louisiana.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jay Luneau

Louisiana commends Grambling State University’s World Famed Tiger Marching Band for its 100-year celebration, recognizing its cultural impact and musical excellence.

Sent to the Secretary of State by the Secretary of the Senate.
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Bill Summary · SCR 79

Bill overview

  • Jurisdiction: Louisiana
  • Session: 2026 Regular Session
  • Bill type: Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR 79)
  • Subject: Commendation of Grambling State University (GSU) and its World Famed Tiger Marching Band on the centennial of the band

Main purpose and intent

  • To commend and congratulate Grambling State University on the 100-year centennial of its World Famed Tiger Marching Band.
  • To recognize the band’s contributions to music, education, culture, and the heritage of Louisiana.

Key provisions and changes

  • Formal recognition by the Louisiana Legislature of the centennial celebration for the Grambling State University Tiger Marching Band, tracing its origins to 1926 and noting the band’s evolution and impact.
  • Acknowledgment of the band’s historical leadership, including:
    • Founding efforts by Charles P. Adams and Ralph Jones in 1926 with 17 instruments.
    • Elevation under director Conrad Hutchinson Jr. beginning in 1952, leading to its reputation as “The Best Band in the Land.”
  • Summary of the band’s national and international recognition, including performances at:
    • Super Bowl I
    • U.S. Presidential Inaugural Parades and inaugurals
    • International performances, major motion pictures, and national media
  • Emphasis on the band’s role in promoting musical excellence, cultural pride, and the heritage of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).
  • Recognition of the band’s ongoing influence on Louisiana’s Bayou Classic and broader cultural and educational communities.
  • Expression of appreciation for directors, student musicians, staff, alumni, and supporters who sustained the band for a century.
  • Formal action:
    • The Legislature commends and congratulates Grambling State University on the centennial.
    • A copy of the resolution is to be transmitted to Dr. Martin Lemelle, Jr., President of Grambling State University.

Who/what is affected

  • Primary beneficiary: Grambling State University (GSU) and its Tiger Marching Band.
  • Secondary beneficiaries: GSU students, alumni, faculty, staff, supporters, and the broader Louisiana public who recognize the university’s cultural and educational contributions.
  • No regulatory or financial mandates; the bill is a ceremonial acknowledgment.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Status: Introduced in the Senate; Rules suspended; read by title and adopted; ordered sent to the House.
  • Action history shows passage through the Senate on May 21, 2026, with unanimous support (34 yeas, 0 nays).
  • Next steps (if applicable): Transmission to the Louisiana House of Representatives for consideration and potential passage to be enacted as a concurrent resolution in support of the centennial celebration.

Notable details

  • Original instrument and digest reinforce: Commend Grambling State University on the centennial of the World Famed Tiger Marching Band and recognize its contributions to music, education, culture, and Louisiana heritage.
  • The resolution includes a formal courtesy to the university president with a copy to be transmitted.

This SCR serves as an official, non-binding acknowledgment from the Louisiana Legislature celebrating a century of excellence by a prominent HBCU marching band.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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