Mendham Junior Music Student of the Month

Five area music students were honored as the Mayo Performing Arts Centers Music Students of the Month prior to the Thursday, March 29, 2012 performance of The Del McCoury Band.  The students hail from Livingston, Florham Park, Mendham, Kinnelon and Randolph.

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 Theatre will honor a group of students every month throughout the season and invites area teachers to nominate students for this honor. Students will be invited to perform at a year-end recital in June.

The 2011-2012 Music Student of the Month program is sponsored by Verizon.

Music students of the Month are:

Dimitri Bleifer
Junior, West Morris Mendham High School, Mendham
Nominated by Patricia Danner
Dimitri is a clarinetist in the Wind Ensemble and a guitarist in the top Jazz Band.  He has also played guitar in the pit orchestra for the shows.  Dimitri plays acoustic and electric guitar, but is also very interested in other stringed instruments.  Last year, he learned the banjo so that he could play in the pit for Anything Goes. He is the "perfect student" simply because of his desire to know more. As a guitar player, Dimitri is by far one of the most insightful, conscientious, and bright students at Mendham High School. 

Maria Armas
6th Grade, Newark Academy, Livingston
Nominated by Michelle Uhler
Maria takes private piano lessons with Ms. Uhler and made choice to switch to her because she felt she wasn't being challenged enough. With the wonderful support of her parents, who not only give Maria many opportunities but also help and encourage her to fulfill her dreams, she is a top-notch student who works really hard at whatever she does.  Although she is not yet at the level of an "advanced" pianist, she practices almost 5 hours a week (sometimes more) while still maintaining and excellent academic average and participating in other activities as well.  She is not a typical student who just goes through the motions of doing what she is told - she tries really hard to understand why and how and asks questions and provokes thought.  

Candice Kleiman
7th Grade, Ridgedale Middle School, Florham Park
Nominated by Susan Braden
Candice is an extremely versatile guitarist who plays well in any style, from classical to jazz and rock.  She performs with the flair of a professional on both acoustic and electric guitars and is truly an asset to the Jazz Band.  She also accompanies many songs for the choirs, as well as playing flute in our 6/7th Grade concert band.  In addition, Candice is a student at the Calderone School of Music, and even plays with her own band which will be performing in the upcoming talent show.  Candice is also very helpful to other musicians here at school, and always has a smile on her face to brighten everyone's day.

Andreas Goergen
Sophomore, Kinnelon High School, Kinnelon
Nominated by Ryan Stroud
Andreas is a Sophomore at Kinnelon High School. Andreas is one of the best musicians at Kinnelon High School.  He's a fine French Horn player in the Wind Ensemble, plays Guitar in the Jazz Band, played Bass Guitar in the Musical Pit Orchestra.  He's also in the AP Music Theory Class.  He's done a fine job in Kinnelon High School, and will be a lifelong musician. 

David Zyto
Sophomore, Randolph High School, Randolph
Nominated by Vee Popat
David Zyto is one of the most gifted student musicians at Randolph High School.  He is well beyond his years in improvisational vocabulary, musicianship, and work ethic.  David is a member of the NJPAC Jazz for Teens Program and the Jazz House Kids Program, and is destined to become a game-changing musician in the world of jazz.  He is extremely creative, and is always making new and fresh contributions to rehearsals and performances.  Recently, he won an "Outstanding Soloist" award at the NJAJE Jazz Prelims and was recognized as part of the "Best Rhythm Section" for this event. 

The Mayo Performing Arts Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit performing arts 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 2011-2012 season is made possible in part by a grant from the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation and funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State. The Mayo Performing Arts Center has been designated a Major Presenting Organization by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.