Mendham Teen Named Outstanding Violinist, Meets Icon Itzhak Perlman

MENDHAM, N.J. – Jocelyn Alam is ending her sophomore year on a high note.

The Mendham High School 10th grader has been named among the county’s most outstanding violinists by the Mayo Performing Arts Center in Morristown, and to top it off, was able to meet with legendary violinist and composer Itzhak Perlman, who performed at the venue May 7.

Alam was nominated by her teacher, Patricia Danner, who said:

Jocelyn is a very talented overall musician, participating in both our string and choral programs at Mendham HS. She is a first violinist in the Orchestra, and also plays in our Select Strings and Cabaret Strings (Jazz) ensembles. Her professionalism has elevated the level of the section, in their musicality and their work ethic. Jocelyn has also found much success in her vocal endeavors, participating in Morris Area Choir, North Jersey Region Choir, All-State Choir, and ACDA All-Eastern Choir. Not only is Joci a fine musician, but she is a very humble and sweet student. She encourages her friends in music, and is the type of student you can rely on in any situation. Joci is one of our top music students as a sophomore in high school and we are all excited to see the new heights she will achieve as she continues on her musical journey!

A total of seven violinists from around Morris County were honored for the month. All will be invited back for an end of the year recital in June.

Pictured: Front, Itzhak Perlman. Back; Jocelyn Alam, Grade 10, Mendham High School, Mendham; Olivia Guarinello, Grade 8, Randolph Middle School, Randolph; Kimberly Love, Grade 8, Brooklawn Middle School, Parsippany; Magdalena Raska, Grade 12, Morristown High School, Morristown; Meghan Sitaram, Grade 12, Chatham High School, Chatham; Natalie Stadler, Grade 12, Randolph High School, Randolph. Photo Courtesy Mayo Performing Arts Center.