Mendham, Chester Middle School Musicians Earn County Accolades

A seventh-grader from Black River Middle School and an eighth-grader from Mountain View Middle School are among 14 musicians in Morris County who have been named Musicians of the Month in December by the Mayo Performing Arts Center in Morristown.

Both students were nominated by teachers from their respective schools.

Ragan Arrington, of Chester, was nominated by Kenneth Piascik, who said, “Ever since Ragan Arrington walked into the band room she has brought leadership, joy, dedication, and musicianship into the BRMS program. Ragan performs with Symphonic Band and Honors Chamber Music programs. She is also a member of “Musician’s Round Table,” which consists of the top-level musicians in each section. The group gathers once a month to discuss how to make the school music program better. Ragan continues to take private lessons on her clarinet and wants to perform, lead, and inspire at her very best. The clarinet section looks up to her for guidance and help with music and life.”

Mendham’s Trevor Zaybekian was nominated by his teacher Leigh Carpenter, who said of the eighth-grader, “Trevor has internalized a love of learning about his alto saxophone. He decided to take private lessons and immediately took on the challenge of auditioning for Regions Band. He worked hard to learn a very difficult solo as a 7th grader and performed it as a solo in our school talent show. Trevor’s enthusiasm, hard work and dedication are inspiration to his fellow band members. His influence has helped raise the level of musicianship in the 8th Grade.”

Pictured: Trevor Zaybekian, far left; Ragan Arrington, far right. Photo Courtesy Mayo PAC.