Edward Mistretta is currently a senior at North Arlington High School and has become somewhat of a school legend when it comes to music. Just this year, Edward became the first student of North Arlington High School in over 30 years to successfully land a spot in the NJMEA All-State Band!  In addition he placed first in the North Jersey Region 1 Wind Ensemble and Orchestra! Edward has been a trombone player in the North Arlington School District music program since 4th grade. This past year he served as one of the Drum Majors for NAHS marching band and also as the President of the Tri-M Music Honor Society, two clubs where he has made many wonderful memories with his bandmates over the years. 

Outside of school, Edward has been studying with his private teacher Julie Krygsman for 7 years and has played in several community groups: New Jersey Symphony Academy Orchestra, Bloomfield Youth Band, and most recently, New Jersey Youth Symphony (Wharton Arts). Edward has made many friends from all over the state who share his love of music.

It is important to note that the music does not stop over the summer! Edward participated in the Jazz House Kids Summer Workshop, the New England Conservatory Summer Orchestra Institute, the NYU Summer Brass Workshop, and Gramercy Brass Band Camp. All of these programs and orchestras helped shape him as a musician and a person and also helped him when it came to applying to conservatory.

Applying to the conservatory or music school is a little different than applying to college in that most music colleges require in-person auditions. Some even require an accompanist on piano as well as a pre-screening recording, short interview, and submitting the CommonApp. Edward spent months rehearsing and recording audition tapes and travelled out of state to audition before people who could become his future professors. In the end, he was accepted into the music schools at Montclair State University and New York University as well as the conservatories Peabody at  Johns Hopkins University and Mannes School of Music at The New School.

Edward ultimately chose to attend the Mannes School of Music at The New School in New York City and will be studying under Mr. Demian Austin, Principal Trombonist of the Metropolitan Opera.

So, what is Edward’s life like outside of music? He is an avid origami artist and creates diagrams of his own designs, planning one day to publish a book. He is a member of Origami USA and has taught classes at their annual convention in New York City to people from all around the world. He enjoys watching action movies, going to amusement parks, hanging out with friends, collecting bowties, and of course, going to concerts. 

Career-wise Edward hopes to one day become a professional orchestral musician, performing, recording, and teaching as a trombonist. 

What is his advice for aspiring musicians at NAHS? He answered simply, “Work very hard in order to achieve your goals.”