Student Musician From Chatham Honored By Band Teacher

CHATHAM, NJ — A local senior from Chatham High School was among the students honored as the Mayo Performing Arts Center Music Students of the month of January for outstanding percussionists.

Carly Albanese was nominated by her band teacher, Brian Conti, and selected by the theater's Education Department for her dedication to and excellence in the performing arts.

Every month, the theater honors a group of students, and those who are honored throughout the season are invited to participate in a recital on stage at the Mayo Performing Arts Center.

The program has been running for 20 years and has been recognized as "outstanding" by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. Hundreds of students have been honored over the last two decades.

"Carly is an outstanding person as well as a percussionist. She is involved in every aspect of our music department. Her dedication has been unmatched the past four years and she will be sorely missed," Conti said.

During her time at Chatham High School, Albanese has served as the marching band drum line captain and has been a member of the wind ensemble, pit orchestra, Chatham Community Band, the Caldwell College Honors Band, as well as multiple ensembles.

"Carly is an amazing mallet percussion player and also covers any and all other percussion instruments associated with being a percussionist," Conti said.

Also honored with the award were student percussionists from Randolph, Kinnelon, Mendham, Florham Park, Dover, Morristown, Parsippany and Roxbury.

The 2023–2024 Music Student of the Month program is supported by The Walter F. and Alice Gorham Foundation, Inc.