Outstanding Orchestra Members

Sanjhana Bharanidharan

Grade 7, Brooklawn Middle School; Parsippany; Nominated by Adam Austerlitz

Sanjhana is not only an excellent musician but a dedicated and passionate learner and a natural leader. She has been taking private lessons for several years and is currently working on the Mendelssohn Violin Concerto. Sanjhana spends much of her free time practicing or creating music with others. Outside of school, Sanjhana participates with the Lakeland Youth Symphony orchestra. Sanjhana has also proven a highly effective leader during ensemble rehearsals. She takes her role as concert mistress seriously and does everything she can to get the best sound out of the orchestra.

Phillip Byrne

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

Phillip Byrne has been an outstanding member of the Morristown High School Orchestra and select Chamber Orchestra for the past four years. He is incredibly dedicated and is an extraordinary musician. Phil serves as section leader for the double basses and can always be relied upon to give one hundred percent in every rehearsal and performance. He loves learning, is fully engaged, and is an outstanding collaborator. A natural role model, Phil enthusiastically encourages his peers to reach for and achieve the highest level of musicianship possible. He thrives on challenges and performs with passion. He expertly leads bass sectionals and lessons and is committed to the success of the Orchestra. Phil gladly takes advantage of every music opportunity, performing on the bass with the jazz band, wind ensemble, small ensembles, choir, and pit orchestra for the musicals. He excelled in AP Music Theory, enjoyed delving into music analysis at a deep level, and used his ear-training skills to write and transcribe bass parts that he performed with the concert choir. Phil always goes above and beyond with a great attitude and works hard to accomplish his musical goals. He has high standards, an eye for detail, and performs with a powerful, rich sound. Although tremendously talented and accomplished in his chosen art, Phil is humble and always ready to pitch in as needed with a positive attitude and a smile. It is no wonder that whenever any music faculty member at MHS needs a bass player, they ask Phil. His convivial personality, impeccable integrity, determination, and self-motivation make him a gem among his peers. Phil has a bright future ahead and will surely make a difference to those he meets in life, his future studies and career.

Brandon Liu

Grade 12, Chatham High School; Chatham; Nominated by Liam Keller

Brandon is a senior violinist who has been a part of the orchestra program in Chatham for his entire time in the district. I worked with Brandon for four years as the Director of Orchestras, Chamber Ensemble Advisor, and Music Theory teacher. Brandon is a highly organized and motivated musician, constantly striving to achieve his personal high standard for performance in everything he does. Brandon is a strong student leader and his peers and faculty respected his academic work and character. As a member of the orchestra program, chamber orchestra ensemble, and musical pit, Brandon was confident during rehearsals and consistently

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