Program Book Insert - MSOM Jukebox Junction

MUSIC STUDENTS OF THE MONTH Nicholas Colella Grade 11, Parsippany High School, Parsippany; Nominated by Gregory Dalakian Nic has been a member of the PHS Jazz Ensemble since his freshman year, and since then has shown his love and talent for jazz. He is an outstanding young musician and contributes greatly to our band as both an ensemble player and soloist. Nic played Tenor Sax in the band the last two years and this year is our lead Alto sax. He is always willing to solo anytime the opportunity is available. Nic has furthered his music education by attending the Mount Tabor Summer Music Camp in Parsippany for many summers, focusing on Jazz Studies. He is one of the most expressive and creative jazz musicians I’ve had the chance to work with in my career. He is a great asset to the PHS Jazz Ensemble.

Morgan Festa Grade 8, Kinnelon Middle School, Kinnelon; Nominated by Brian Scanlon Morgan is a member of all of our schools honor groups as well as an outstanding member of our 8th grade concert band. Morgan is a very hard working student who seeks extra help from myself as well as her private teacher at a level not common in younger students. Morgan accepts criticism as a tool and continually seeks to improve. She also is simply an all-around great kid who acts as a role model for others which is another aspect of her positive traits.

Stephen Goodyear Grade 8, Mount Olive Middle School, Budd Lake; Nominated by Melany McQueeny Stephen participates in the both the high school big band and jazz band. Usually only select middle school students participate in the Big Band, but Stephen impressed the jazz band director so much, he invited him to play with the top jazz band as well. As a middle school student, this takes a tremendous amount of discipline. Stephen also has been taking private lessons on trumpet. He is so enthusiastic about trumpet that he has purchased professional level horns. Stephen is also continuously looking up musicians and music online. I can’t wait to see the continued growth and maturity that he is bound to achieve.

Jamie Lai Grade 7, Brooklawn Middle School, Parsippany; Nominated by Joseph Stella Jamie is a 7th grade tenor saxophonist at Brooklawn Middle School who always gives 100% in music.

Besides playing with the 7th grade concert band, Jamie has volunteered her time to play with the BMS Jazz Band and the BMS Pit Band for the spring musical. Jamie has volunteered to play several solos during jazz band and has done a fine job with these. She has a wonderful cooperative demeanor that makes her a joy to teach in any ensemble.

Jacob Luciani Grade 8, Richard Butler Middle School, Butler; Nominated by Lyn Lowndes Jake is in the Eighth Grade, and plays the trumpet for Concert Band and Jazz Band.

He has been a member of the Richard Butler Middle School Band program for the last four years, and the Jazz Band for the last two. Jake has been a leader in my band program and a strong driving force in my trumpet section. I have known Jacob Luciani for four years, and have seen him grow as a talented musician, and mature into a nice young adult. We are very lucky to have him in the Richard Butler School.

The 2015-2016 Music Student of the Month program is sponsored by The Provident Bank Foundation

Victor Nazzaro Grade 11, Morristown High School, Morristown; Nominated by Michael Russo Victor is the Principal Clarinetist in the Morristown HS Symphonic Band and the Lead Alto Saxophonist in the Spectrum Jazz Ensemble. He has successfully auditioned for many Honor Groups including North Jersey Area Band and the Region 1 Junior and Senior High School Jazz Ensembles. He has been a featured jazz soloist with the Spectrum Jazz Ensemble. Victor has excelled in his leadership roles in the music department and always encourages the underclassmen. His high level of talent and his natural enthusiasm make him an excellent candidate for the Music Student of the Month.

Alex Paulozzo Grade 6, John Hill School, Boonton; Nominated by Yvonne Pescevich Alex is in the 6th grade and is an outstanding musician. He sits first chair as a sixth grader and has a range of a professional. He can play very low and as high as the high D above the staff. He never misses a lesson and always attends band practices. He has played numerous solos and the students in the band look up to him. He is a role model. It is for this reason I am nominating him for outstanding musician.

Alejandro De Los Santos Grade 10, Dover High School, Dover; Nominated by Daniel Vazquez Alejandro is a sophomore at Dover high school who’s passion for music is unparalleled. Alejandro is a talented player, who has mastered the tuba, trombone, and mellophone. He currently plays in our concert band, marching band, jazz band, brass ensemble, The County College of Morris Wind Ensemble, and Fusion Core Drum and Bugle Corps.

Elisabeth Sauerman Grade 8, Mountain View Middle School, Mendham; Nominated by Leigh Carpenter Elisabeth Sauerman has been nominated because she has a passion and love of music that drives her to excellence on her instrument. The music captures Elisabeth’s heart and she appreciates all the nuances, the articulations, the phrasing, the melodies and harmonies, and how it all fits together with the whole group moving and playing together. Elisabeth’s focus is on musicality. She researches and suggests repertoire for us to play. She is always willing to help out, doing whatever is needed to improved the band. She is a wonderful young woman of great character who is nothing but positive, kind, and respectful to everyone.