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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Tesoro Estrella, Outreach Assistant at Every Voice Choirs
7:59:29
ยท
135 sec
Tesoro Estrella, Outreach Assistant for Every Voice Choirs, testified about VoiceAbility, a choir program for children with disabilities aged 7-17. The program offers a unique opportunity for these children to engage in performing arts, develop musical skills, and build social connections in a supportive environment.
- VoiceAbility addresses a critical gap by accommodating children with disabilities who are often underserved by traditional choir programs.
- The program is led by experts in music education, music therapy, and speech language pathology, utilizing adaptive techniques.
- VoiceAbility serves students across 15 council districts and has documented impact through annual evaluations of students' development.
Tesoro Estrella
7:59:29
Hello, oh perfect.
7:59:30
Good evening Chair Lee and Chair Schulman and esteemed committee members.
7:59:35
My name is Tesoro Estrella and I am the outreach assistant for Every Voice Choirs.
7:59:40
I wanna take a moment to share my testimony about Voice Ability, a choir program created by Every Voice Choirs that caters to the needs of children ages seven through 17 who have disabilities.
7:59:52
I have witnessed transformative impact of this program on its participants and have heard families of its singers say over and over again that VoiceAbility provides a truly unique opportunity for children with disabilities to engage in performing arts.
8:00:07
VoiceAbility offers a creative and nurturing environment for children to explore their musical talents while building connections with their peers.
8:00:15
The program is led by experts in music education, music therapy, speech language pathology, and ensuring that all the children develop their musical skills and social abilities in a supportive setting.
8:00:26
Participants are not only, don't, not only take place in EBC's formal concerts and venues like Merkin Hall, but they also have their own dedicated recitals that feature each individual child.
8:00:39
One of the most compelling aspects of voice ability is its commitment to addressing a critical gap in our community.
8:00:45
Many traditional choir programs do not accommodate children with disabilities, leaving them underserved.
8:00:52
VoiceAbility fills the void with expert teachers who utilize adaptive techniques ensuring that every child can thrive in a welcoming atmosphere, and our program serves students across 15 council districts.
8:01:05
The impact of our program is documented in annual evaluations that outline each student's development in multiple areas.
8:01:12
Witnessing the growth of these children musically, functionally, socially, emotionally serves as a powerful reminder of the program's effectiveness.
8:01:21
Many students remained with VoiceAbility for several years and some go to join other choirs in our EVC family.
8:01:27
VoiceAbility is not just a choir, it is a life changing program that empowers children with disabilities and cultivates personal growth and fosters community.
8:01:36
I hope you recognize the importance of the program and I ask that you look at to support our proposal for citywide funding.
8:01:44
Thank you.
Lynn Schulman
8:01:44
Thank you, next.