Stony Brook Students To Perform Music At Cancer Center

STONY BROOK, NY — Students from the Stony Brook University Department of Music will begin performing music at the Stony Brook Cancer Center's Medical and Research Translation building to provide a relaxing and therapeutic atmosphere for patients, university officials said.

Dubbed "Music at the MART," the endeavor will be presented in conjunction with the Staller Center's Educational Outreach Program and Michael Ardolino of Realty Connect USA.

The cancer center’s outpatient services are on levels 5 and 6 where the musicians will provide music for patients before they go to an appointment or receive infusion therapy every Wednesday from 1 to 2:30 p.m.

The Staller Center's Educational Outreach Program has previously collaborated with Stony Brook's music department by hiring skilled musicians to perform at interactive workshops called the Instrument Petting Zoo for children aged three to eight in libraries, non-profits, and other venues, according to university officials.

The IPZ concept has been modified with music at the MART for adults, officials said.

Violinist Stephanie Bonk said the Stony Brook Music Department is thrilled to begin the collaboration between its music students and the cancer center.

"Music at the Mart allows music students to perform in the Stony Brook community, and the chance to connect with patients, and hopefully offer a little comfort during these times," she said.

Christina Faber, director of the cancer center's support Services and Paul Newland, director of the Staller Center's educational programming, made a connection after the opening night of the French film, "Peaceful," at the 2022 Stony Brook Film Festival.

The two discussed a shared vision and how they might incorporate music into the cancer center, university officials said.

Ardolino, a supporter of several campus initiatives, was interested in the idea of music at the cancer center and offered to help launch it.

"The Music at the MART program is an amazing way to support the arts while impacting the lives of patients receiving care and, maybe, even bring a smile to the faces of the Stony Brook Cancer Center staff. I'm thrilled to support the pilot program and to help get it started," he said.