Mendham, Chester Students Honored For Orchestral Talent

Students from Mendham and Chester were among several honored by the Mayo Performing Arts Center as a February Music Student Of The Month for being an outstanding orchestra member.

Maeve Kelly, an 8th grader from Mountain View, Nikita Kalakathur and Patrick Martin, both seniors at Mendham, and Ian Zhang, an 8th grader at Black River, were honored on stage before the Feb. 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 Bradley McMurray had to say about Maeve Kelly:

Maeve is the most enthusiastic orchestra student. She is always excited to show my new pieces she starts and the progress she has made in the music we are working on. She studies cello privately and consistently shows good practice and rehearsal technique. Maeve switched to cello at the beginning of last year while continuing to play her previous instrument, the violin. SH was able to catch up and exceed expectations while also continuing practice on her other instrument.

Here is what Mary Daly had to say about Patrick Martin:

Patrick is a well rounded performer who has participated in the WMMHS Orchestra and the Select Strings Ensemble for four years. Patrick, a senior at Mendham High School, is our WMMHS Orchestra Concert Master. While Patrick certainly has the skill-set for orchestral music, he also shines in his ability to perform jazz, blues, and other alternative music forms. I introduced Dave Brubeck's Rondo Ala Turk for strings arranged by Jeremy Cohen, to my Select Strings Ensemble. Patrick came in for morning lessons and worked hard to get the rhythmic feel and phrasing of his demanding solo. Our Select String Ensemble performed this selection as three venues and each time they were enthusiastically received. In May of 2019, WMMHS Orchestra will be performing Louie Prima's Sing Sing Sing. Patrick will be our violin soloist. I know he will do a fantastic job due to his passion and his commitment to excellence!

Here is what Mary Daly had to say about Niki Kalathur:

Niki, a WMMHS senior, has also been in the WMMHS Orchestra for four years. She has been an outstanding member of our Select Strings as well. Nikita is also a fabulous section leader. I rely on Nikita to assist in perfecting the viola in all aspects of musicianship. I can rely on the viola section to know their material and perform with musical conviction. Nikita is a team player. She works toward the goal of improving not only her section but working with other string sections outside of class to make the selections the play together a cohesive musical experience.

Here is what Kenneth Piascik had to say about Ian Zhang:

Ian Zhang is the definition of a well rounded, dedicated and talented musician. Mr. Zhang joined our music department in the 6th grade and has continued to develop our program above and beyond. His energy, positive attitude, helpfulness, leadership, and passion inspire us all. Not only is Mr. Zhang in the Orchestra, but he also participates in our Honors Music, "Encore" Jazz Ensemble, Theory Program, and is a member of the trombone section in our Symphonic Band. Where there is music in Black River, you will find Mr. Zhang close by.

Photo Caption: Front Row:Maeve Kelly, Grade 8, Mountain View Middle School; Mendham, Allison Connuck, Grade 9, Randolph High School; Randolph; Nikita Kalathur, Grade 12, West Morris Mendham High School; Mendham; Yoo Jin Kang, Grade 8, Robert R. Lazar Middle School; MontvilleJoanna Peters, Grade 8, Randolph Middle School; Randolph; BACK ROW:Milind Bangalore, Grade 9, Morristown High School; MorristownPatrick Calderon, Grade 8, John Hill School; Boonton; Patrick Martin, Grade 12, West Morris Mendham High School; Mendham; Matthew Mullen, Grade 8, Ridgedale Middle School; Florham Park; Auden Gu, Grade 10, Hanover Park High School; East Hanover; Ian Zhang, Grade 8, Black River Middle School; Chester; Selected, but not present:Zoe Bohensky, Grade 8, Madison Junior School; Madison; Nicolas Gritz, Grade 10, Delbarton School; Morristown; Andrew Madonna, Grade 11, Delbarton School; Morristown