. >> hi, name is emily hernandez. ibm and 11th grader at george washington high school, -- i am an 11th grader. there were opportunities of the school as well as the band program. taking what was interesting to me. by cutting classes, not only are you and the state of california lessening the value of mine and my fellow classmates education, you're also eliminating from them key components which should be part of every child's education. every student, particularly here in san francisco, one of the most open-minded and educated cities in the world, should have the opportunity to play an instrument and speak a language. although times are hard, especially in california, it is your responsibility to keep the cuts away from our courtroom. this is so we can continue bill level of of finance we have been accustomed to. >> good evening. i am a teacher. .i am pro note of them. those were my two students. my daughter. working to keep the cut away from the classroom, f/a-18. [applause] -- thank you. >> i teach choir of the pre