Faculty

Elementary Orchestra Faculty

Ms. Quraishi - Franklin

Jasmine Quraishi is the orchestra director for Lawton C. Johnson Summit Middle School and Franklin Elementary School. Ms. Quraishi graduated from Rutgers University in 2024 with a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education and Violin Performance, where she studied with Dr. Elena Chernova-Davis. She also attended Brevard Music Center’s summer festival in North Carolina as a student in 2018, 2019 and 2021. Ms. Quraishi student-taught in Edison, NJ at John Marshall Elementary School and John P. Stevens High School. After her student teaching experiences, she was a long-term substitute orchestra teacher at South Orange Middle School in South Orange, NJ. In addition to teaching in public schools, she has a private violin studio in Maplewood, NJ and enjoys performing in pits for musicals. She absolutely loves teaching orchestra and is excited to be joining the Summit music team!

Mrs. Bojovic - Brayton

Serbian native Nevena Bojovic is a violin teacher and a performer from Summit, NJ. She holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Violin Performance from the University of Musical Arts in Belgrade, Serbia. After moving to the United States, Mrs. Bojovic continued her studies with renowned pedagogue Masao Kawasaki and obtained a Master of Music degree from Brooklyn College. Mrs. Bojovic has had the pleasure of performing throughout the tri-state area as a freelance musician, and her orchestral experience includes performances throughout Europe with the Serbian Chamber Orchestra and St. George Strings. Mrs. Bojovic received Suzuki teacher training and certification from the School for Strings, NYC. She has been a faculty member of the Suburban Community Music Center (New Providence, NJ), String Project (Brooklyn College, NY), United Nations International School (New York, NY), Far Brook School (Short Hills, NJ), and New Jersey Youth Symphony (Sinfonia Conductor and Director of Summer Orchestral Camp) (New Providence, NJ). Mrs. Bojovic also holds a private violin studio in Summit, NJ.

Mr. Giannone - Jefferson, Lincoln Hubbard, Washington

Mr. Giannone is a freelance musician, band leader and educator in Northern New Jersey. He currently holds a master’s degree in Music from William Paterson University, and a bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University, with a dual focus in Jazz Studies and Music Education. While working as a full time music educator, Mr. G was selected to participate in the prestigious Betty Carter Jazz Ahead Class of 2017, located at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. Mr. G has had the honor of performing across the United States, as well as across Europe. Mr. G teaches 4th and 5th grade orchestras at Jefferson, Lincoln-Hubbard and Washington Elementary School. When Mr. G is not teaching, he enjoys bowling, classic cars and hanging out with his wife, two children and dog.

Elementary Band Faculty

Mr. Gleason - Brayton, Lincoln-Hubbard, Washington

Michael Gleason has happily lived in Union county his whole life. He grew up in Scotch Plains where he succeeded at trumpet playing making it into both Regions and All-State. He then continued on to The College of New Jersey where he obtained his bachelor in Music Education with a focus on trumpet. Mr Gleason has played many musicals in his lifetime both here in Summit and at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center. Michael Gleason has also obtained his Master in Educational Technology from Ramapo University. Mr Gleason teaches at Brayton, Lincoln-Hubbard and Washington Elementary Schools, He also helps out with the High School Marching Band and for some time conducted the High School Jazz Band.

Mrs. Morley - Franklin & Jefferson

Jessica Morley is officially joining the Summit staff this year as the 6th grade band director and elementary band director for Jefferson and Franklin Elementary Schools. She will also be the visual instructor of the Summit High School Marching Band. Jessica has been a student teacher in the Summit School District for over a year in Washington, Brayton, and Summit High School. Ms. Morley graduated from Rutgers University - Mason Gross School of the Arts in 2022 with a Bachelor of Music Degree in Music Education and Clarinet Performance, with a minor in Psychology. At Mason Gross, she studied clarinet with the head of the woodwind department, Dr. Maureen Hurd. She also participated in the Rutgers Athletic Bands where she played baritone and had the opportunity to be drum major for the 2019, 2020 and 2021 seasons. In her free time, Jessica enjoys attending football and basketball games at her alma mater. Fun fact: Ms. Morley got to meet NFL commissioner, Roger Goodell, in 2019 who gave her tickets to Superbowl LIV in Miami, Florida!

Page updated

Report abuse