2 Student Musicians From Mendham Honored By Teachers

MENDHAM, NJ — Two local middle schoolers from Mendham were among the students honored as the Mayo Performing Arts Center Music Students of the Month for outstanding brass instrumentalists.

Griffin Branch, a seventh-grade student at Mendham Middle School, was nominated by his band teacher, Michael MaHadeen. Jacob Spiegel, an eighth-grade student at Mountain View Middle School, was nominated by his teacher, Bradley McMurray.

Both boys were then selected by the theater's education department for their dedication to and excellence in the performing arts.

Branch, who plays three instruments, was recognized for his ability to play tuba in concert band, bass trombone in jazz Band and euphonium as a secondary instrument in Regions workshop.

"Griffin has taken advantage of every musical opportunity available to him here in MTMS. He does 5 mornings per week before school in the band department, attends Regions workshop as his elective and is one of the very few students who has actually moved forward with his musical development during the pandemic. Griffin is a highly motivated and well-educated young musician who without hesitation I would recommend for this honor," MaHadeen said.

Spiegel was nominated for his ability to play the trumpet, which he has been taking private lessons on for four years during the pandemic, according to McMurray.

"Last year Jacob made the North Jersey Region Symphonic Band as a 7th grader. Jacob is constantly showing me the repertoire he is working on in his lessons and is always interested in performing a solo for the class or at a concert," McMurray said.

According to his nomination note, Spiegel plays the National Anthem at all of the school pep rallies and will be joining the marching band when he enters high school.

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

The program has been running for 20 years and has received "outstanding" recognition from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. Over the last two decades, hundreds of students have been recognized.

The 2022-2023 Music Student of the Month program is supported by The Walter F. and Alice Gorham Foundation, Inc.