Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 35 presented by Senators Bernard and Luneau and Representatives Cox and Firment is as follows: 

To commend the Northwestern State University (NSU) Middle Lab School Orchestra upon 

their outstanding performance at Festival Disney and for their many musical 

accomplishments. 

WHEREAS, the vision and mission of the NSU Middle Lab School is, "Where future 

leaders flourish and excellence thrives", and the students clearly represented the vision and 

mission in their performance at the Festival Disney held March 31 through April 1, 2023, 

in Orlando, Florida; and 

WHEREAS, the prestigious music festival is a positive and educationally meaningful 

event for talented middle and high school concert choirs, orchestras, and concert bands; this 

year it was the premiere international music festival where 51 orchestras, bands, and choirs 

performed with hopes of winning one of the coveted Mickey Mouse trophies; and 

WHEREAS, at this year's competition, the NSU Middle Lab School Orchestra 

consisted of 61 string orchestra members from sixth through eighth grade accompanied by 

174 supportive individuals including parents, siblings, and grandparents, under the 

leadership of the Lab School Orchestra Director Katrice LaCour and Talent Instructor 

Milovan Paz; and 

WHEREAS, the group performed in the Ballroom of the Americas at the Disney's 

Contemporary Resort and were evaluated by three adjudicators who are distinguished 

collegiate music educators including: Dr. Kenneth Dye, Director of Bands and Professor of 

Music at the University of Notre Dame; Dr. Rick Good, Department Chair and Director of 

Bands at Auburn University; and Professor Gary Langford, Professor Emeritus of Music at 

the University of Florida; and 

WHEREAS, three types of awards were presented at the award ceremony which took 

place in the Indiana Jones Theater; the awards were presented to ensembles receiving a 

superior rating (90-100%) or excellent rating (80-89%); and 

WHEREAS, the Best in Class award was presented to the highest rated ensemble 

within their division; and Festival Disney Gold, Silver, and Bronze awards were presented 

to the three highest superior rated ensembles overall; and 

WHEREAS, the NSU Middle Lab School Orchestra impressed judges and earned the 

Festival Disney Superior Award with a score of 93.5% as well as the Best in Class for the 

highest score in its division; and 

WHEREAS, the group was also awarded the Gold Mickey Mouse Award for the 

highest score overall; and 

WHEREAS, the orchestra is a reflection of the cultural, social, and ethnic diversity 

of its community achieving a harmony of interest by working towards a common goal. 

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby 

commend the Northwestern State University Middle Lab School Orchestra for its 

magnificent performance at Festival Disney in Orlando; does hereby congratulate them on 

an impressive 2023 performance season; and does hereby express sincere and best wishes 

for continued individual and group success for band members, Orchestra Director Katrice 

LaCour, and Talent Instructor Milovan Paz. 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to 

Katrice LaCour, Northwestern State University Middle Lab School Orchestra director. 

Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 36 presented by Senators Bernard and Luneau and Representatives Cox and Firment is as follows:  

To commend Katrice LaCour upon leading the Northwestern State University (NSU) Middle 

Lab School Orchestra to international recognition at Festival Disney and for his 

significant contributions and accomplishments in the music industry. 

WHEREAS, Katrice LaCour led the NSU Middle Lab School Orchestra to the 

prestigious, international Festival Disney music event that took place March 31 through 

April 1, 2023, in Orlando, Florida, serving as the Orchestra Director; and 

WHEREAS, during the Festival Disney, the NSU Middle Lab School Orchestra, 

under the leadership of Mr. LaCour, impressed judges and earned the Festival Disney 

Superior Award for a score of 93.5% as well as the Best in Class for the highest score in its 

division as well as the Gold Mickey Mouse Award for the highest score in the overall 

competition; and 

WHEREAS, under the baton of Mr. LaCour, NSU Middle Lab School students have 

attended and earned awards at many notable music festivals including a performance at 

Carnegie Hall in New York City in 2019 and at District and State Assessments by the 

Louisiana Music Educators Association; and 

WHEREAS, Mr. LaCour's teaching career covers nineteen years in Natchitoches 

Parish and began after earning a bachelor of music education from Grambling State 

University in 1991, where he continued to develop his passion for music, mastering the 

double bass with a minor on the trumpet; and 

WHEREAS, in 1996, Mr. LaCour paused his teaching career and professionally 

toured for fifteen years as an entertainer for Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines and preformed 

in United Service Organizations shows for the United States military; and 

WHEREAS, his love and dedication for educating young musicians never waned and 

he returned to teaching in 2009, as Orchestra Director of the NSU Elementary and Middle 

Lab School Orchestra; and 

WHEREAS, throughout his teaching career, Mr. LaCour remained active as a guest 

conductor, adjudicator, and clinician of numerous honor orchestras and festivals; and 

WHEREAS, Katrice LaCour is a valued educator and treasure of Louisiana and is 

worthy of recognition for the many contributions he has made to his community, his state, 

and to the students of Natchitoches Parish. 

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby 

commend Katrice LaCour, Orchestra Director of NSU Middle Lab School, for his 

remarkable musical accomplishments and unique talent, and does hereby recognize his 

significant contributions to music students throughout Louisiana. 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to 

Katrice LaCour, Northwestern State University Middle Lab School Orchestra Director.