Emma Stark, an 8th grader at Black River Middle School was one of several honored by the Mayo Performing Arts CEnter as an October Music Student of the Month for being an outstanding vocalist.
All the students were nominated by their teachers and chosen by Mayo Pac’s education department. At the end of the year, all honored students will be invited to perform in a recital.
Emma began taking acoustic guitar and vocal lessons when she was in 2nd grade. She writes and performs her own original music as well as covers from artists such as Vance Joy, Taylor Swift, Fleetwood Mac, and Coldplay. She has performed at Redwoods, The Coffee Potter, and at the Morris County 4H fair for the last 4 years. She is also a member of the Black River Middle School Drama Club and performed in past productions of the Wizard of Oz and Little Mermaid.
This is what Emma’s music teacher had to say about Emma:
Emma has been a member of the chorus at Black River for three years, as well as a member of the Select Chorus since the sixth grade. As this is her third year in both vocal ensembles, I have seen Emma blossom into a magnificent musician and performer. Emma is also often a soloist and is part of the Drama Club’s musicals each year. She comes to rehearsals and performances with the utmost professionalism, enthusiasm, and respect for the art. Emma continues her musical endeavors outside of school as well. Emma truly exemplifies what a great musician is!”
Some of Emma’s favorite memories from Westmont are her close friendships in class with Blake Stevens and Claire Kurisko. She and Claire are still best friends today. Favorite songs to sing in Miss Monica’s class were Hola Amigo and Light a Candle for Peace, and her favorite works were sand paper letters, maps and pasta necklaces. She also enjoyed being a guest reader in her younger sister Kate’s class.
Emma came back to Westmont this past summer as a Jr. Camp Counselor.
