2 Parsippany Students Named Outstanding Musicians In Morris County

MORRISTOWN, N.J. – Nic Colella and Jamie Lai are ending their school years on a high note.

Colella, a Parsippany High School student, and Lai, a Brooklawn Middle School student, have been named among the county’s top jazz musicians for the month of April by the Mayo Performing Arts Center.

Colella’s teacher, Gregory Dalakian, nominated the high school junior for the honor, and said:

“Nic has been a member of the PHS Jazz Ensemble since his freshman year, and since then has shown his love and talent for jazz. He is an outstanding young musician and contributes greatly to our band as both an ensemble player and soloist. Nic played Tenor Sax in the band the last two years and this year is our lead Alto sax. He is always willing to solo anytime the opportunity is available. Nic has furthered his music education by attending the Mount Tabor Summer Music Camp in Parsippany for many summers, focusing on Jazz Studies. He is one of the most expressive and creative jazz musicians I've had the chance to work with in my career. He is a great asset to the PHS Jazz Ensemble.”

Lai, a seventh-grader, was nominated by Joseph Stella, who said:

“Jamie is a 7th grade tenor saxophonist at Brooklawn Middle School who always gives 100% in music. Besides playing with the 7th grade concert band, Jamie has volunteered her time to play with the BMS Jazz Band and the BMS Pit Band for the spring musical. Jamie has volunteered to play several solos during jazz band and has done a fine job with these. She has a wonderful cooperative demeanor that makes her a joy to teach in any ensemble.”

Pictured: From left; George Dailey, Treasurer of the Provident Bank Foundation; Nicholas Colella, Grade 11, Parsippany High School, Parsippany; Morgan Festa, Grade 8, Kinnelon Middle School, Kinnelon; Stephen Goodyear, Grade 8, Mount Olive Middle School, Budd Lake; Victor Nazzaro, Grade 11, Morristown High School, Morristown; Alex Paulozzo, Grade 6, John Hill School, Boonton; Alejandro De Los Santos, Grade 10, Dover High School, Dover; Elisabeth Sauerman, Grade 8, Mountain View Middle School, Mendham. Not pictured: Jamie Lai; Jacob Luciani.