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Tony DeSare presents Sinatra and Beyond
Tony DeSare performs with infectious joy, wry playfulness and robust musicality. Named a Rising Star Male Vocalist in Downbeat magazine, DeSare has lived up to this distinction by winning critical and popular acclaim for his concert performances throughout North America and abroad. From jazz clubs to Carnegie Hall to Las Vegas headlining with Don Rickles and major symphony orchestras, DeSare has brought his fresh take on old school class around the globe. DeSare has four top ten Billboard jazz albums under his belt and has been featured on the CBS Early Show, NPR, A Prairie Home Companion, the Today Show and his music has been posted by social media celebrity juggernaut, George Takei. DeSare has also collaborated with Youtube icons Postmodern Jukebox. DeSareʼs Lush Life recording, debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard Traditional Jazz Chart and he released Song Diaries Vol. 2 in early 2022, now streaming on all platforms. DeSareʼs latest single “Paris Always Will Have You” was released in early 2024 and available on all streaming platforms.
Notwithstanding his critically acclaimed turns as a singer/pianist, DeSare is also an accomplished award-winning composer.
He not only won first place in the USA Songwriting Contest, but has written the theme song for the motion picture, My Date With Drew, several broadcast commercials and has composed the full soundtracks for the Hallmark Channelʼs Love Always, Santa, Lifetimeʼs Nanny Nightmare and Lifetimeʼs new A Welcome Home Christmas. His sound is romantic, swinging and sensual, but what sets DeSare apart is his ability to write original material that sounds fresh and contemporary, yet pays homage to the Great American Songbook. His compositions include a wide-range of romantic, funny, and soulful sounds that can be found on his topselling recordings.
DeSare’s forthcoming appearances include the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, Virginia Symphony, Artis-Naples/Naples Philharmonic, Grand Teton Music Festival, Chautauqua Institution and The New York Pops at Carnegie Hall.
DeSare releases new recordings, videos of standards and new originals regularly on his YouTube channel, Apple Music and Spotify. Follow Tony on Facebook, Instagram and subscribe on YouTube to stay connected.
Coming Soon to MPAC
Outstanding Pianists
Amelia Cassano
Grade 12; Dover High School; Nominated by John Hoferer
Amelia exemplifies what it means to be a dedicated student. Throughout these past four years, I have seen the emergence of a highly motivated, assertive, mature, and compassionate student who excels at every aspect of her education. Amelia is consistently striving for greatness, specifically as a leader in the music department. Additionally, Amelia is an avid performer at both Dover High School and with her piano studio, where she often gives end of the year recitals. Finally, Amelia has cemented herself as one of the premier performers at Dover High School.
Amal Fakhar
Grade 11; Madison High School; Nominated by Sara Wlazlowski
Amal is an extremely talented pianist and musician who has shown great dedication to her craft and the music department at Madison High School. Throughout her high school career thus far, Amal has performed as the lead pianist in the Madison Ave. Jazz Band and in the Pit Orchestra for Little Women, Mamma Mia! and Sister Act. She has also accompanied several ensembles including the Jazz Choir, Mixed Chorus and Chamber Strings. In her junior year, Amal showcased her talent during the 2024 Marching Dodgerʼs show where she performed Chopinʼs Nocturne in C# Minor. This spring, she will be performing alongside the Madison High School Orchestra and be a featured piano soloist in “Cinema Paradiso”. Although Amalʼs primary instrument is piano, she is also an accomplished violist in the orchestra and mallet player in the band.
Tara Gumpper
Grade 9; Morristown High School; Nominated by David Gallagher
Tara is an incredibly talented piano player who uses their skills in just about every ensemble that the school offers. She was the synthesizer player for the marching band this season, as well as controlling all of the sound effects and sampling. She also plays piano for the jazz band and is keyboard 1 in our pit orchestra for Les Misérables. The pit orchestra music in particular demands perfection and Tara approaches everything she does with incredible maturity and nuance.
Nina Gustavesen
Grade 10; Morristown High School; Nominated by David Gallagher
Nina is one of the finest musicians at Morristown High School. Her clarinet skills have earned her spots in numerous honor ensembles, but she also plays piano in many of our ensembles. Whenever thereʼs a piano part in the honors wind ensemble Nina always steps up and plays it flawlessly. Most impressive is her nuanced playing in “Night Soliloquy” where she accompanies a flute soloist. Nina is also the keyboard 2 player for Les Misérables in our pit orchestra. The keyboard 2 book requires numerous patch changes and many
The 2024-2025 Music Student of the Month program is supported by The Walter F. and Alice Gorham Foundation, Inc.
Outstanding Pianists
different styles of playing to achieve all of the desired sounds and instrumental qualities. Using “mainstage” for the first time this year Nina has demonstrated incredible thoughtfulness, responsibility, and above all musical talent as she accompanies the cast for our musical.
Lindsey Mattie
Grade 11; Kinnelon High School; Nominated by Ryan Stroud Lindsey is a junior at Kinnelon High School. She plays both flute and piano in our Wind Ensemble and Pep Band. Sheʼs also a student in our Music Theory class and has intentions to study music as an education major after high school. Lindsey has been an incredible leader in our band program. She brings a great energy to class everyday and has always been an inspiration to her teachers and classmates throughout her high school career.
Noah Racuya
Grade 7; Brooklawn Middle School; Nominated by Joseph Stella Noah is a talented percussionist in our 7th grade band who also plays the piano in our jazz band. This is the second year that Noah successfully auditioned into the schoolʼs jazz band. He has become a solid part of our rhythm section on the piano and also trades parts with another pianist to play the bass part on the synthesizer. Aside from his musical accomplishments, he is also always very polite and responsible. Noah's musicianship and demeanor make him an excellent choice for this month's MSOM.
Michael Redko
Grade 8; Black River Middle School; Nominated by Kenneth Piascik Michael Redko is the definition of a well-rounded, dedicated, and talented musician. Ever since the start of 6th grade, Michael has been a major key player in our music program at Black River. His has a very sincere and passionate love of music that is an inspiration for everyone around him! He brings a special brightness to all our rehearsals and is one of my most dependable players. Michael is always ready to play! Even though his participation in all of our groups is crucial, the “Encore” Jazz Ensemble would not be the same without his talent on the piano. Michael knows his music and leads the ensemble as a performer and a person. He is also an important member of our percussion program where he loves the mallets and adding to the dancing groove. Michael Redko is without a doubt an “Outstanding Pianist” and I am very proud to be part of his musical journey.
Henry Schwartz
Grade 8; Pequannock Valley Middle School; Nominated by Michael Kertesz
I am thrilled to nominate Henry Schwartz for Outstanding Pianist. Henry consistently demonstrates exceptional talent, dedication, and passion for music. His technical precision, expressive playing, and ability to interpret complex pieces set him apart as a remarkable musician. Henry’s commitment to continuous growth is evident through his diligent practice and willingness to tackle challenging repertoire. Beyond his musical abilities, he is a supportive peer, always encouraging others and fostering a positive environment. Henry’s artistry and leadership make him truly deserving of this recognition.
