Students from Mount Olive, Morristown, Parsippany, Pequannock, Chatham and Randolph were honored as MPAC Music Students of the Month – Outstanding String Players — at the Friday, May 10 performance of The Pirates of Penzance by the New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players.
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 performance and also had an opportunity to meet members of the cast.
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 May Music Students of the Month:
Elizabeth Delosreyes: 8; Mount Olive Middle School; Nominated by Aimee Jimenez
Elizabeth is a highly dedicated orchestra student. Though this is only her second year, she has fully risen to the occasion and become a strong cellist with a clear understanding of rhythm, expression, and more advanced techniques. She is an active participant in class and in extracurricular music activities. Elizabeth exhibits an attention to detail that is not common among her peers. She has a bright smile and is always bringing me new music she wants the orchestra to learn. I am honored to have her in my class.
Samantha Kitsuta: 7; Central Middle School; Nominated by Darby MacAdams
Sam is a hardworking student that is always looking for opportunities to grow, and continues to challenge herself just for the sake of it. Sam truly enjoys music and playing the violin. I believe Sam is well-deserving of this honor.
Jeffrey Li: Grade 7; Brooklawn Middle School; Nominated by Adam Austerlitz
Jeffrey is an extraordinarily talented cellist. He is constantly trying to better himself with as many performance opportunities as possible. Jeffrey currently sits principal cello with the Brooklawn Middle School Orchestra as well as the NJYS. He was also accepted into this year’s NJMEA Intermediate Region I Orchestra as well as the NJ Intermediate All-State Orchestra. Jeffrey can be seen next performing in the pit orchestra for Brooklawn Middle School’s production of The Wizard of Oz.
Johan Licona: Grade 12; Morristown High School; Nominated by Norma Davis
Johan Licona has been an exceptional violinist in the Morristown High School Orchestra for the past four years. As section leader and concertmaster, Johan collaborates beautifully with his peers with a smile that lights up the room. He cares about the success of the ensemble and enthusiastically encourages everyone to put forth their best effort in every rehearsal and performance. In addition to the MHS Orchestra, he is also a member of the select Chamber Orchestra, Camerata, and Abbey Orchestra. Johan’s passion for music runs deep; he is a hard worker, diligently practices his violin with a keen ear for nuance and expression, and is always intent on creating the most elegant and beautiful sound. He leads by example, loves learning, performs with artistry, and is one of the nicest people you could ever meet.
Sierra Neilly; Grade 8; Frelinghuysen Middle School; Nominated by Samantha Tomblin
Sierra is a violist in the 8th grade orchestra here at Frelinghuysen Middle School. She has been a dedicated member of the orchestra here, serving as section leader for her class and for the orchestra as a whole. In her three years of middle school, Sierra has not missed a single lesson or skipped a week of individual practice. Sierra is thoughtful, patient, a wonderful stand partner and cheerleader always looking to support and better those around her. She will continue with the viola and orchestra as she enters high school next year and has been very inspired by our trip to see a Broadway show, District concert, and District musicals.
Arnav Shah: Grade 7; Brooklawn Middle School; Nominated by Adam Austerlitz
Arnav is a very gifted cellist. Along with performing with the Brooklawn Middle School Orchestra he was accepted into this year’s NJMEA Intermediate Region I Orchestra as well as the NJ Intermediate All-State Orchestra. Arnav can be seen next performing in the pit orchestra for Brooklawn Middle School’s production of The Wizard of Oz.
Nicholas R. Tzimoulis: Grade 7; Pequannock Valley School; Nominated by Michael Kertesz
Nicholas is an outstanding member of the Pequannock Valley School 7th Grade Band. Nicholas has consistently demonstrated exceptional musical ability and dedication to his craft. His passion for the bass is evident in everything he plays. In addition to his musical talent, Nicholas embodies the qualities of a true team player and leader. He has consistently supported his peers, both musically and personally, fostering a positive and inclusive environment within our classroom. He leads by example, inspiring others to strive for excellence and fostering a sense of camaraderie among his fellow musicians. It is an absolute joy having Nicholas in class. Furthermore, Nicholas has shown exemplary dedication to his musical education, consistently going above and beyond to improve his skills and broaden his musical horizons. Whether it’s through independent practice, participation in extracurricular music activities, or seeking out opportunities for growth, he continually seeks to enhance his musical abilities and expand his musical knowledge.
Brooks Wang: Grade 11; School District of the Chathams; Nominated by Liam Keller
Brooks is a highly organized and motivated musician, constantly striving to achieve his personal high standard for performance in everything he does. Brooks is a strong student leader and his peers and faculty respect his academic work and character. As a member of the orchestra program and New WRLD Quartet Brooks was confident during rehearsals and consistently demonstrated excellence during many professional performances. Brooks has demonstrated leadership abilities time and time again being the Concert Master of both Concert and Chamber Orchestras and taking on extra responsibilities in order to help the ensemble thrive. My assessment of Brooks is extremely positive. Brooks has been a constant positive force of energy motivating his peers to excellence. Always interested in the concerns of others, he was available to help students requesting assistance. Brooks is a team player and understands the process of moving from the model of good to great. Brooks is driven by a personal desire to improve his life so he can enrich the lives of others, shown in his leadership of the violin section and New WRLD Quartet. It is with great pleasure that I recommend Brooks be granted the Outstanding String Musician Award. I assure you Brooks’ record of strong intellectual and academic achievement, performance ability, integrity, character, leadership, respect for others, and his unfailing energy to use his talents to their fullest, merit this award.
Rena Zeiger: Grade 11; Randolph High School; Nominated by Aoma Caldwell
Rena Zeiger is a valued member of our Chamber Strings and Arietta orchestras, and she plays the violin expressively. Her contributions to our ensembles in Randolph are much appreciated, both musically and as a member of the community. Her musicality, reliability, and kind attitude are a positive example to younger members of our ensembles.
For more information on Music Student of the Month, click here.
About MPAC
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. The 2023-2024 season is made possible, in part, by a grant the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as support received from the F.M. Kirby Foundation, The Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation and numerous corporations, foundations and individuals. Mayo Performing Arts Center was named 2016 Outstanding Historic Theatre by the League of Historic American Theatres, and is ranked in the top 50 mid-sized performing arts centers by Pollstar Magazine.
