On December 15,  The Calais School was presented with a generous donation of gently used and much needed musical instruments and music equipment.

The donation was the brainchild of West Morris Mendham High School honor student Jessye Sabetta, an avid music lover and violinist who wanted to share her passion for music with others in need. Calais School Executive Director David Leitner and Calais Foundation President David Rostan welcomed Jessye to The Calais School this past June and gave her a personal tour. Her visit inspired Jessye to orchestrate a fundraiser for the school. She collected many instruments and equipment including drum sets, guitars and music stands, which she personally delivered to the school prior to the winter concert. She then attended the concert with her mother Stephanie.

Jessye started playing the violin in the first grade. “I still remember the first time I heard a live orchestra and knew this was something I wanted in my life,” said Jessye, who is a participant in West Morris Mendham High School’s International Baccalaureate Program, a career-related program for students ages 16-19 which helps students gain skills in applied knowledge, critical thinking, communication and cross-cultural engagement.

“Jessye is a remarkable young woman and Calais’ Music Department is grateful for the donations,” said Calais School Musical Director Gerardo Aquino. “The music program is a popular choice among students so the additional instruments will go a long way in filling the gaps. Calais students enjoy using the new instruments almost every day.”