Outstanding Band Members

Aaron Andino (Grade 12, Morristown High School; Morristown; Nominated by David Gallagher)

Aaron is the principal trombone player for our wind ensemble at Morristown High School. He always leads by example and is caring and mature in his approach to the music as well as his interaction with his peers. He produces an incredibly vibrant sound and serves as an absolute rock in our low brass section. Aaron also played for both our middle school and high school pit orchestras this year. His talents are surpassed only by his work ethic and I am proud to have taught him these past seven years.

Dominick Caponegro (Grade 11, Parsippany High School; Parsippany; Nominated by Gregory Dalakian)

Dominick has been a dedicated member of our music program since even before he entered Parsippany HS! He always shows great enthusiasm and passion. He is a talented musician and has contributed his skills to all of our ensembles (Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, and Marching Band) on various instruments including trumpet, tuba & sousaphone, bass trombone, and even guitar. Dominick has gone on to participate in local area ensembles including the North Jersey Area Band, TubaChristmas, and has performed with classmates at local stores for PHS Band Booster fundraisers. He gives 110% to the PHS Band program, always representing PHS with Pride, Honor, and Spirit.

Neil Chopra (Grade 8, Mountain View Middle School; Mendham; Nominated by Leigh Carpenter)

Neil is a musician who performs at a level years above his age. His tone is that of a high school or college level player. He challenges himself with repertoire at that level as well. Recently he learned the All State high school audition solo and memorized all 12 scales. What is even more impressive about Neil is his maturity and focus as a learner. Neil is a consummate scholar. He is self-motivated and takes ownership of all aspects of his learning. He continually works to better himself and always asks for clarification and help. He advocates for himself, volunteering to do solos and making sure to practice consistently in order to master his music. He has participated in NJ Arts Solo and Ensemble, Junior Regions, District Honors Band, High School Wind Ensemble auditions, and performed as a soloist at our concerts. Neil is a musician and learner, and he is a fine young man of character: mature, respectful, and kind. He gets along well with his classmates and is foundational in our band sound.

Paul Ippolito (Grade 8, John Hill School; Boonton; Nominated by Yvonne Manca)

Paul has been an asset to the music program at John Hill School. He has been at every practice with great enthusiasm. He has improved greatly over the course of the past two years. He can read difficult rhythms and can play with ease over the break.

Thalia Milow (Grade 8, Frelinghuysen Middle School; Morristown; Nominated by Tim Beadle)

Thalia has been a multiinstrumentalist at FMS for three years and has never turned down a challenge. Though she arrived as a flute player she has played piano and saxophone in the jazz band as well as bassoon in the concert band and wind symphony. Though Thalia has only played bassoon for about a year and a half, she successfully auditioned for North Jersey Area Band NJSMA Jr. Region band this year. It seems no matter what she is asked to do, she works