Mendham, Chester Students Honored For Outstanding Vocal Talent

MENDHAM, NJ — Three students from Mendham and Chester were one of several honored by the Mayo Performing Arts Center as an October Music Student Of The Month for being outstanding vocalists.

Catherine Herbes, Grade 8, from Mendham Township Middle School; Emma Stark, Grade 8, Black River Middle School; and Saira Alam, Grade 12, from West Morris Mendham High School were honored on stage before the Oct. 17 concert at Mayo PAC. All the students were nominated by their teachers and chosen by Mayo PAC's education department. At the end of the year, all honored students will be invited to perform in a recital.

Here is what teacher Patricia Danner had to say about Saira Alam:

Saira Alam is one of the most unique singers I have taught at Mendham High School. She has a beautiful mezzo-soprano quality, and is particularly talented in the area of Jazz music. She is the leader of our jazz club at Mendham High School and is a great role model for her peers. She has a natural ability for improvisation, but also encourages her peers at all levels and helps them to feel comfortable trying new things. This year, Saira was asked to be a member of our top Jazz Ensemble as a vocalist. This is the first time we have had a vocalist as a permanent member of the ensemble. She also has been part of New Jersey Honors Jazz Choir for two years, and participated in Rider University's Contemporary Vocal Camp this summer. Outside of the Jazz world, Saira has also found much success in our traditional choral programs at Mendham High School, as well as Morris Area Honor Choir, Region Choir, and All-State Choir. Saira is an outstanding music student, and a leader in all of our ensembles

Here is what teacher Ronald Bergamotto had to say about Catherine Herbes:

Catherine has worked hard and devoted her talents at Mendham Township Middle School since the 5th grade. While at MTMS she has been active in chorus, string orchestra and composer's club. Catherine has participated in over a dozen musicals in both principal role and cast member at Mendham as well as local community. Each and every year at Mendham Township Middle School, Catherine was awarded solos in both the winter and spring concerts. Her performance on and off the state has been exemplary. It has been an honor and pleasure to work with a student of this caliber.

Here is what teacher Kathleen Vespignani had to say about Emma Stark:

Emma has been a member of the chorus at Black River for three years, as well as a member of our Select Chorus since the sixth grade. As this is her third year in both vocal ensembles, I have seen Emma blossom into a magnificent musician and performer. Emma is also often a soloist and is a part of the Drama Club's musicals each year. She comes to rehearsals and performances with the utmost professionalism, enthusiasm, and respect for the art. Emma continues her musical endeavors outside of school, as well. She takes both voice and guitar lessons and performs at community venues, including coffee houses and the 4-H Fair. Emma truly exemplifies what a great musician is!

1st row (L-R): Avery Harrington Grade 8, Brooklawn Middle School; Parsippany. Catherine Herbes, Grade 8, Mendham Township Middle School; Mendham. Ava Capetta, Grade 8, Rockaway Valley School; Boonton. Kayla Marvin, Grade 8, Mt Olive Middle School; Budd Lake. Whitney McDonnell, Grade 11, Morristown Beard School. Emma Stark, Grade 8, Black River Middle School; Chester. 2nd row: Saira Alam Grade 12, West Morris Mendham High School; Mendham. Mollie Anger Grade 7, Pequannock Valley Middle School; Pompton Plains. Caitlin Chien Grade 12, Kinnelon High School; Kinnelon. Cassidy Davis Grade 8, John Hill School; Boonton. 3rd row: Kevin Gilroy Grade 11, Hanover Park High School; East Hanover. Casey Obaytek, Grade 12, Jefferson Township High School. Lars Olsen, Grade 11, West Morris Central School, Chester.