2 Parsippany Singers Named Mayo Performing Arts Students Of The Month

PARSIPPANY, NJ — Two Parsippany middle school students were among 10 musicians honored as the Mayo Performing Arts Center’s students of the month.

Haasini Vijayakanthan and Abhishri Upadhyay were nominated by their teachers for their dedication to and excellence in the performing arts. Both will receive certificates and be featured on MPAC's Music Students of the Month page.

The group of students was honored on stage during the Jan. 31 performance by the Blind Boys of Alabama.

Danielle Hazel wrote the following about Upadhyay, a student at Brooklawn Middle School:

"Abhi is not only an excellent musician and talented singer, but is also a pleasure to have in our choir. She has a great attitude and is always willing to help in any way possible. She is also an outstanding leader in the soprano section. I can always count on her to know her parts and sing out for other members of her section to hear. I can give her a different part to sing, play it once, and she will sing it correctly every time after. In addition to coming to class prepared and excited to sing, she also brings her enthusiasm to musical rehearsals. She has been an integral part of our musical for the past two years and I cannot wait to see what she will bring to this year’s performance. I am very lucky to hear Abhi sing daily and am so grateful to have her as part of my choir."

Here is what Adam Aguanno had to say about Vijayakanthan, a student at Central Middle School:

"Haasini continues to be an outstanding and dedicated member of the Central Middle School choral program as a vocal leader and participant. As a 6th grader she auditioned and successfully made and participated in the 2024 Northern NJ intermediate chorus, and she is currently preparing to again audition in this year’s chorus as well. She is a chief ancestor in this year’s production of Moana Jr. which features a lot of vocal solo work. Additionally outside of school in her music studies, she is a songwriter creating original work and accompanying herself on the piano while singing. Aside from her talent, I am nominating her for vocalist of the month because she continues to show humility and kindness in our music class as well as in working with others in our music community."

Now celebrating its 20th year, the Music Student of the Month program recognizes outstanding middle and high school students from Morris County, nominated by their music teachers for their exceptional musicianship, as well as their dedication, leadership and contribution to their school communities.

Each month, teachers nominate exceptional students in categories including jazz musicians, brass players, wind players, percussionists, guitarists, pianists, orchestra and band members and more.

These students are honored on stage at a selected performance and receive complimentary tickets to that evening’s show.

Students honored throughout the MSOM season will also have the chance to perform in a special recital on stage at MPAC. The 2024-2025 Music Student of the Month program is supported by The Walter F. and Alice Gorham Foundation, Inc.