November Music Students of the Month

Students honored come from Morristown, Mendham, Parsippany, Long Valley, Chester, Madison, Florham Park, Mountain Lakes and Jefferson Twp.

(Morristown, NJ) – Nine area music students were honored as The Community Theatre’s Music Students of the Month prior to the Friday, November 14 performance by Doc Severinsen. The students hail from Morristown, Mendham, Parsippany, Long Valley, Chester, Madison, Florham Park and Jefferson Township.

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 2008-2009 Music Student of the Month program is sponsored by Verizon.

November Music students of the Month are: (bios provided by the nominated teacher) 

Sam Bobinski

Senior, West Morris Central High School, Chester

Nominated by Dr. Vincent J. Rufino

At school, Sam is a very active member of the music department. He is the principal bass player in the school orchestra, plays in the string quartet, and plays guitar in the Jazz Band. Sam has also participated in North Jersey’s Region & Junior Region Orchestras.

Andrew Douris

Sophomore, Jefferson Twp High School, Oak Ridge

Nominated by Richard Barrieres

Andrew is currently the Jefferson Twp HS Marching Band Drum Major. In addition to marching, he is also the first chair alto saxophone in Symphonic Band. He has a strong love of music and is committed to his musical education.

Andrew Guido

8th Grade, Ridgedale Middle School, Florham Park

Nominated by Susan Braden

For the past three years, Andrew has been one of his school’s “lead” percussionists. He is especially proficient on drum set and has played for the school musicals, Jazz Band and Concert Band. Andrew also volunteers to play with specialty groups like the woodwind and string ensembles, and often stays after school to support various school musical groups. Andrew is a team player and is often seen helping out younger percussionists. Last year, he decided to expand his musical horizons and started playing the flute. In addition to music, Andrew is also a gifted athlete and plays on Ridgedale’s Soccer and Basketball teams.

Willian Hua

Sophomore, Parsippany High School, Parsippany

Nominated by Joseph Stella

Willian possesses an extraordinary ability to lead and this year, he was selected to be the Trumpet Section Leader for the PHS Marching Band. His specialty is a slightly improvised/ornamented solo on “Louie, Louie” at school football games. Willian takes trumpet playing very seriously and can often be found in the school practice rooms during his free time. He also plays in the PHS Wind Ensemble & Jazz Ensemble.

Alyssa Luc

8th Grade, The Wilson School, Mountain Lakes

Nominated by JoAnn L. Behr

Alyssa is a role model and a strong leader. She helps to make the performing arts a positive learning experience for other students and teachers at The Wilson School. Last year, Alyssa played Clara in her school’s production of The Nutcracker, and choreographed the “Waltz of the Flowers.” She also sang the role of Maria in “Do Re Mi” from The Sound of Music. In required music classes, Alyssa encourages other students to help them build their own self-confidence as performers. In addition to her in-school contributions, she studies voice and dance and has regularly performed in local theatre performances. Alyssa is always seeking ways to improve her own performance, setting a very positive example for other students.

Katie McCarter

Freshman, Madison High School, Madison

Nominated by Russ Batsch

As a freshman, Katie plays 1st trumpet in Concert Band. In addition to her own practicing, she always takes the time to help other students in Band that may not be up to the same level of musicianship. Katie is also a member of the Jazz Band and an integral part of the Soccer program at Madison HS. She serves as a great role model for students who wish to participate in both sports and music.

Brad Schupack

7th Grade, Mountain View Middle School, Mendham

Nominated by Leigh Carpenter

Brad is a very dedicated student who plays baritone saxophone for the middle school concert band. This past summer, he went to band camp to continue his musical studies. Last year, as a 6th grader, Brad moved into the Senior Band and he also took Jazz Band as an elective. He is a featured soloist in the Senior Band’s concerts and recruitment tours. This year, Brad plans to audition for Region Band. He will be the second student from the district to do so in the past five years. Brad also teaches beginner saxophone.

Keri Steiniger

8th Grade, Long Valley Middle School, Long Valley

Nominated by Linda Quinn

Keri leads the flute section at Long Valley MS. She always volunteers to help organize band music and is very helpful in the classroom. In addition to playing in band, Keri comes to a weekly rehearsal before school to help the 7th grade flute players. She is an excellent flautist and terrific role model.

Jason Wicks

Senior, Morristown High School, Morristown

Nominated by Douglas Rutan

This year, Jason was one of the trumpet section leaders in his school band. As a musician, Jason is always prepared and gives his all at every single rehearsal. In addition to being a member of the Marching Band, Jason played in Symphonic Band for three years moving from third trumpet to first trumpet his final two years at school. This year, he is also the co-first chair of the Wind Ensemble. He has been a member of “Jazz Too!” for three years and has played trumpet in the pit orchestra at Morristown HS and at Frelinghuysen MS. This year, Jason successfully auditioned for the Jersey Surf Open Class Junior Drum and Bugle Corps. He spent the summer touring and competing and earned a bronze medal at the DCI World Championships in Indiana. Next fall, Jason plans to major in Music Education.