(Morristown) – Students from Kinnelon, Mt. Olive, Morristown, Randolph, Hanover Township, and Pequannock were honored as MPAC Music Students of the Month – Outstanding Jazz Musicians – at the Thursday, June 19, performance by Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra.
Students were nominated by their teachers based on their commitment to and excellence in the performing arts.
The Theatre will honor a group of students every month throughout the season and invites area teachers to nominate students for this honor.
The Walter F. and Alice Gorham Foundation, Inc., supports the 2024-2025 Music Student of the Month program.
About the Music Students of the Month
Taso Benos
Grade 8, Thomas Jefferson School
Nominated by Helen Love and Nicholas Bova
Taso has been involved in the Thomas Jefferson School instrumental music program since 4th grade. He has always been a diligent and hard-working member of the program. He started as an alto saxophone player at school, but had been studying piano privately for many years prior, and continues to do so. He has even performed solo recitals in Carnegie Hall. Taso created a YouTube channel where he began sharing his compositions before entering the band program and has continued adding material over the years.
He has dedicated much of his free time to creating, exploring, and working with music. His home studio includes a drum set, keyboards, various saxophones, and guitars—all of which he learned to play during his middle school years. He also joined the Morris Hills High School Marching Band as an eighth grader this year. Taso never misses a lesson or rehearsal. He is extremely reliable, diligent, respectful, and helpful to others, especially with equipment.
Taso has an incredible ear and high musical aptitude. He can contribute to any instrument and excels at improvisation. He listens extensively to many styles, especially jazz and new music. He will be conducting a piece at the Spring Concert, having won the conducting competition. He also supports sound production in the school musical. Most importantly, Taso shares his joy of music with his family, peers, and community. We are excited to see where his passion for music takes him.
Nathan Eisenmenger
Grade 12, Kinnelon High School
Nominated by Ryan Stroud
Nathan is a senior trumpet player in the Wind Ensemble, Pep Band, and Jazz Ensemble. He’s been involved in every ensemble KHS offers. Nate is constantly striving to improve his playing and is a true leader. We will undoubtedly miss him after he graduates.
Alex Fu
Grade 12, Whippany Park High School
Nominated by Carl Sabatino
Alex Fu is a tremendously talented and driven trumpet player. He consistently demonstrates musical mastery through hard work and dedication. Highly intelligent yet humble, Alex has received musical and academic accolades. I highly recommend him for this honor.
Patrick LeFebvre
Grade 12, Morris Hills High School
Nominated by Richard Hartsuiker
Patrick is an outstanding student and citizen. He’s a principal trumpet in our concert bands, plays cello in the strings program, guitar in the jazz band, and is part of the pit orchestra. He is diligent, task-oriented, and respected by his peers. One of the most teachable students I’ve had in my 25-year career.
Sarah Hendricks
Grade 7, Mount Olive Middle School
Nominated by Ken Adessa
Sarah has been playing trumpet in our middle school jazz band since 6th grade and now plays in both high school big bands. She’s emerged as a leader in her section and consistently models a firm tone and style. Sarah also plays French horn in our concert bands and is auditioning for Area and Region Bands. She’s a standout young musician.
Sophie Mautone
Grade 7, Brooklawn Middle School
Nominated by Joseph Stella
Sophie is a talented trumpet player in the 7th-grade band, jazz band, and pit orchestra. This year, she had a strong audition and earned lead trumpet in the jazz band. She is quickly becoming a standout performer and is always polite and responsible. Her musicianship and demeanor make her an excellent choice.
Rasheeq Parvez
Grade 8, Randolph Middle School
Nominated by Tom Davidson
Rasheeq is a passionate and multi-talented musician. Starting with piano, he moved to trombone and now euphonium. He’s a returning member of the Jazz Ensemble and will perform a solo in upcoming concerts. Outside of school, he plays ukulele, transcribes music on Noteflight, and participates in Boy Scouts.
Lana Roberto
Grade 11, Pequannock Township High School
Nominated by Anthony Streifer
Lana is a phenomenal jazz student. She is taking lessons with renowned artist Oscar Perez and plans to major in Jazz Performance. She regularly attends live performances for inspiration, practices with maturity, and is well on her way to becoming a great jazz musician.
Aiden Rosen
Grade 8, Pequannock Valley Middle School
Nominated by Michael Kertesz
Aiden is an exceptional jazz musician with strong technical skills and creativity. A key Jazz Band member, he also serves as Secretary of Tri-M and contributes to many artistic and community efforts. His leadership and dedication make him a standout performer and an excellent honoree.
About MPAC
Mayo Performing Arts Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, presents a wide range of programs that entertain, enrich, and educate the region’s diverse population while enhancing the economic vitality of Northern New Jersey. The 2024–2025 season is supported in part by a grant from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as funding from the F.M. Kirby Foundation, The Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation, and numerous corporations, foundations, and individuals. MPAC was named the 2016 Outstanding Historic Theatre by the League of Historic American Theatres and ranks in the top 50 mid-sized performing arts centers by Pollstar Magazine.
