LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Midori and Friends upon the occasion
of hosting its Fifth Annual Children's Music Festival

WHEREAS, The cultural enrichment of the citizens of the State of New
York is important to this Legislative Body; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that the Midori and
Friends Music Festival, through its cultural impact, merits the recogni-
tion and commendation of all the citizens of this great Empire State;
and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Midori and Friends upon the occasion of hosting its Fifth Annual Chil-
dren's Music Festival on Saturday, May 8, 2010, at Landmark High School;
and
WHEREAS, Founded in 1992 by the world renowned violinist, Midori, and
a small, committed Board of Directors, Midori and Friends has inspired
over 160,000 underserved New York City children and their families
through quality music education activities; its long-term school based
programs offer children opportunities to play instruments, sing, discov-
er multicultural music traditions, and express themselves creatively;
and
WHEREAS, In addition to instrumental and general music instruction,
Midori and Friends provide thousands of children in grades pre-K through
12 with unparalleled opportunities to participate in educational
performances and workshops in schools, at community sites, and profes-
sional venues; and
WHEREAS, As a catalyst for change, Midori and Friends can help under-
performing schools become vibrant learning communities; it partners with
approximately 40 public elementary, middle, and high schools throughout
New York City, providing musical opportunities for children, regardless
of their ability, education, or economic background; and
WHEREAS, Midori, who serves as the organization's President Emeritus,
is a tireless advocate for arts education; she is involved in the devel-
opment of programming and performs numerous concerts for children; Mido-
ri and Friends teaching artists are graduates of the nation's top music
schools and universities and have been carefully selected for their
outstanding musicianship and exceptional ability to engage and inspire
children; and
WHEREAS, The Midori and Friends Children's Music Festival, involves
children, parents, and educators in music, literacy, and music-themed
art workshops that culminate in free, public concerts; these concerts,
held at professional venues, give children the chance to showcase their
accomplishments and work side-by-side with professional adult musicians;
and
WHEREAS, Featuring music by and for kids, the Midori and Friends Chil-
dren's Music Festival fosters involvement, unity, and pride in all
participants and strongly affirms the importance of music in the lives
of New York City children; the Festival began in 2006 with a dream of
bringing children from different boroughs together to celebrate their
musical accomplishments with each other, their families, and the broader
New York City community; that year, the standing room only audience at
Symphony Space included parents, children, school administrators, and
the general public throughout New York City; and
WHEREAS, Midori has a glorious musical gift and her generosity of
spirit motivates her to reach out and inspire young musicians; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals and organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are

brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by
all the citizens of the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Midori and Friends upon the occasion of hosting its Fifth Annual
Children's Music Festival; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Midori and Friends, 352 Seventh Avenue, Suite 301, New York,
New York 10001.