Recognizing the outstanding leadership involvement from Principals and Administrators of our partner schools, we held a Principal Appreciation Breakfast at the Princeton Club in Midtown Manhattan in November. Generously hosted by Board Member and Managing Director of JPMorgan Chase Bank, Marilyn Cohen, the morning's event was dedicated to thanking principals for enabling wonderful musical partnerships to flourish over the years.
Midori & Friends Board Chair Jill Jaffe welcomed guests and introduced Marilyn Cohen. She acknowledged guests and recognized their leadership:
"We applaud you for your support of music education, and for making such a difference in childrens' lives. We extend our gratitude for everything you do!"
Presentations followed by Department of Education Director of Music Barbara Murray, who stated:
"Midori & Friends is at the center of what we do. The Blueprint of the Arts Learning Standards is so important in making connections to our world. By working with outstanding principals, Midori & Friends is accessing all areas for students to learn through the arts."
Principal Lily Woo of P.S. 130 provided insights into the importance of arts education saying:
"Schools should be fun for kids. If you teach them the application of what they're learning, they will remember and apply it. Our school has been effective because we put a strong emphasis on the arts".
Partner principals in attendance included P.S. 160 Principal Jermaine Garden, P.S. 206 Principal Nicholas Bologna and Assistant Principal Diana Simon, P.S./ I.S. 180 Principal Dr. Peter McFarlane, Coalition H.S. Principal Eileen Miller, P.S. 70 Principal Kerry Castellano and Assistant Principal Kimberley Fisher, P.S. 198 Principal Judy Hunt-Hutchings, P.S. 72 Assistant Principal Tony Hernandez, P.S. 182 Assistant Principal Salvatore Dossena, P.S. 85 Assistant Principal Eileen Kurppe, and P.S. 203 Arts Coordinator Ivy Seigle.
Our principals’ dedication, combined with the adept insight of our city’s accomplished educational officials, provides a positive school environment for our children – an ever-developing educational world with optimism and encouragement for those in the public school system. By working together with such strong partnerships, students receive a well-rounded education that include creative inspiration, development, and accomplishment through music.
To conclude the breakfast, guests experienced a moving performance by traditional West African Performer, Fode Sissoko, who engaged guests with a kora, a traditional song of thanks. | Board member and Host of Event, Marilyn Cohen with Assistant Principal Tony Hernandez of P.S. 72 M |
 | Director of Programs Sarah Hintz with Educational Consultant Paula Bing |
 | Guest speaker Principal Lily Woo of P.S. 130M gave a powerful speech on incorporating arts curriculum into standard subjects. |
 | Guests enjoyed a performance by traditional West African musician, Fode Sissoko. |
 | Principal Judy Hunts-Hutchings of P.S. 198 X, Assistant Principal Kimberley Fisher of P.S. 70 X, Principal Eileen Miller of Coalition High School, Arts Coordinator Ivy Seigle of P.S. 203, and Assistant Principal Salvatore Dossena of P.S. 182 Q enjoy Fode's performance. |
 | Performer Fode Sissoko |
 | President Judi Linden with Principal of P.S. I.S. 180 Dr. Peter McFarlane |
 | Principal and Guest Speaker Lily Woo of P.S. 130 M, Board Chair Jill Jaffe, DOE Director of Music Barbara Murray, Marilyn Cohen, Tony Hernandez |
 | Board member and Event Host Marilyn Cohen welcomes guests to the Principal Appreciation Breakfast, and special guest Barbara Murray, the Department of Education's Music Director. |
Midori & Friends
352 Seventh Avenue, Suite #301 | New York, NY 10001
212-767-1300
music@midoriandfriends.org
