PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Trevor New, Violist, Composer, Educator, and Developer of Music Technology from American Composers Orchestra
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Trevor New, a multifaceted musician associated with the American Composers Orchestra (ACO), testified about the importance of supporting artists creating new work and how ACO has empowered him in his career. He highlighted the impact of ACO's support on his professional development and future opportunities.
- New emphasized the need for creating music that speaks to the present, not just recreating historical works
- He described how ACO enabled him to take risks and collaborate with artists paid a living wage
- New detailed numerous opportunities that arose from his ACO fellowship, including grants, residencies, and teaching positions
Trevor New
2:32:21
Hi.
2:32:21
My name is Trevor New.
2:32:23
I'm a violist, composer, educator, and developer of music technology, and, thank you for, having us here to testify.
2:32:30
I'm really grateful for that.
2:32:32
As an artist in New York City, I could choose a career of primarily commercial work or where I recreate music that has been around for centuries, music of another time.
2:32:43
Orchestras are known for playing music that speaks to a different time and place.
2:32:47
As a composer, I'm interested in writing music that speaks to who we are now, and I encourage this committee to support artists who are creating new work.
2:32:56
I create artistic experiences that connect communities across the world in real time using existing technologies and live performance.
2:33:05
The solution to distance and connection isn't a technical one, but a creative one.
2:33:11
In this case, it's, the solution is music.
2:33:15
The American Composers Orchestra has enabled me to do this work in a way that no other organization has.
2:33:21
Working with the ACO, I've become more confident in myself as an artist.
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The ACO gave me one mandate, which was write what you want, and we'll do our best to make it happen.
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They let me take risks, and it was amazing to collaborate with other artists who were being paid a living wage.
2:33:39
Makes a huge difference.
2:33:41
I came out of the program feeling more experienced and empowered, and, work I created was introduced to many more other individuals in a position to hire me.
2:33:51
As Lindsay mentioned, my ACO fellowship led to many new opportunities in the past 4 years.
2:33:57
With ACO, I've continued to play with the orchestra at Carnegie Hall, teach, New York City, music students, have my work published, with Busy and Hawks, an international publisher, and have a commercial, recording planned, for future release.
2:34:16
ACO's support has led to a $10,000 NYSCA commission grant residencies with University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Alfred University, a teaching position at Drew University, and, collaborative work with Engine Arts, the non profit I founded has led to, among other opportunities, a multi year NYSCA grant of, $15,000 each year.
2:34:40
I echo Lindsay's request for the council to support the American Composers Orchestra with a $50,000 grant.
2:34:47
These funds will enable the composers to, pursue different ways of making music, share creativity with New York City residents, and secure future employment across the country.
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This is an orchestra that truly speaks to right now.
David Freudenthal
2:35:01
Thank you.
Carlina Rivera
2:35:02
Thank you, and and congratulations.
UNKNOWN
2:35:04
Thank you.
2:35:05
Yeah.
Trevor New
2:35:05
Thanks so much.
Carlina Rivera
2:35:06
That sounds awesome.