Morristown Students Honored For Outstanding Jazz Talent

Twos students from Morristown were among several honored by the Mayo Performing Arts Center as a December Music Student Of The Month for being an outstanding jazz musician.

Aaron Andino, an eighth grader at Frelinghuysen, and Conor Lenahan, a senior at Morristown High School, were honored on stage before the Dec. 3 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 David Gallagher had to say about Andino:

Aaron is a truly gifted Trombone player. He has been an active member of our school band, jazz band, Wind Symphony since he was a 6th grader. This year he took on the added role of section leader for the wind symphony and plays first Trombone for the jazz band. Last year, as a 7th grader, Aaron played in the pit orchestra for the high school musical Anything Goes. Playing the professional pit music for any student is a difficult challenge, but as a 7th grader it is truly remarkable and shows how special Aaron's gift is. This year Aaron has also been accepted to perform with the North Jersey Area Band in a special concert in January.

Here is what Michael D. Russo had to say about Lenahan:

Conor has spent the last four years developing his skills as a musician at Morristown High School. He has been involved in many aspects of the Music Department and he has become a respected upperclassman to our younger members. Conor performs on trumpet in the Morristown HS Wind Ensemble, is a Drum Major for the Marching Band and a member of the Trumpet Section in the Jazz Ensemble. He has also performed in the Solo and Small Ensemble Concert. Last year Conor successfully auditioned for the North Jersey Area Symphonic Band and the Region I High School Jazz Ensemble. Conor possess great desire and works very hard to achieve his goals. His natural enthusiasm combined with his preparedness for his ensemble rehearsals make him an excellent student.

Front Row: L-R Aaron Andino, Grade 8, Frelinghuysen Middle School, Morristown; Kavin Sawant, Grade 7, Brooklawn Middle School, Parsippany; Alvaro Caravaca, Grade 8, Mount Olive Middle School, Budd Lake; Rachel Gontarski, Grade 8, Randolph Middle School, Randolph. Second Row:Ethan Butka, Grade 12, Kinnelon High School, Kinnelon; Aren Hill, Grade 8, Harding Township School, New Vernon; Richard Sevilla, Grade 12, Parsippany High School, Parsippany; Not in picture:Ryder Jackson, Grade 12, Dover High School; Conor Lenahan, Grade 12, Morristown High School; Jason Monachello, Grade 12, Randolph High School