The Mayo Performing Arts Center is thrilled to continue our Music Student of the Month (MSOM) program. This student recognition program was recognized as “outstanding” by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts and has honored hundreds of students over the last twenty years.

Now in its 20th year, the Music Student of the Month program honors Morris County middle and high school students nominated by their music teacher, not only for their excellence as musicians but for the dedication, leadership, and commitment to their entire school community. Each month teachers are asked to nominate an outstanding musician in a particular category including, Jazz Musicians, Brass Players, Wind Players, Percussionists, Guitarists, Pianists, Orchestra Members, Band Members etc. Students are honored before a chosen performance where they receive recognition on stage and complimentary tickets to that evening’s show.

All students who are honored throughout the course of the MSOM season will have the opportunity to participate in a recital on stage at MPAC. Press releases and pictures of the award recipients are also sent out to local papers monthly.

Nominate a Student

We handle all nominations through email. To nominate students, please have your MSOM representative email the following information:

  • Nominating instructor and contact information every month (including phone number, email address and school address)
  • Student’s name
  • Student’s grade level
  • Description (at least a paragraph) as to why they should be chosen

Music Students of the Month

April 2025

Msom Students Tony Desare

Students from Dover, Madison, Morristown, Kinnelon, Parsippany, Chester and Pequannock were honored as MPAC Music Students of the Month – Outstanding Pianists -- at the Sunday, April 13 performance by Tony DeSare.

Students were nominated by their teachers, 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.

The 2024-2025 Music Student of the Month program is supported by The Walter F. and Alice Gorham Foundation, Inc.

About the Music Students of the Month (bio supplied their instructors.)

Amelia Cassano

Grade 12; Dover High School; Nominated by John Hoferer

Amelia exemplifies what it means to be a dedicated student. Throughout these past four years, I have seen the emergence of a highly motivated, assertive, mature, and compassionate student who excels at every aspect of her education. Amelia is consistently striving for greatness, specifically as a leader in the music department. Additionally, Amelia is an avid performer at both Dover High School and with her piano studio, where she often gives end of the year recitals. Finally, Amelia has cemented herself as one of the premier performers at Dover High School.

 

Amal Fakhar

Grade 11; Madison High School; Nominated by Sara Wlazlowski

Amal is an extremely talented pianist and musician who has shown great dedication to her craft and the music department at Madison High School. Throughout her high school career thus far, Amal has performed as the lead pianist in the Madison Ave. Jazz Band and in the Pit Orchestra for Little Women, Mama Mia! and Sister Act. She has also accompanied several ensembles including the Jazz Choir, Mixed Chorus and Chamber Strings. In her Junior year, Amal showcased her talent during the 2024 Marching Dodger’s show where she performed Chopin’s Nocturne in c# minor. This Spring, she will be performing alongside the Madison High School Orchestra and be a featured piano soloist in “Cinema Paradiso”. Although Amal’s primary instrument is piano, she is also an accomplished violist in the orchestra and mallet player in the band.

 

Tara Gumpper

Grade 9; Morristown High School; Nominated by David Gallagher

Tara is an incredibly talented piano player who uses their skills in just about every ensemble that the school offers. She was the synthesizer player for the marching band this season, as well as controlling all of the sound effects and sampling. She also plays piano for the jazz band and is keyboard 1 in our pit orchestra for Les Miserables. The pit orchestra music in particular demands perfection and Tara approaches everything she does with incredible maturity and nuance.

 

Nina Gustavesen

Grade 10; Morristown High School; Nominated by David Gallagher

Nina is one of the finest musicians at Morristown High School. Her clarinet skills have earned her spots in numerous honor ensembles, but she also plays piano in many of our ensembles. Whenever there’s a piano part in the honors wind ensemble Nina always steps up and plays it flawlessly. Most impressive is her nuanced playing in “Night Soliloquy” where she accompanies a flute soloist. Nina is also the keyboard 2 player for Les Miserables in our pit orchestra. The keyboard 2 book requires numerous patch changes and many different styles of playing to achieve all of the desired sounds and instrumental qualities. Using “mainstage” for the first time this year Nina has demonstrated incredible thoughtfulness, responsibility, and above all musical talent as she accompanies the cast for our musical.

 

Lindsey Mattie

Grade 11; Kinnelon High School; Nominated by Ryan Stroud

Lindsey is a junior at Kinnelon High School. She plays both flute and piano in our Wind Ensemble and Pep Band. She’s also a student in our Music Theory class and has intentions to study music as an education major after high school.   Lindsey has been an incredible leader in our band program. She brings a great energy to class everyday and has always been an inspiration to her teachers and classmates throughout her high school career.

 

Noah Racuya

Grade 7; Brooklawn Middle School; Nominated by Joseph Stella

Noah is a talented percussionist in our 7th grade band who also plays the piano in our jazz band.  This is the second year that Noah successfully auditioned into the school’s jazz band.  He has become a solid part of our rhythm section on the piano and also trades parts with another pianist to play the bass part on the synthesizer.  Aside from his musical accomplishments, he is also always very polite and responsible.  Noah’s musicianship and demeanor make him an excellent choice for this month’s MSOM.

 

Michael Redko

Grade 8; Black River Middle School; Nominated by Kenneth Piascik

Michael Redko is the definition of a well-rounded, dedicated, and talented musician.  Ever since the start of 6th grade, Michael has been a major key player in our music program at Black River. His has a very sincere and passionate love of music that is an inspiration for everyone around him! He brings a special brightness to all our rehearsals and is one of my most dependable players. Michael is always ready to play!  Even though his participation in all of our groups is crucial, the “Encore” Jazz Ensemble would not be the same without his talent on the piano.  Michael knows his music and leads the ensemble as a performer and a person.  He is also an important member of our percussion program where he loves the mallets and adding to the dancing groove.  Michael Redko is without a doubt an “Outstanding Pianist” and I am very proud to be part of his musical journey.

 

Henry Schwartz

Grade 8; Pequannock Valley Middle School; Nominated by Michael Kertesz

I am thrilled to nominate Henry Schwartz for Outstanding Pianist. Henry consistently demonstrates exceptional talent, dedication, and passion for music. His technical precision, expressive playing, and ability to interpret complex pieces set him apart as a remarkable musician. Henry’s commitment to continuous growth is evident through his diligent practice and willingness to tackle challenging repertoire. Beyond his musical abilities, he is a supportive peer, always encouraging others and fostering a positive environment. Henry’s artistry and leadership make him truly deserving of this recognition.

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