Memorials, Recognition - Dobyns-Bennett High School Band Centennial -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Bobby Harshbarger

Tennessee Senate Resolution 283 formally honors the Dobyns-Bennett High School Band for its century-long excellence, national recognition, and leadership in music education.

Adopted, Ayes 32, Nays 0

#memorials #recognition

1. Purpose and Intent

SR 283 is a Senate resolution honoring the Dobyns-Bennett High School Band on the occasion of its 100th anniversary (centennial).

The resolution recognizes the band as a longstanding source of pride for Kingsport, Sullivan County, and the State of Tennessee, highlighting its status as “one of the nation’s most decorated high school music programs.”

2. Key Provisions and Provisions Changed

Formal recognition by the Tennessee Senate of the Dobyns-Bennett High School Band and its directors, past and present.

Acknowledges the band’s history since 1926, its enrollment size (roughly 350–375 students across three concert bands and two marching bands), and its structured program offerings (yearlong courses organized by instrument families; plus color guard, music theory, and technology components).

Celebrates notable achievements and performance highlights, including:

Appearances in prominent national and international venues and events (e.g., Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade in multiple years, Presidential Inaugural Parade 2013, Lord Mayor of London’s Millennium Parade 2000, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in multiple years, and a 2011 UT football performance).
Recognition from prestigious organizations (e.g., American Bandmasters Association Convention, John Philip Sousa Foundation “Sudler Flag of Honor”).
Major awards and competitive success (eighteen-time Tennessee Bandmasters Association Sweepstakes Award; BOA National Championships finalists and champions; Sudler Shield; multiple Tennessee Governor’s Cup wins; regional and national circuit performances).

The document expresses appreciation for the band’s supporters—band members, the surrounding community, and the school administration and staff.

3. Who/What Would Be Affected

The primary “recipient” of the resolution is the Dobyns-Bennett High School Band and its leadership (current and former members and directors).

The resolution itself serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment by the Tennessee Senate; it has no direct regulatory or fiscal impact, but it serves to publicly recognize and celebrate the band’s achievements and legacy.

4. Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Legislative status:

Introduced and filed for introduction: January 21, 2026.
Passed First Consideration: January 22, 2026.
Passed Second Consideration and referred to Senate Calendar Committee: February 2, 2026.
Placed on Consent Calendar: February 3, 2026.
Adopted on Consent (unanimous): February 5, 2026 (Ayes 32, Nays 0).
Signed by Senate Speaker and enrolled: February 5, 2026.

Sponsor: Senator Bobby Harshbarger (with co-sponsor noted).

Effect: The resolution becomes an official statement of the Tennessee Senate recognizing the band; it is ceremonial and does not create new law or mandate spending.

5. Notable Context

The Dobyns-Bennett Band is highlighted as a high-achieving program with national recognition, extensive performance history, and multiple prestigious awards, underscoring its role as a cultural and educational asset for Tennessee.

This summary provides the essential details: purpose, substantive content, affected parties, and the procedural path and timeline of SR 283.

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