Grammy-nominated recording artist Maiysha is a striking up & coming figure in contemporary soul music.  Her critically acclaimed debut album, This Much Is True:, marked the arrival of a striking up-and-coming figure in contemporary soul music. Her musicis elegant and intelligent, hook-laden and envelope-pushing - with a touch of old-school classic style – the kind of new sound that landed her a remarkable 2009 Grammy nomination for her first single “Wanna Be” in the Best Urban/Alternative Performance category.

If her music is uncommon, so is Maiysha’s background; the Brooklyn-based singer/songwriter is also a graduate of Sarah Lawrence College, former schoolteacher, and successful model with the legendary FORD agency in New York.  As she explains it,  “My journey wasn’t linear, but it couldn’t have happened any other way.”

In life as in music, Maiysha examines the dualities of striving and setbacks, strength and vulnerability, languor and urgency, sensuality and spirituality. “The whole thing has been incredible—finally finishing the album and seeing long-term goals become short-term possibilities,” she says. “I can’t wait for whatever comes next.”

 What's next is a live album, "Undercover", recorded at the legendary Blue Note Jazz Club in Manhattan. Inspired by the response to Maiysha's sexy re-working of Peter Gabriel's "Sledgehammer" on This Much Is True: and the raw and electrifying live performances she has become known for, "Undercover" is due to be released in Spring 2010.

“This songstress’s soulful sound incorporates hip-hop, jazz and funk that is just as comfortable on the dance floor as at a backyard barbecue." - NEWSWEEK

Passing Notes is Montclair High School’s premier student student-directed a capella group. Featuring fifteen students, ranging from grades 9-12, male and female, the group covers a wide selection of genres and classic pieces, ranging from Rennaissance four-part polyphony to modern pop tunes. The group was founded in 2005 by MHS student Tess Smagorinsky.

The Flemtones play an eclectic mix of rock n roll cover tunes that stylistically include blues, r&b, roots rock, folk, country, pop, and a little bit of funk or jazz thrown in for good measure. They have been playing together in various incarnations and under a few different names (to stay a step ahead of the law) since they met at MHS in the mid-1970’s.

Starting as a high school garage band called Dark Star; they began playing the North Jersey club circuit in the late 70’s/early 80’s as Sidewinder, and have now been playing as the Fabulous Flemtones for 23 years. The current members of the band have been together for about 30 years, which is remarkable because they’re all so young. (or at least that’s what they’ll tell you). Their primary gig is at Tierney’s Tavern on the last Friday of the month, but they also enjoy playing private parties, occasional benefits, and festivals.

Fresh Out The Box is Montclair's premier hip-hop dance group. They have performed at sweet sixteens, guest appeared for the MHS Dance Company, as well as performed for the Sisters On The Runway fashion show. They love to dance, are dedicated, and always make new material for every show we perform; no two shows are ever the same. Several members were part of the Nets Kids dance team.

The Glenfield Jazz Band of Montclair, NJ has been an institution of Glenfield Middle School for over twenty-five years. Started in the 1980's by music teacher John Best, the band has tackled complex styles from fusion to bebop with the confidence and energy of a professional ensemble. The student musicians sacrifice valuable sleep to rehearse before school every day at 7am. Many of the jazz band alumni earn a degree in music and become professional musicians. The Glenfield Jazz Band is a part of Glenfield Middle SchoolÕs Music Department and is currently lead by Jonathan Ward.