Local Students Honored As 'Outstanding Jazz Musicians' By Mayo Performing Arts Center

MORRISTOWN, NJ — Several talented students were recently recognized as the Mayo Performing Arts Center’s (MPAC) Music Students of the Month for their extraordinary musical skill.

Nine Morris County students were recognized as “Outstanding Jazz Musicians” at MPAC’s Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra performance on June 19. The students come from Kinnelon, Mt. Olive, Morristown, Randolph, Hanover Township, and Pequannock.

The students were nominated by their music instructors based on “their commitment to and excellence in the performing arts.”

Below is the list of MPAC’s Outstanding Jazz Musicians:

• Taso Benos, Grade 8; Thomas Jefferson School: Taso began his musical career by playing alto saxophone in the fourth grade, and piano before that. Since then, he’s learned how to play drums, keyboard, guitar, and several kinds of saxophones. The young musician has even performed solo recitals in Carnegie Hall. According to his instructors, Helen Love and Nicholas Bova, Taso “has an incredible ear and an extremely high musical aptitude.”

“(Taso) is extremely reliable, diligent, respectful, and helpful both with other students and when it comes to assistance with the equipment,” his instructors said. “He is able to contribute his talent on any instrument we need in any band. His ability to improvise is off the charts, and he is always eager to try new things.”

• Nathan Eisenmenger, Grade 12; Kinnelon High School: Nathan is a senior trumpet player at Kinnelon High School. He plays trumpet in Kinnelon High School’s Wind Ensemble, Pep Band and Jazz Ensemble.

“Nate is constantly working to improve his playing,” said his instructor Ryan Stroud. “He is a definite leader in our performing ensembles, and we're really going to miss him after he graduates.”

• Alex Fu, Grade 12; Whippany Park High School: According to Alex’s instructor, he is a “tremendously talented and driven” trumpet player.

“(Alex) has consistently demonstrated a mastery of musicianship through hard work and dedication to his craft,” said instructor Carl Sabatino. “Highly intelligent and yet unassuming, this honor would be yet another feather in his cap in a long list of accolades both musical and academic.”

• Patrick LeFebvre, Grade 12; Morris Hills High School: Patrick serves as principal trumpet in Morris Hills High School’s concert bands, and has learned the cello for the school’s strings program. He also plays guitar for the jazz band and lends his talents to the spring musical pit orchestra. According to his instructor, Richard Hartsuiker, Patrick is “a musician of the highest caliber” who he considers one of the most “teachable students” in his 25-year music instruction career.

“Patricks’s dedicated and driven personality fuels his desire to succeed in all he attempts,” Hartsuiker said. “He has earned the respect of his peers through his incredible musicianship, his compassion as a leader, and through his engaging personality.”

• Sarah Hendricks, Grade 7; Mount Olive Middle School: Sarah has played trumpet at Mount Olive Middle School since 6th grade, and also plays in both of the Mount Olive High School’s big bands. She also plays french horn in concert bands. According to her instructor, Sarah is an emerging leader in the school’s music program.

“Sarah has emerged as a leader in our trumpet section with both her character and her sound,” instructor Ken Adessa said. “I often look to her to model style for the trumpet section and ask them to do their best to sound like her. I expect her to be taking a lead playing role in our high school jazz ensembles this year.”

• Sophie Mautone, Grade 7; Brooklawn Middle School: Sophie is a trumpet player in the 7th grade band and pit orchestra. This year, a “strong audition” earned her the lead trumpet position in the Brooklawn Middle School’s jazz band.

“Aside from her musical accomplishments, (Sophie) is also always very polite and responsible,” instructor Joseph Stella said. “Sophie's musicianship and demeanor make her an excellent choice for this month's Music Student of the Month.”

• Rasheeq Parvez, Grade 8; Randolph Middle School: Rasheeq began his music career with piano, and eventually joined the band to play trombone. He’s since switched to the euphonium, which he plays in the middle school’s band and jazz ensemble.

“Rasheeq is a music lover. From an early age, Rasheeq was interested in learning music,” his instructor Tom Davidson said. “Rasheeq wanted to expand his musical skills and knowledge, so he also began to learn the ukulele. In addition, he enjoys composing and transcribing music using Noteflight.”

• Lana Roberto, Grade 11; Pequannock Township High School: Lana is considered a "phenomenal student” in Pequannock Township High School’s jazz band. In addition to in-school instruction, Lana gets lessons from Oscar Perez, a renowned jazz artist in the area.

“(Lana) practices consistently and with a mature approach, said instructor Anthony Streifer. “I believe she would deeply appreciate this opportunity and really understand its importance. Lana is on her way to being a great jazz musician.”

• Aiden Rosen, Grade 8; Pequannock Valley Middle School: Aiden is considered a key member of Pequannock Valley Middle School’s jazz band whose “talent, dedication, and leadership” sets him apart. He is also the Secretary of Tri-M and is heavily involved with the school’s arts community.

“Aiden has consistently excelled as a key member of our Jazz Band, showcasing exceptional musicianship and a deep passion for jazz. As an eighth-grader, his technical skills, improvisational creativity, and ability to collaborate with others have made him a standout performer, said instructor Michael Kertesz. “His dedication to honing his craft and inspiring others makes him a truly remarkable jazz musician, and I am confident he will continue to achieve great success in the future.”

The MPAC is a nonprofit based in Morristown that “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.” They will be honoring music students monthly.