September 24, 2026
SEPTEMBER
Outstanding Woodwind Players Emma Collora Grade 8; John Hill School; Nominated by Yvonne Manca Emma is highly deserving of this award because of her dedication, musicianship, and consistent growth as a saxophone player. She approaches music with a positive attitude and a genuine desire to improve, comes to class prepared, and accepts feedback with maturity. She is a dependable member of the ensemble who listens carefully, works cooperatively with others, and contributes positively to the overall sound of the group. Most importantly, she demonstrates the qualities of an outstanding young musician: perseverance, responsibility, respect, and a willingness to continue learning. Her enthusiasm for the saxophone is evident in her performances and in the effort she puts into becoming a better musician. Dustin Debiasse Grade 12; Madison High School; Nominated by Russ Batsch Dustin is a Senior who performs on both clarinet and tenor saxophone. In recent years he has stepped up his work on the tenor, focusing his efforts on improvisation and jazz interpretation. He works hard, has a positive attitude, and through tremendous adversity has come out the other side as a shining example of what music can do for students. He is a big part of our culture here, a true leader, and a great saxophone player. Maggie Donough Grade 8; Frelinghuysen Middle School; Nominated by Tim Beadle Maggie has been a student at FMS for two years and plays in almost every possible ensemble: alto saxophone in the 8th grade band, oboe in the Wind Symphony, and tenor saxophone in the jazz ensemble. This year she may even give the soprano saxophone a try! On top of that, Maggie is a fantastic oboe player who performs with NJYS and was first chair in NJSMA Intermediate Symphonic Winds last year. Zeke Hammel Grade 6; Rockaway Valley School; Nominated by Nicole Covart Zeke has been an outstanding musician from day one in 4th grade. He signed up for private lessons immediately and taught himself many fun songs, including George Michaelʼs Careless Whisper, while still in 4th grade. He took on the alto saxophone with such intensity that I moved him from the 5th grade band last year to the RVS Upper Grade Band, where he kept up with the more advanced 6th, 7th, and 8th graders with ease. He also excelled in the Honors Band for 5th and 6th graders in May. Typically I donʼt nominate 6th grade band members, but for Kenny G. I felt it was more than appropriate to nominate this deserving saxophone player. Brooks Hohorst Grade 10; Morristown High School; Nominated by David Gallagher Brooks is an incredibly accomplished saxophone player. He plays in our wind ensemble, marching band, and jazz band, and has taken a leadership role in our schoolʼs jazz combo. He continues to challenge himself outside of school as well, attending the Rutgers Jazz Camp this summer. Brooks has also begun learning multiple woodwind instruments, with plans to join pit orchestra and continue excelling in our jazz program. Gabriella Klapcz Grade 8; Central Middle School; Nominated by Esther Musilli & Kristin Cappuccino Gabby is a dedicated clarinet player who consistently demonstrates a strong commitment to music. She attends summer band camp, where she learned a new instrument this past summer, and continues to show her dedication by spending time in the band room practicing. Gabby genuinely loves playing the clarinet and takes pride in developing as a musician. Her enthusiasm, commitment, and love for her instruments make her a deserving student to be recognized.
Outstanding Jazz Musicians Hugo Leon Grade 8; Randolph Middle School; Tom Davidson Hugoʼs involvement in music began in elementary school, where he played bass in the string orchestra, sang in chorus, learned the recorder, and performed with the Orff Ensemble. In 5th grade he transitioned to band and began playing alto saxophone. In 6th grade he auditioned for the middle school jazz band and, at the recommendation of his band instructor, moved to tenor saxophone, becoming the only 6th grade tenor saxophonist in the RMS Jazz Ensemble at the time. In 7th grade he performed his first solo parts in school concerts. He has remained committed to jazz band and the tenor saxophone throughout middle school and looks forward to continuing in high school. Hugo also enjoys music beyond the classroom and taught himself to play piano. His curiosity and love of learning have encouraged him to explore a variety of interests while growing as a musician, student, and athlete. Matthew Marchiarullo Grade 8; Brooklawn Middle School; Nominated by Joseph Stella Matthew is a talented alto saxophone player in our 8th grade band. He is always conscientious about learning his parts and has improved a great deal during his time at the middle school. Outside of concert band, he successfully auditioned into the BMS jazz band. He is also always very polite and responsible. Matthew's musicianship and demeanor make him an excellent choice for this month's MSOM. Christopher Purrazzo Grade 8; Jefferson Township Middle School; Nominated by Lauren Kulick Itʼs my pleasure to nominate Chris for both his dedication to his music and his overall positive character. His passion and excitement for music are infectious, and he can be heard improvising on his bari sax with his friends before and after the band period. He is always looking for opportunities to perform and share his music, whether through the school program or at outside special events. Bari sax is his main instrument in the JTIS bands, and he auditioned for and was accepted into Sussex County Junior Honors Band last year. He is a dedicated member of Select Band, our after school group that performs throughout the community. Chris is multi-instrumental as well: he played guitar in our Jazz Band last year and performed in our talent show as a soloist. JTIS is lucky to have Chris in our band program, and I am happy to acknowledge his accomplishments with this nomination. Zach Recchia Grade 10; Roxbury High School; Nominated by Sarah Bednarcik Zach is an outstanding young musician, a consistent team player, and a fantastic human. Originally a saxophonist, he studies privately, successfully auditioned for Jr. Region 1 Band last year, participated in the Rutgers Honors Band weekend, and currently participates in marching band and jazz ensemble. Near the end of last school year, we approached Zach about also studying flute; we needed more flutists for our Honors Wind Symphony, our top ensemble at Roxbury, and felt confident he would thrive in taking on a second instrument. He began studying privately and started this school year as one of our most outstanding flutists, attending outside masterclasses and clinics and working hard on BOTH instruments to perform and lead at the highest level. Most importantly, Zach loves music. He is curious, has a persistent work ethic, and is always ready for a challenge. He is by far one of our most deserving students. Sophia Rossow Grade 8; Pequannock Township High School; Nominated by Michael Kertesz Sophia is an exceptionally dedicated and versatile young musician who has distinguished herself through both her musical ability and her leadership within our music program. She performs on both alto and baritone saxophone, demonstrating a versatility and commitment that is truly impressive for a high school student. In addition to performing in our Jazz Band, she serves as a section leader, where she has become a positive role model for her peers and helps set a high standard for preparation, musicianship, and professionalism. She is an active member of the Pequannock Township High School Marching Band and the Tri-M Music Honor Society. Whether she is playing alto, taking on a demanding baritone part, leading her section, performing with the marching band, or representing our program through Tri-M, Sophia approaches every responsibility with maturity and enthusiasm. She is the kind of student who makes the musicians around her better, and her presence has a meaningful impact on our ensembles and our younger musicians.