MPAC music students of the month, connecting accomplished students with world class artists

The Mayo Performing Arts Center is thrilled to continue our Music Student of the Month (MSOM) program.  This student recognition program was recognized as “outstanding” by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts and has honored hundreds of students over the last twenty years.

Now in its 20th year, the Music Student of the Month program honors Morris County middle and high school students nominated by their music teacher, not only for their excellence as musicians but for the dedication, leadership, and commitment to their entire school community.  Each month teachers are asked to nominate an outstanding musician in a particular category including, Jazz Musicians, Brass Players, Wind Players, Percussionists, Guitarists, Pianists, Orchestra Members, Band Members etc.  Students are honored before a chosen performance where they receive recognition on stage and complimentary tickets to that evening’s show.  All students who are honored throughout the course of the MSOM season will have the opportunity to participate in a recital on stage at MPAC. Press releases and pictures of the award recipients are also sent out to local papers monthly.

We handle all nominations through email. To nominate students, please have your MSOM representative email the following information:

  • Nominating instructor and contact information every month (including phone number, email address and school address)
  • Student’s name
  • Student’s grade level
  • Description (at least a paragraph) as to why they should be chosen

The 2023-2024 Music Student of the Month program is supported by The Walter F. and Alice Gorham Foundation, Inc.

2023-2024 NOMINATION GUIDELINES/ SUBMISSIONS

SUBMIT YOUR NOMINATIONS

November: Pink Martini-

Who to Nominate: Outstanding ORCHESTRA MEMBERS

Nomination Deadline: October 19th

Winners will be notified by: October 23rd

 Performance: Thursday November 2nd

 

December: Postmodern Jukebox

Who to Nominate: Outstanding VOCALISTS

Nomination Deadline: Tuesday November 21st

Winners will be notified by: Monday November 27th

Performance: Tuesday December 5th

 

January: DRUMLine Live

Who To Nominate: Outstanding PERCUSSIONISTS

Nomination Deadline: Thursday January 4th

Winners will be notified by:  Monday January 8th

 Performance: Thursday January 18th

 

March: Spryo Gyra

Who to Nominate: Outstanding BAND MEMBERS

Nomination Deadline: Thursday February 22nd

Winners will be notified by:  Monday February 26th

 Performance: Thursday March 7th

 

March: JAZZ at Lincoln Center Orchestra

Who to Nominate: Outstanding JAZZ MUSICIANS

Nomination Deadline: Monday March 11th

Winners will be notified by:  Thursday March 14th

 Performance: Sunday March 24th

 

April: Glenn Miller Orchestra

Who To Nominate: Outstanding BRASS MUSICIANS

Nomination Deadline: Monday April 15th

Winners will be notified by: Thursday April 18th

 Performance: Sunday April 28th

 

May: Pirates of Penzance

Who to Nominate: Outstanding STRING PLAYERS

Nomination Deadline: Thursday April 25th

Winners will be notified by: Tuesday April 30th

 Performance: Friday May 10th

2023/2024 Music Students of the Month

March 2024

March music Students of month

Students from Morristown, Mount Arlington, Whippany, Butler, Randolph, Kinnelon, Budd Lake, Parsippany and Roxbury, were honored as Mayo Performing Arts Center’s March 2024 Music Students of the Month – Outstanding Band Members — prior to the Thursday, March 7 performance by Spyri Gyra and Jeff Lorber Fusion.

Students were nominated by their teachers and were chosen by the Theatre’s Education Department based on their commitment to and excellence in the performing arts. The students were honored on stage prior to the concert, and had the opportunity to meet members of Spyro Gyra.

The Theatre will honor a group of students every month throughout the season and invites area teachers to nominate students for this honor.

The 2023-2024 Music Student of the Month program is supported by The Walter F. and Alice Gorham Foundation, Inc.

About the March Music Students of the Month (bio supplied by their instructors)

Ian Ali

Grade 11, Parsippany High School; Parsippany; Nominated by Gregory Dalakian

Ian Ali has been a dedicated member of our music program since his freshman year. He is a talented instrumentalist who has contributed to all the aspects of our program, through his participation in Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, Jazz Ensemble, Pit Orchestra, and Marching Band. Ian served as our Junior Drum Major this past season for the PHS Marching Band and did an excellent job! He has also successfully auditioned into both the North Jersey Area Band and the NJSMA Region I Band the past two years on Bass Clarinet. In addition, he plays the Tenor Sax, which he learned for Marching Band and Jazz Ensemble (he has served as 1st Tenor Sax for the past 3 years). Ian is someone we can always rely on and always represents PHS with Pride, Honor, and Spirit. He always goes above and beyond to improve himself as a musician and member of our band program.

Philip Biase

Grade 8, Mount Arlington Public School; Mount Arlington; Nominated by Dr. Michael Aberback

Philip Biase is an outstanding band member. He has been a dedicated percussionist in my band program for the past 5 years. He currently plays in our school Concert Band and Percussion Ensemble. In order to participate in these ensembles, Philip attends before-school morning rehearsals 3 times a week. He is never late for rehearsal, has not had a single unexcused absence this year, and he always arrives prepared and ready to play. He also recently participated in our school talent show performing an original drum set solo. Philip is a well rounded percussionist. He has made great progress in both his mallet playing and drumming over the last several years. Philip is hard working, good natured and very responsible.  He is a pleasure to work with.  It is without hesitation that I nominate Philip Biase for the Music Student of the Month Outstanding Band Member award!

Christina Colon

Grade 8, Brooklawn Middle School; Parsippany; Nominated by Joseph Stella

Christina is a very talented clarinetist in our 8th grade band.  She is always very conscientious of learning her parts for band and being a leader in the clarinet section.  She has been a member of our pit orchestra for the spring musical and has taken the initiative to go above and beyond her school music responsibilities to learn additional music for the Intermediate Region Band auditions.  Aside from her musical accomplishments, she is also always very polite and continuously has a cheerful attitude.  Christina’s musicianship and demeanor make her an excellent choice for this month’s MSOM.

Gregory Ford

Grade 10, Randolph High School; Randolph; Nominated by Nick Fantazzi

Greg has excelled over the past year with his Trombone playing.  He made both the North Jersey Area Band and North Jersey Region Band this year.  His progress has been significant and is deserving of this recognition.

Alex Fullam

Grade 10, Roxbury High School; Roxbury; Nominated by Jeffrey Conrad

Alex is a sophomore member of our band program. He is involved in all aspects, including our marching bands, jazz program, chamber music/solo recitals as well as our curricular band program. He is incredibly hard working, talented and kind. Recently, he earned a spot as a trombonist in both the North Jersey Region 1 Wind Ensemble as well as the NJ All State Wind Ensemble and All State orchestra (where as a sophomore he placed third in the state). Alex leads by example, is always willing to help and sets incredibly high standards for himself in all his musical as well as non-musical endeavors. We are lucky to have him as a member of our band program!

Julia Fuzy

Grade 11, Butler High School; Butler; Nominated by Ed Nishimura

Having had the privilege of instructing Julia at Butler High School in the concert band, marching band, pep band, and jazz band, I can attest to her unwavering dedication and perseverance throughout the years while playing the flute, alto saxophone, and marimba. Her commitment to the betterment of the band program has always taken precedence. In my experience teaching Julia, I’ve observed that his primary focus has consistently been on what is most beneficial for the overall success of the musical ensemble. Julia stands out not only for her academic achievements and musical talents but also for her positive interactions with peers and faculty. Her respectfulness and maturity set a high standard as she engages with fellow students and educators.

Pedro Guillen

Grade 12, Morristown High School; Morristown; Nominated by David Gallagher

Pedro is an all around outstanding musician and incredible young man. He exudes all of the qualities that you want in an upperclassman as he performs his music at the highest level, mentors younger students, and serves as a role model for his peers. He is the low brass captain in Marching Band, Principal Trombone in Wind Ensemble, and he also plays with the jazz band and pit orchestra. In all of these activities Pedro is a dependable musician but more importantly is a natural leader and works to make each group the best it can be.

Henry Guo

Grade 7, Randolph Middle School; Randolph; Nominated by Tom Davidson

Henry Guo has dedicated nearly 8 years to practicing music. He started learning the piano at the age of 5 and has consistently taken weekly lessons ever since. His hard work and diligence have allowed him to perform in annual piano recitals, both as a soloist and in duets with his older sister. At 9 years old, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Henry explored a new musical avenue by taking virtual clarinet lessons from a high school senior. Inspired by this experience, he joined his 5th Grade Band. He also discovered a passion for jazz during Randolph’s Summer Music Camp. Henry now incorporates jazz elements into his piano practice and is honing his improvisation skills. He has played clarinet in various ensembles, including the Randolph Middle School (RMS) 7th Grade Band and the RMS Jazz Ensemble as well as honor ensembles. These include the North Jersey School Music Association (NJSMA) 6th Grade Honors Band and North Jersey Junior Area band. Recently, he auditioned for and was accepted into NJSMA Intermediate Region Band. Henry continues to dedicate hours of practice to both the piano and clarinet to keep improving and reach his goal of participating in the high school marching band. He still loves exploring new genres and techniques on both instruments. His dedication has put him on a path to student leadership in the band program as he continues to be an example of high achievement, character, and musicianship.

Bryan Lawson

Grade 12, Kinnelon High School; Kinnelon; Nominated by Ryan Stroud

Bryan has been in every ensemble we’ve had to offer here at KHS. He started off as a saxophone player in our Symphonic Band, but very quickly was elevated to our top group, the Wind Ensemble. He’s been in our Pep Band, Jazz Band and Pit Orchestra, as well. Bryan is very much an important part of the fabric of what we do in the Kinnelon Band Program. His commitment to our group is second to none. He never misses a practice, and he’s always a leader for whatever we’re trying to accomplish. Students like Bryan are the glue that holds music programs together, and I’m so proud of him and his efforts over the past four years. He’s incredibly deserving of this recognition

Mateus Morais

Grade 8, Mount Olive Middle School; Budd Lake; Nominated by Melany McQueeny

I am delighted to recommend Matus Morais for the MAYO Performing Arts Center Music Student of the Month award, specifically for Outstanding Band Member. Throughout his time in band program, Mateus has consistently demonstrated remarkable dedication, professionalism, and talent. One of his most admirable traits is his preparedness; he arrives punctually for rehearsals, practices assigned pieces, and proactively seeks feedback to refine his skills. Mateus is not only a proficient musician but also an exemplary team player, always willing to assist peers and collaborate with fellow band members. His demeanor is characterized by utmost respect, whether towards instructors, peers, or the music itself. He maintains a quiet focus during rehearsals, demonstrating his commitment to the craft and ensuring a conducive environment for musical excellence. Mateus embodies the qualities of an exceptional band member and is truly deserving of this recognition.

Kaia Mihalko

Grade 10, Whippany Park High School; Whippany; Nominated by Carl Sabatino

Kaia is an up and coming sophomore in our program who has shown an interest in the jazz arts.  Her favorite alto player is Alexa Tarantino as she is really enamored with her tone quality and versatility when it comes to improvisation.  Kaia is not only a hard worker, she’s also a terrific role model for those around her.  Having the opportunity to go to this concert would be a tremendous honor to her and she will no doubt be influenced by the musicians that will be performing that evening.

Maeve McNeil

Grade 7, Richard Butler Middle School; Butler; Nominated by Lyn Lowndes

I have known Maeve since September 2021, when she joined the Richard Butler Middle School Band. Throughout the time that I have been teaching Maeve, I have found her to be a hard worker that cares about her school band, practices her lute, works diligently on academics, and is kind to her peers. Maeve participates in the Concert Band and Jazz Band. She will be learning the alto saxophone to play for the jazz band, and will be joining the high school marching band next year. Maeve has successfully auditioned on flute for, and performed with, the North Jersey Junior Area Band in 2024. Maeve asks questions, takes advice and is passionate about music. She works well with her classmates, and helps them when needed.

January 2024

MPAC Music Students of the month - Percussionists - January

Students from Chatham, Randolph, Kinnelon, Mendham, Florham Park, Dover, Morristown, Parsippany and Roxbury, were honored as Mayo Performing Arts Center’s January 2024 Music Students of the Month – Outstanding Percussionists — prior to the Thursday, January 18 performance by Drumline Live.

Students were nominated by their teachers and were chosen by the Theatre’s Education Department based on their commitment to and excellence in the performing arts. The students were honored on stage prior to the concert.

The Theatre will honor a group of students every month throughout the season and invites area teachers to nominate students for this honor.

The 2023-2024 Music Student of the Month program is supported by The Walter F. and Alice Gorham Foundation, Inc.

About the January Music Students of the Month (bio supplied by their instructors)

Carly Albanese

Grade 12, Chatham High School; Chatham Nominated by Brian Conti

Carly is an outstanding person as well as a percussionist.  She is involved in every aspect of our music department.   Marching Band drumline captain, Wind Ensemble, Pit Orchestra, Chatham Community Band,  Caldwell College Honors Band, as well as multiple ensembles.  Carly is an amazing mallet percussion player and also covers any and all other percussion instruments associated with being a percussionist.  Her dedication has been unmatched the past 4 years and she will be sorely missed.

Ari Charm

Grade 7, Randolph Middle School; Randolph; Nominated by Anthony Eskin

Ari is an exceptional seventh grade percussionist. He serves as a role model to his peers through his dedication, attitude, and leadership. At Randolph Middle School, Ari is active in Percussion Ensemble and the band program. During rehearsals, Ari goes above and beyond to help his peers, showing his maturity and character. Outside of school, he enjoys playing piano, juggling, and acting in community theatre, where he has enjoyed several leading roles. With a rigorous schedule of schoolwork, practicing, and rehearsals during the week, Ari serves as an example to his peers.

Luca Anello-Fiorina

Grade 9, Kinnelon High School; Kinnelon; Nominated by Ryan Stroud

Luca is a consumer of all things percussion related. If it involves hitting a piece of percussion equipment, he’s going to be involved. He’s a member of our Wind Ensemble, Pep Band, Pit Orchestra, Jazz Band and any other ensemble that he can get his hands on. In addition to these ensembles, Luca has successfully auditioned for North Jersey’s Intermediate Region Band and the North Jersey Area Band. He’s a valuable member of our school ensembles, and we’re proud of his accomplishments so early in his High School Career.

Rohan Largman

Grade 7, Mountain View Middle School; Mendham; Nominated by Leigh Carpenter

I am nominating Rojan Largman for Music Student of the Month because he exemplifies the qualities one imagines in the ideal student and really an ideal person.   He is disciplined, passionate about music, and a peer leader.  These qualities have helped him to become advanced musically, technically and relationally  at his young age.  Rohan takes ownership of his learning.  He is inquisitive and continually works to better himself, making sure to ask for clarification and help.  Rohan is ever inspired by the music he plays both as part of our band and in solo and small ensemble settings.  He can be counted on to be on task and to encourage his classmates to do the same.  He has taken less experienced percussionists under his wing and peer taught/mentored them.  He is very kind and patient with his fellow students.  He also works well in a group taking turns on parts and preferred instruments.

Sean Lee

Grade 8, Ridgedale Middle School; Florham Park; Nominated by Mike Leone

Between his time as a new sixth grade member of our ensemble to now, Sean has shown tremendous growth. He has always had a keen sense of musicianship and curiosity for music. That same curiosity and drive has led him to become a stellar percussionist, as well as a leader in our program. He is auditioning for Region Band next year, and I have high hopes that he will succeed in any musical endeavor that he pursues.

Matthew Lombardi

Grade 12, Dover High School; Dover; Nominated by Dan Vasquez

Matty is an excellent student and dedicated percussionist. He has started writing his own percussion cadences and organized extra practices for the drummers to learn them. The Drumline this year created a new piece of music just to play for the pep rally. The section works harder than anyone else in the band and Matty is such a huge part of that. He inspires others around him to do better and I think he deserves to be acknowledged for his dedication and commitment.

Aidan Orbeta

Grade 12, Morristown High School; Morristown; Nominated by David Gallagher

Aidan is an all around remarkable musician playing a variety of instruments at a high level. However, he truly shines any time that he plays drums. Whether he is playing with the wind ensemble, jazz band, pit orchestra, or marching band Aidan’s musicality rivals that of professional musicians. In marching band Aidan is one of the drumline captains and it is truly like having another staff member. He works tirelessly with his peers helping them to be the best versions of themselves and hone in on their individual technique. Aidan also wrote all of the music for the drumline this year. It is hard to believe sometimes that he is only a junior and his musical talents, as well as his leadership and dedication, will only continue to flourish in the coming years.

Stephen Padilla

Grade 12, Roxbury High School; Roxbury; Nominated by Jeffrey Conrad

Stephen is an active member of our band program. He has been a section leader in marching band for the past two years as well as playing center marimba in our front ensemble. He is currently the President of Roxbury High School’s new Tri-M chapter and is also heavily involved in our vocal programs as well. As a percussionist, Stephen has grown tremendously and is now planning on pursuing instrumental music education as a career. He has and is currently working hard in all areas of percussion to grow his skill set and learn how to be a musical and fully realized percussionist

Abhay Prajapati

Grade 8, Brooklawn Middle School; Parsippany; Nominated by Mike Leone

Abhay is a very talented musician in our 8th grade band.  Before this year, he played the flute and he has decided to learn a new instrument this year by joining the percussion section.  He has adjusted spectacularly in his new section of the band.  He is learning each of the percussion instruments with ease and blending into the group as if he has been in the percussion section for years.  He is also always very responsible and polite.  Abhay’s musicianship and demeanor make him an excellent choice for this month’s MSOM.

Deric Yoon

Grade 11, Parsippany High School; Florham Park; Nominated by Gregory Dalakian

Deric Yoon has been a dedicated member of our music program since the moment he entered Parsippany HS as a 9th Grader. He is a talented percussionist who shows enthusiasm and talent in all aspects of the program, through his participation in Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, Pit Orchestra, and Marching Band. Deric has served as student leader in the Marching Band with and without a title for the past two years and has been an excellent role model for his peers. He is someone we can always rely on and always represents PHS with Pride, Honor, and Spirit. Thank you for considering Deric Yoon for this honor!

December 2023

Msom December

Students from Rockaway, Morristown, Randolph, Mendham, Parsippany, Budd Lake, Chester, East Hanover and Harding Township were honored as Mayo Performing Arts Center’s December 2023 Music Students of the Month – Outstanding Vocalists — prior to the Sunday, December 10 performance by Girl Named Tom.

Students were nominated by their teachers and were chosen by the Theatre’s Education Department based on their commitment to and excellence in the performing arts. The students were honored on stage prior to the concert, and met the band.

The Theatre will honor a group of students every month throughout the season and invites area teachers to nominate students for this honor.

The 2023-2024 Music Student of the Month program is supported by The Walter F. and Alice Gorham Foundation, Inc.

About the December Music Students of the Month (bio supplied by their instructors)

Tiffany Albornoz

Grade 12, Morris Hills High School; Rockaway; Nominated by Michelle Uhler

Tiffany Albornoz joined the choir department her sophomore year after I worked with her freshman year in the spring musical at Morris Hills. She is part of the GT (gifted and talented) program at Morris Hills and pursuing a GT in theater arts. She studies acting, how to pursue it, and studying different shows, approaches to acting, etc. She has been doing theater practically her entire life and after discovering her love for musical theatre, joined the choir program last year.  She is in my advanced concert choir and is a member of all three of my after school choirs that meet for three hours on Monday nights.

Julia Cama

Grade 12, Morristown High School; Morristown; Nominated by Christine Scott

Julia is one of the most intuitive singers I have ever had the privilege of working with. When learning a piece, she researches and prepares like a pro – she listens to recordings and carefully works to duplicate the nuance of whatever technique/style is required for the piece. She learns quickly and takes constructive criticism gracefully. Her versatility as a singer is very impressive. She was an audience favorite in our 2021 production of Something Rotten as Nostradamus, and last year’s production of Cinderella as the fairy godmother, and has given award-winning performances as a vocal soloist with our jazz band, Spectrum, in last year’s Morristown ONStage competition. She is a treasured member of our MHS Treble Chorale and is currently in the process of auditioning for colleges to continue her music studies at a higher level.

Priya Chopra

Grade 7, Mountainview Middle School; Mendham; Nominated by Justin Lordi

Priya is an extremely hard working and attentive musician. She has a strong voice and is never afraid to sing out, even when she might be the only soprano 1 present in choir for the day. Outside of being in Mountain View Singers, the top choir of the school, Priya plays one of the Les Filles girls in this year’s drama production of Beauty and the Beast Jr. In rehearsals, she is the role model of voice projection that other students always attempt to match. On top of all this, she never has a frown on her face and constantly displays a positive attitude wherever she goes.

Aidan Danner 

Grade 8, Randolph Middle School; Randolph; Nominated by Ann Kelly

Aidan Danner is an 8th grader from Randolph Middle School. He is an active participant and role model in the school choir, as well as the school band, select choir, and jazz band. He was a baritone Morris Area Honor Choir in 6th and 7th grade. He sang as a tenor in the regional choir in 7th grade as well, and has recently been accepted into the All Eastern Choir, a big achievement in the music community. Outside of school, Aidan is an athlete who loves to do all sorts of sports including, soccer, basketball, track, and more.  He also enjoys playing piano and traveling, and he truly finds happiness in the national parks. This love of the outdoors likely sprouts from his participation in Boy Scouts.

Amber Deegan 

Grade 12, West Morris Mendham High School; Mendham; Nominated by Patricia Danner

Amber Deegan has been a member of the Mendham HS Choir for the past three years.  During that time, she has participated in every ensemble available to her, and her impact on the program has been vast.  Amber can sing almost any part, and in addition to our school program, she has been very successful with honor choirs.  She recently performed with the NJ All-State Mixed Choir.  Most importantly, Amber is a positive role model for her peers in the choir.  She can often be found helping younger students learn their parts, and her kind and welcoming personality makes other students feel comfortable in the group.  Amber is an enthusiastic, talented, and dedicated music student, and truly deserves the honor of Music Student of the Month!

Navya Ekkaladevi 

Grade 7, Central Middle School; Parsippany; Nominated by Adam Aguanno

Since entering Central Middle School as a 6th grader, Navya light has shown bright as a talented singer. She was featured as Young Nala in Central Middle School’s production as Lion King. Additionally, she auditioned for North Jersey Intermediate chorus as a young 6th grader and successfully made it and went on to perform in their 2023 performance. She plans to audition again in 2024. Her desire to continue to become a stronger and better singer is evident on a daily basis as she is a hard worker. This along with her kindness, passion, and dedication make her a deserving candidate for outstanding vocalist of the month.

Marisa Foster

Grade 8, Mount Olive Middle School; Budd Lake; Nominated by Joanna Scarangello

Marisa is an exceptional singer and has really emerged as a leader in our curricular and co-curricular ensembles. Marisa was recently accepted into the ACDA All-Eastern Junior High Honor Choir and has been a member of New Jersey Youth Choir’s Sola Voce.  Marisa continues to challenge herself to grow as a musician through her many talents.

Sarah Hayes

Grade 8, Black River Middle School; Chester; Nominated by Kathleen Vespignani

Sarah has been a member of the chorus at Black River for three years, as well as a member of the Select Chorus since the sixth grade.  She is often a soloist in the choral groups.  After three years in both vocal ensembles, Sarah has blossomed into a magnificent musician and performer.  Sarah comes to rehearsal and performances with the utmost professionalism, enthusiasm, and respect for the art.  In class, Sarah is constantly singing while doing her work, making everyone around her smile!  Sarah continues her musical endeavors outside of schools s well, singing in her church choir.  Additionally, Sarah has participated in the Drama Club performance last year at the middle school.  Sarah truly exemplifies what a great musician is!  Her style is versatile and she learns quickly; she has a great vocal range and a warm quality to her voice.  She exhibits a rare potential to become a professional singer/performers.  She is an amazing young woman and musician.

Christopher LaRosa

Grade 12, Hanover Park High School; East Hanover; Nominated by Helen Britez

Christopher has been a dependable member of the Choirs for 4 years. He currently serves as Bass Section Leader and takes a specialized course with me called Applied Vocal Music at Hanover Park HS. He loves all types of music, but can (and loves to) sing pop, jazz, Billy Joel, The Eagles, and more. He has recently discovered remarkable vocal and stylistic strength with jazz standards and Crooner songs. It has been a pleasure watching him grow into such a strong musician and revered member of our program.

Adaline Spencer

Grade 8, Harding Township School; Harding; Nominated by Rachel Gareau

I have had the pleasure of teaching Addie music since 1st grade. She has had a leading role in every school musical since 4th grade. She has also had leading roles in community theater productions.  She has had singing solos in concerts as well. She participates in her church music program, and attended Frenchwoods camp for theater. Addie studies voice privately and takes it very seriously. She has a beautiful voice and would be honored to be acknowledged.

November 2023

music students of the month Group Photo

Students from Morristown, Randolph, Chatham, Parsippany and Mendham schools were honored as Mayo Performing Arts Center’s November 2023 Music Students of the Month – Outstanding Orchestra Members — prior to the Thursday, November 2 performance by Pink Martini.

Students were nominated by their teachers and were chosen by the Theatre’s Education Department based on their commitment to and excellence in the performing arts. The students were honored on stage prior to the concert.  One honoree, Matthew Bozza of Morristown High School, had the opportunity to perform a solo with Pink Martini on one song in the concert.

The Theatre will honor a group of students every month throughout the season and invites area teachers to nominate students for this honor.

The 2022-2023 Music Student of the Month program is supported by The Walter F. and Alice Gorham Foundation, Inc.

About the November Music Students of the Month (bio supplied by their instructors)

Matthew Bozza

Grade 12, Morristown High School; Morristown; Nominated by David Gallagher

Matthew is an incredibly talented trumpet player and puts forth his best effort in all of his ensembles. He is currently the Trumpet Captain for Marching Band, Principal Player for Wind Ensemble, and Lead Trumpet for the Spectrum Jazz Ensemble. Additionally Matthew has played numerous times with our high school orchestra, pit orchestras, and spent the summer performing with the Essex County Summer Players Orchestra.

Hannah Cochran

Grade 12, Morristown High School; Morristown; Nominated by Norma Davis

Hanna Cochran is an outstanding senior member of the Morristown High School Orchestra, where she serves as cello section leader.  Hanna is an extraordinary student who is passionate about music.  She has been a dedicated member of the Orchestra for all four years at MHS, as well as performing with the Camerata, Pit Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, and Abbey Orchestra.  Hanna is an expressive performer who always strives to capture the style and the story in the music.  She is an excellent collaborator who works hard to help all of the other cello players to develop expertise and confidence, voluntarily peer-teaching the cello lessons and sectionals each week.  Hanna’s cheerful personality and ability to share techniques, fingerings, rhythms, and sound production tips make her a great role model, cultivating camaraderie among the cellists in the orchestra and helping each player to thrive.  Hanna can always be relied upon to give her best effort in rehearsals and performances.  She is diligent, sensitive, adventurous, and kind, and all of these traits are evident in every stroke of her bow.  Hanna is naturally curious and loves to explore the many ways music can be expressed.  Hanna is a truly wonderful musician and natural leader who exemplifies what it means to be an outstanding orchestra member.

Jamie Eck

Grade 12, Delbarton School; Morristown; Nominated by Andrew Lyman

Jamie is the Delbarton Symphony Orchestra’s principal clarinetist, and was a member of the 2023 Region 1 HS Band and NJ All State Band. Jamie also serves as our Tri-M Music Honor Society President and performs in our school Pep Band. Without a doubt, Jamie is a terrific musician that has always been serious about music. His musicianship is of a high caliber and he stands out at school performances. Jamie is always willing and eager to help other musicians improve. I can always count on Jamie and he will have a bright future in music.

Claire He

Grade 8, Randolph Middle School; Randolph; Nominated by Genevieve Sallemi

Claire He has set herself apart as an outstanding violinist, team member, and leader in the orchestra. Claire not only participates in the 8th grade orchestra but has also participated in the after school honors orchestra club, Con Brio, for the past three years. Claire has attended every lesson, has come to practice during lunch and is constantly trying out new music. She has auditioned for NJSMA Regions orchestra and regularly attends private lessons and performs outside of school in the greater community. While Claire excels in her musical abilities, the true reason I’d like to nominate her is because of her patience during class, her willingness to help her peers, her humbleness when it comes to her abilities, and her consistent kindness that she shows to everyone around her. Claire has worked so hard over the course in orchestra and in life and she certainly deserves to be recognized.

Santiago Montes

Grade 8, Frelinghuysen Middle School; Morristown; Nominated by Samantha Tomblin

Santi is a violist in the 8th grade orchestra here at Frelinghuysen Middle School. He has been a member of the orchestra and Chamber Orchestra for all three years in this school and has also served as section leader during many of our concerts. Santi was one of 2 middle school orchestra students selected to play as part of the pit orchestra last year for our school’s production of Peter Pan. Santiago is a very hard-working, responsible, and dedicated student.  He is kind and collaborates wonderfully with other members of his section and the orchestra as a whole. Santi asks thoughtful questions and is excited to grow in his knowledge and love for music. Attending this concert would be a wonderful opportunity for Santi to see his instrument represented as part of a more unique ensemble and inspire him to continue on with his studies as he enters high school next year.

Siya Patel

Grade 7, Central Middle School; Parsippany; Nominated by Darby MacAdams

iSiya is a smart, kind, and hardworking student that is beyond eager to learn. She is always pushing herself to learn new pieces and skills. Siya consistently participates in class by answering critical thinking questions and even demonstrating for her peers. Everyday after class, she comes up to me asking for a lesson during her lunch time, which speaks to her dedication to the violin, learning, and music. I am very lucky to teach Siya, and she is most certainly an outstanding orchestra member.

Isabella Santucci

Grade 11, School District of the Chathams; Chatham; Nominated by Liam Keller

Isabella is a highly organized and motivated musician, constantly striving to achieve her personal high standard for performance in everything she does. Isabella is a strong student leader and her peers and faculty respect her academic work and character.  As a member of the orchestra program and music peer mentoring program, Isabella was confident during rehearsals and consistently demonstrated excellence during many professional performances. Isabella has demonstrated leadership abilities time and time again being in charge of the 2nd Violin section for her Junior year in the Concert Orchestra, and taking on extra responsibilities in order to help the ensemble thrive.  Isabella has been a constant positive force of energy motivating her peers to excellence.  Always interested in the concerns of others, she was available to help students requesting assistance and offering to teach free lessons to younger students to foster their love of music.

Allen Wu            

Grade 8, Mountain View Middle School; Mendham; Nominated by Leigh Carpenter

Allen is one of, if not THE most accelerated string student our school has seen in the seventeen years I’ve taught here.  He plays his violin at a very high level not only technically, but also MUSICALLY.  In addition, I am impressed by his thinking.  He understands musical concepts and relates all aspects of music including aesthetics, technique, and theory to his and our orchestra’s playing.  But being in an ensemble is about more than the individual and I am so grateful that Allen is so generous with his knowledge.  He peer- mentors classmates, sharing with them the knowledge he has acquired.   He does this in a thoughtful and encouraging way. The motivation and playing levels of his classmates are rising because of him.  I am so very fortunate to have Allen as a student. He inspires me and is a joy to teach.  He is a huge asset to our music program and our orchestra.

PAST 22/23 MSOM Winners

May 2023

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PAST 21/22 MSOM Winners

November 2022

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December 2021

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PAST 20/21 MSOM Winners

June 2021

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PAST 19/20 MSOM Winners

June 2020

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May 2020

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March 2020 - Milos

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February 2020 - The National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine

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January 2020 - The Five Browns

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November 2019 - Sara Evans

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October 2019 - Sir James Galway

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Our Mission

Mayo Performing Arts Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, presents a wide range of programs that entertain, enrich, and educate the diverse population of the region and enhance the economic vitality of Northern New Jersey.

MPAC is grateful to the following donors whose major support helps to sustain the general operating needs of our organization:

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