PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 22, 2000 Contact: Andrea Stander  802-828-5422

GOVERNOR DEAN INAUGURATES NEW STATE SONG

Signing concludes lengthy process coordinated by the Vermont Arts Council

Plainfield - This morning, with four generations of the composer's family bearing witness, Governor Howard Dean ceremonially signed Act 99 which designates "These Green Mountains" as the new Vermont state song. In a quintessentially Vermont event, at Twinfield Union School, composer Diane Martin and arranger Rita Buglass Gluck led the assembled students, faculty and staff in a rousing performance of the new state anthem.

"Throughout my experience with this song, I have repeatedly been struck by how well the words and melody fit together and how natural it is to sing. As I drive around the state I often find myself just humming it because the landscape around me suggests it and the tune is so infectious," said Alexander L. Aldrich, Executive Director of the Vermont Arts Council. "The sometimes grueling legislative process we went through was ultimately worth it because now we have a state song that Vermonters can, and will, sing with pride."

After her grandmother, parents, husband and sons (one of whom was celebrating his birthday) were introduced, a tearful Martin, who is a native of Plainfield and a graduate of Twinfield Union School, addressed the assembled crowd.  "I am so happy and proud to have had the opportunity to give something of myself back to this place I love so much."

Led by Diane, with Rita on the piano and bolstered by dozens of eager young Vermont voices, the Governor enthusiastically joined in the first "official" singing of  "These Green Mountains."

In the Fall, the Vermont Arts Council plans to release a Vermont State Song CD. It will include not only several different renditions of  "These Green Mountains" but also performances of the other seven finalists in the state song competition and a selection of songs by Vermont musical artists that reflect their affection for the state.

EDITORS: Digital images of this event in jpg/rgb format are available via email. Send requests to: astander@arts.vca.state.vt.us