BY JASON COHEN
After people suffered
through sickness, job loss,
death and emotional turmoil
this past year during the pandemic,
Carnegie Hall recently
held a virtual event with engaging,
personal pieces by musicians.
The program, titled “In
Response,” was a special free
streaming presentation that
aired April 28 that featured
original music from songwriters
who participate in Carnegie
Hall’s Weill Music Institute education
and social impact programs.
“In Response” had artists
explore a variety of themes, including
COVID-19, social justice
issues and many of the everyday
challenges people faced
over the last year.
Among those who participated
was Bronx resident Dan
Nuñez, who performed “Empatia”
(empathy).
“The reason why it’s called
that is because we need more
empathy in this world,” Nunez
explained.
Nunez, 18, of Pelham Parkway,
has always loved music,
but his passion grew when
he taught himself to play the
drums in middle school. However,
he wanted to learn more
and delved into the art of music
production.
Nunez told the Bronx Times
that while a few of his cousins
and uncles were musicians, the
melody and notes just came to
him.
“It’s just a natural thing,” he
said. “It just kind of found me.”
In high school, he joined his
school’s tight-knit band club
and the concert band, playing
drums and percussion. During
that time he got his fi rst drum
kit from his band teacher, Mr.
Oquendo.
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According to Nunez, Oquendo
had a big infl uence on
him.
“He really helped pushed
me to be the musician I am today,”
he stressed. “When I was
in band in high school he gave
me such good motivation. He
never failed to help me.”
In his sophomore year he
joined Carnegie Hall’s Studio
57 and Future Music Project.
Prior to the pandemic he and
other artists would meet every
Saturday at Carnegie Hall
where they would learn from
professionals, collaborate and
work on their craft.
He recalled that stepping in
Carnegie Hall felt like into a
whole new world.
“I remember my fi rst day I
was so nervous,” he said.
But once he got used to
his surroundings and musicians,
he fell in love with the
program. It allowed become a
Dan Nunez of the Bronx who recently played in a virtual Carnegie Hall
performance. Courtesy of Fadi-Kheir
better musician and feel more
confi dent.
“It really helped me learn
how to create with people musically
and communicate with
others through music,” he explained.
“I was dedicated going
to Carnegie every Saturday.”
Shuttered home this past
year due to the coronavirus,
Nunez spent most of his time
focused on music production.
He acknowledged that it was
a bit depressing, but it was his
escape from the world.
“Music was probably the
one thing I never got bored of,”
he stated. “It is truly like therapy
for me.”
Nunez, who plans to eventually
go to college for music production
and pursue a career
in music, was hoping the “In
Response” performance impacted
people.
He realizes that opportunities
to perform in Carnegie
Hall are rare, so he has cherished
it and knows it will help
him in the long run.
“I’m super excited for what’s
to come in my life,” he said. “I
really do feel like I’m on the
right path.”
SHOW TIME!
Carnegie Hall’s “In Response” program
features Bronx resident
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