Awards & Honors

Joseph Piccinnini, MA, CMT, Richmond Music Center just received a proclamation from Mayor Bloomberg proclaiming Sunday October 9 2005, in the City of New York as Richmond Music Center Day. The proclamation stated,
"Whereas: Art is constantly refreshed by the new pperspectives and boundless enthusiasm of youth. For 16 years, Richmond Music Center has provided New York City music lovers with the instruments, instruction, and inspiration neded to fulfill their musical goals. All students are welcome, regardless of background or ability.

Whereas: This year the 15th anniversary of the Richmond Music Center's student recitals at legendary Carnegie Hall. Since 1990, more than 650 RMC students have stood on Carnegie's famous boards and left their mark on our city's rich musical legacy. This group includes many handicapped ad special needs students who found great comfort in RMC's INNOVATIVE MUSIC THERAPY PROGRAM. Whereas: No less of an authority than Aristotle said, "Music has a powerr of forming the character, and should therefore be introduced into the education of the young". Richmond Music Center has empowered countless New Yorkers through its music instruction program. On behalf of our vibrant musical community, we commend the center on its 16TH anniversary.

NOW THEREFORE, I, MICHAEL R BLOOMBERG, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK, IN RECOGNITION OF THIS IMPORTANT MILESTONE, DO HEREBY PROCLAIM SUNDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2005 IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK AS
"RICHMOND MUSIC CENTER DAY"

New York State Governor George Pataki sent us a letter stating "It is a pleasure to send greetings and warm regards to all gathered for the Richmond Music Center's 15th Anniversary Performance at Carnegie Hall. Music is an important and powerful aspect of our lives, and we gratefully acknowledge the dedicated efforts of those who generously encourage student musicians of al ages and make fabulous opportunities available to these budding artists.

I congratulate the Richmond Music Center on a decade and a half of student recitals at Carnegie Hall's Weill Recital Hall. Performing in such a famous venue is certainly an experience of a lifetime By encouraging these fortunate students to always strive for excellence, you have taught them valuable lessons that will serve them well.

On behalf of all New Yorkers, I commend all affiliated with the Richmond Music Center for its enthusiastic sponsorship of these musicians in training, and all of the many students who have "played Carnegie Hall." Each of you clearly understands the rewards of practice and hard work, are blessed with excellent musical abilities, and will enjoy a lifelong love of music."

United Stated of America Congressman Vito Fossella presented a certificate of special congressiona recognition to Richmond Music Center in recognition of outstanding and invaluable service to the community dated 10/9/05.

Attorney general Elliot Spitzer presented us with an official citation from the state of New York paying tribute to Richmond Music Center's work in enhancing the lives of our citizens and contributing to our state's cultural heritage;

Whereas, for the past fifteen years, under the leadership of founder, Joseph Piccinnini, MA, CMT, the Center has Specialized in music education, music therapy and musical performance; and

Whereas, the center's kind and courteous staff is commited to providing musical opportunities for all people regardless of age, background, and ability. Through diverse programs, including those developed for handicapped and special needs students, the Center reaches a wide range of people throughout Staten Island and beyond and;

Whereas, countless lives have been enriched through the Center's efforts to share the gift of music with its students, their families and the community at large; now therefore be it

Resolved, that the Office of the Attorney General of the State of New York congratulates the Richmond Music Center on its 15th Anniversary and wishes it much continued success with its ongoing endeavors."

Council member of the City of New York Andrew Lanza sent us a proclamation stating:

Whereas: From time to time, we as a community call upon certain outstanding members who we wish to recognize for their valued contributions of remarkable integrity and character and whose endeavors have the basc quality of life for us all; and
Whereas: Joseph Piccinnini, MA, CMT, founder of teh Richmond Music Center f Staten Island does provide musical opportunities for people of diverse backgrounds, age and ability and where programs are tailored for the handicapped and special needs students, inclusive offering of music therapy; and

Whereas:Joseph Piccinnini, MA, CMT, has dedicated himself to providing opportunities for his students to have recitals at Carnegie Hall, Weill Recital Hall, thereby giving friends and families a chance to see them perform;

Whereas: Joseph Piccinnini, MA, CMT did use his knowledge of music and his passion for teaching to garner many prestigious awards and honors, including a certificate of Special Congressional Recognition for outstanding and invaluable service to the community, REX awards for music education/music therapy, music and sound awards for music education/therapy, Louis Miller Business Leadership Award, invitations to participate as an ambassador delegate for "People to People", a music therapy project to Australia and South Africa, and finally, participating in and sponsoring the "New York City Therapy Relief Project" after September 11th;

Whereas: Joseph Piccinnini, MA, CMT and Richmond Music Center does deserve recognition for leadership qualities and determination to teach and suceed; and

Now,
Therefore Be it Resolved: That the Council of the City of New York, on behalf of Council Member Andrew J. Lanza, does hereby honor Joseph Piccinnini, MA, CMT on the occasion of the 15th anniversary of the foundation of the Richmond Music Center and of providing excellent musical services to the people of Staten Island; and

Be it further resolved: that a copy of this Proclamation, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Joseph Piccinnini, MA, CMT on this the 9th of October, 2005, and that Sunday, October 9, 2005 be proclaimed "Joseph Piccinnini, MA, CMT day in the 51st Council District".