3 Parsippany Students Named Morris Musicians of the Month for Brass Prowess

One of Morris County’s most prestigious music awards for students has come to Parsippany in a major way, not just for one youngster, but for three.

The Mayo Performing Arts Center announced its Music Students of the Month for April, who were concentrating in brass and jazz instruments.

Kyle Ting, of Parsippany High School; Lucas Folan, of Parsippany Hills High School; and Brian Kong, of Brooklawn Middle School, were all honored with the recognition on April 9 at the theatre.

Students who achieve the recognition are nominated by their music teachers.

Folan, a 10th grader, was nominated by Michael Iapicca, who said:

“Lucas has taken a very serious interest in jazz music, and improvisation. He is constantly asking me questions about who to listen to, and giving me suggestions on people to check out. He is actively taking lessons, and studying jazz beyond his school work. As a saxophonist myself, I really enjoy the sophisticated conversations about playing saxophone, and jazz that I have with Lucas.”

Brooklawn Middle School teacher Joseph Stella had similar superlatives to say about Kong, stating:

“Brian is one of the lead trumpet players in the 8th grade band at Brooklawn Middle School. He has had several trumpet solos at our band concerts. He also plays trumpet in the school’s jazz band and pit orchestra for the Spring musical. In addition to Brian’s talent on the trumpet, he is also an exceptional cellist and vocalist, having been selected to Region and State level ensembles in the past couple years. His diligence as a musician and his involvement in all aspects of the music program make him an excellent choice for this month’s (Music Student of the Month).”

Ting, a senior at Parsippany High School, was nominated by Gregory Dalakian, who said:

“Kyle Ting has been an outstanding member of all the ensembles at PHS during his entire high school career. He has continuously made the North Jersey Area Band and Region Band on Trombone, and even made both Region and All-State Bands this past year on Bass Trombone. He has also made Region Orchestra in past years on the Cello. He has been a great asset to our Music Program through his performance in our Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, Pit Orchestra, and especially our Marching Band and Jazz Band. Kyle is always willing to go above and beyond to improve his playing skills by spending his summers marching in Drum and Bugle Corps (marching Euphonium) and taking private lessons on trombone and cello. He has been a leader in our Marching Band as the Baritone Section Leader, helping others improve and succeed. He is always willing to solo in Jazz Band and has been our lead trombone player all four years of high school.”

The 10 Morris County students recognized for April were honored prior to the performance by Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra on the ninth.

Pictured: Lucas Folan, Brian Kong, and Kyle Ting are sixth, seventh, and eighth from left. Photo Courtesy Mayo PAC.

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