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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Parker Tubercio, Student from Midori and Friends
3:27:51
ยท
103 sec
Parker Tubercio, a freshman at SUNY Purchase and alum of Midori and Friends programs, testifies about the importance of accessible music education in New York City. He emphasizes the power of music to bring communities together, improve mental health, and provide a creative outlet for expression.
- Tubercio shares personal experiences with Midori and Friends, highlighting its impact on bringing diverse groups together through music.
- He stresses the need for affordable access to musical instruments and education, comparing the cost of a piano to a month's rent.
- The testimony concludes with an appeal to the city council to invest in equitable arts education programs like Midori and Friends across New York City.
College Student
3:27:51
Hi.
3:27:51
My name is Parker Tubercio.
3:27:53
I am a freshman at SUNY Purchase and I am also a alum at Theater Arts Production Company and Midori Next Gen Musician Musician Program.
3:28:04
I have been a member of Midori and Friends for about two years now and I've seen them do tremendous work when it comes to bringing groups from different backgrounds together to make something beautiful.
3:28:13
In times like these where mental health is declining and things are starting to feel less hopeful, it's such a beautiful thing to see a community come together and make something as powerful as music.
3:28:22
Music is something we sometimes take for granted.
3:28:25
It has helped us through our daily lives and has almost become a necessity.
3:28:29
It brings light to dark situations and helps community in a way that few others can, but when we don't have access to things like instruments because the cost of a piano is the same as one month of rent, it can make someone feel trapped like we don't have an outlet to express their emotions.
3:28:46
That's why we need music.
3:28:48
We're in an age where the world feels like it's collapsing on itself and we have no way to stop it.
3:28:53
We just have to keep going but sometimes that feels like the hardest thing to do.
3:28:57
So if we could all just have something that brings us joy and gives us a creative outlet, it can lift spirits and make the future feel a little brighter.
3:29:05
Music sends a message, it brings people together, that's why we need it and that's why we need to be able to afford it.
3:29:10
We can keep creating something beautiful not just for ourselves but for our communities.
3:29:14
I urge city councils to invest in accessible, equitable arts education across New York City to fund programs like Midori and Friends so that every student no matter where they come from or what they can afford has the chance to experience the power of music because we when we invest in music, we invest in healing and connection in the future of our city.
3:29:33
Thank you for listening.