Student Testimonies

Kenneth Bennett Lane. I am so proud to be singing with my cat, Celia, at the peace4paws.org's Music for the Animals Event coming up August 6th 2010 in Boonton at the Darress Theatre, and for the next one planned for the winter in Bergen County New Jersey!  As a professional performer and graduate of both Julliard and Manhattan School of Music, I take the time every day to celebrate our power to as act as civilized, empathetic humans. I believe we should protect our environment and all life forms always. All creatures deserve the nurturing and the protection that we humans can and should provide. Anyone who has a pet cat or dog appreciates the loyalty and love they return, making life so much more enjoyable. My family has had both cats and dogs and our cat, Celia, gives credence to the ancient Egyptians, who under the Pharaohs, of treated domestic pets as royalty. Check the posturing of cats. THEY LOOK REGAL! Celia be making her debut as  part of my singing presentation at the Music for Animals concert. My career started as a member of the S.M. Chartock Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company performing as Nanki Poo in the Mkado and Frederick in The Pirates of Penzeance in 1948. Since then I have sung as a Wagnerian heldentenor 3 solo concerts and one Joint Recital with a dramatic soprano in the main hall, the Isaac Stern Auditorium, of Carnegie Hall. My 10 Language Solo debut there and my 1995 All-Wagner concert, also, are represented by 37 complete selections, downloadable at "Recorded elections" on my website: www.WagnerOpera.co I have sung the title roles or leading tenor in premieres of operas by Prokofieff, Antheil, and others. 

Husband and wife team Carmen Artis and John Hammel have performed at the Off-Broadway venues the St. Peters and John Houseman Theatres as well as many smaller theaters throughout New York City.  They have also appeared in numerous operatic and musical productions throughout New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York as well as Pittsburgh and Baltimore, most notably at with the Northeast Lyric Opera, Scranton Opera IV, and New Jersey State Opera companies.  Carmen has sung under the batons of maestros Andre Previn and Michael Tilson Thomas with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. 

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John has appeared at, both in recital and with the New Jersey Pops Symphony Orchestra, Carnegie Hall in N.Y.C., the PNC Arts Center in Holmdel, The Cape May Arts Center, The Tropicana in Atlantic City, The Watchung Arts Center, Reese Auditorium in Sparta, Cipriani’s, Danny’s Skylight Room and the Plaza Hotel in N.Y.C. the Community Theatre in Morristown. 

Most recently Carmen was the soprano soloist in the world premiere of composer R. Wayne Walter’s new Mass in D minor. Carmen recently recorded the role of Adromache in Sam Belich’s opera The Trojan Women. 

John recently recorded the lead role of Laius in composer Sam Belich’s opera Laius and Chrysippus.  He also was recently engaged at Nevada Opera in the dual role of Aristeus/Pluto in their production of Offenbach’s Orpheus in the Underworld in the U.S. premiere of a new translation.

John is the host of an eclectic weekly radio program, Mozart to Motorhead, on inter-net only www.homegrownradionj.org. The program had previously been heard for over fifteen years, on WNTI, 91.9 F.M. www.wnti.org, North New Jersey Public Radio, out of Hackettstown, N.J. 

Carmen and John say that they “are very happy to be performing for a good cause”.

Gregory Cilmi Performer. Producer. Therapist. Philanthropist.  Vegan.  Gregory wears many hats in his day to day.  His talents have appeared in film, commercials, CD, print, Off Broadway and in Regional theatres throughout the USA.  He is the Author of a Children's book, "Go Home, Brooke Bunny!", Founder of Well Urned Productions, a Not-for Profit organization that uses theater to raise awareness for charitable causes (www.wellurnedproductions.com), a Collaborator/Associate Producer on the internet television series "Before the Big Break!" and Designer/Manager of Temple Goddess Dance & Yoga- a Middle Eastern dance and Yoga Studio in Tarpon Springs, FL.

A proud member of Actors Equity Association, Gregory's musical and dramatic influences range from Classical to Heavy Metal.    It is this mix of the serene to the visceral that make Gregory a powerful player both on and off the stage.  Favorite roles include Danny in "Danny and the Deep Blue Sea", Fagin in "Oliver!" and Roat in "Wait Until Dark".  Read more about Gregory through his website: www.gregorycilmi.com.
 

"As someone who shares his home with 9 cats, a bird, and 4 fish (All Rescues), I am pleased to be continuing in my  support of animal welfare. We are each of us connected, plant and animal alike; It is our duty to respect all living things, big and small. No matter how plentiful or insignificant it may seem, there is a purpose for its existance in our environment. Live and let live - Harm none, do what ye will."     ​

Crista’s musical influences range from Classical, Broadway, Celtic, Folk and Pop genres. Her style in a word is: Distinct

A singer and songwriter from northern New Jersey, Crista began classical voice training at 14. She received a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Montclair State University, and is now back at her alma mater pursuing a Master's Degree in Music Therapy.

Crista has performed in numerous concerts and musicals over the years in both New Jersey and New York.  Recently, Crista provided the singing voice for the leading character, Abigail Archibald, in the independent film "Silent "(Revscope Pictures). 

Crista believes in the true healing power of music as both a performer and therapist.  More information can be found out about Crista at www.CristaOrefice.tk.

"I believe that animals are some of God's most precious and cherishable creatures. We need to provide them all with a healthy and happy existence - they deserve nothing less. Peace4Paws is doing just that. I am proud to be a part of this benefit by offering the talents I have in order to help some more animals find a safe, happy and loving new home." ~ Crista Orefice

Ronni Sarrett Lederman, Soprano, is delighted to be a part of this Peace for Paws event. She is a voice teacher in Rockland county, the past founder of Ciela, a women’s vocal ensemble, and a professional classical singer. She has performed several operatic roles with performance groups such as Westside Opera Society, Hudson Lyric Opera, Piermont Chamber Opera, Rockland Opera, Rockland Symphony, WestFair Singers and many others. Her students range from professionals to the complete beginner. She is a member of New York Singing Teacher’s Association and NATS. To learn more about her teaching please visit www.vocalfocus.com.

Jason DeGeorge has played the guitar since he was twelve and after two music degrees, now teaches guitar at Westwood Music Studio.  In addition, Jay is a studio musician, composer, and performer.  He's performed with various artists and is currently working on his first solo album, Realizing Me.  Amanda DeGeorge studies voice with Jennifer Cece.  Ramona, Amanda & Jay's puppy, enjoys frolicking, snuggling, belly rubs, and MUSIC.  Jay & Amanda believe all animals deserve to be as loved as Ramona

Miriam S. 4th Grade and Toby want all research animals to be happy and find sanctuary. Miriam wants testing on consenting adults not animals whenever possible 

I love my sato Dakota! She makes piano lessons even more fun! ​

My name is Catherine Dattoli, 

I am 16 from Bergen County. I have been riding horses since I was five years old.  

I am also a dog person.  

I think animals should be treated like people. 

Dogs are man's best friend, animals are everyone's best friend!  Love them as you would love humans. 

Lauren McFadden:  graduate of Rutgers University and Seton Hall University School of Law, Ms. McFadden is an attorney with the law firm of Laddey, Clark & Ryan of Sparta and Denville where she specializes in Plaintiffs’ Personal Injury Law.   Having practically grown up in community and regional theater, some of her favorite roles include Ado Annie in “Oklahoma;” Audrey in “Little Shop of Horrors;” Connie in “A Chorus Line;” and Mary Warren in “The Crucible.”  Ms. McFadden recently appeared as Ursula in the NJ Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts and NJ Law Journal production of “Bye Bye Birdie” at the NJPAC under the direction of Rozanne Sullivan.  In her spare time, Ms. McFadden enjoys writing fiction, tennis, contact kickboxing and singing.  She is a student of Linda Benanti of Linda Benanti Voice Studios in Kinnelon, NJ.  Ms. McFadden resides in Sussex County with her fiancé, Andrew and two rescued cats, Chloe Marie and Henry Tudor. Lauren's black cat is especially musical. Chloe Marie is more the dancer-model.

Rozanne Sullivan  Bergen County resident Rozanne Sullivan and her husband Lee Zimet have  rescued three dogs and  thirteen cats over their 28 years together. Currently, they happily share their home with Bruno, a short-haired miniature Dachshund, and Winston, a Blenheim Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (both rescued), and six very spoiled, rescued cats (Blanche, Jezebel, Oliver, Pandora, Ruby, and Theo), who have never forgotten that the ancient Egyptians worshipped cats as gods! Rozanne, who is a retired attorney, has worked as a musical and stage director for the past eighteen years in New York and New Jersey. Among her happiest achievements are her stage and musical direction for Volunteer Lawyers of the Arts-New Jersey-sponsored productions of The Pajama Game and Bye Bye Birdie at NJPAC in Newark, her recital work (including a classical vocal recital with Peace4Paw's Jennifer Cece), and musical direction for nearly 50 productions of Broadway and off-Broadway musicals. She is also an accomplished organist and is currently the Director of Music at the Saddle River Reformed Church. An animal-lover since childhood, she cannot envision life without critters!

I'm Jean Nickford I am delighted to present at another Peace4Paws event. In this photo I am holding a section of a beehive, with a boa constrictor around my neck. I was on the trip to Vietnam/Cambodia with Overseas Adventure Travel about three years ago. Although my love of animals doesn't usually extend to bees and snakes, I was assured that it was perfectly safe to spend some time with them. For the record, boas are not poisonous, they just squeeze their prey to death.

Pam Lupfer, soprano, has sung with various choirs and ensembles including Ciela Women's Ensemble, Rockland County Choral Society, the South Coast Chorale of Long Beach, CA; Pennsylvania Pro Musica and as a church soloist for over twenty years having studied classical and opera.  A Presbyterian pastor in Rockland County, Pam enjoys creating worship experiences that utilize the arts in various mediums, especially music in all it's diversity.  Pam lives with her 10 year old cat, Kyra (which means joy in Greek).  I'm honored to be a part of this wonderful event.  It is important  bring attention to a clandestine topic - to the fact that our furry friends are really involved in testing.  People need to know that this testing occurs and what it is like.  At the least these brave animals deserve sanctuary.  All God's creatures deserve to be loved and respected.  Thank you to Peace4Paws for seeking to provide a safe place for these animals to live out their lives in peace."

Steel steel sculpture by Philip Negri, 2010

“Every moment of my life is a part of the whole. If all the boys employee respects the world would be a pleasant environment for all walks of life.”

Jennifer Cece, Co-Founder of peace4paws.org, of Westwood, New Jersey, is a voice and piano teacher for over 20 years (see www.Jennifer Vocals.com for more info on her teaching).  She is very proud and happy to work with many of her students, colleagues, and fellow performers in this special event Music for the Animals, 2010, at the Darress Theatre. Ms. Cece, soprano and accompanyist, has been able to redirect her musical experience to help the animals. In the last peace4paws.org event, her Yoga and Pilates certification and connections was influential in mobilizing the successful Yoga Benefit Event. This year, the emphasis is combining everyone’s musical talents to help animals.

Ms. Cece’s musical studies include attending University of Richmond with vocal scholarship, and a Masters in Music in classical Vocal Performance at New Jersey City University. She was the first place winner in NATS 2000 opera competition. She is certified in all three levels of Somatic Voicework™, the cutting edge vocal pedagogy technique for Contemporary Commercial Music. She has studied directly under the acclaimed founder Jeannie LoVetri. 

In addition to teaching, Ms. Cece enjoys performing recitals, chamber music, opera, musical theatre and vaudeville. Ms Cece recently completed a full length recital with Rozanne Sullivan in Upper Saddle River, New Jersey.

Ms. Cece has performed regularly over the years at the Darress Theatre.  This Peace4paws.org event reunites her with some of the most talented, and conscientious performers from The Enchanted Players (EPI), who she has had the pleasure and honor to work with over the past twenty years. Of special note are the Vaudeville Shows of 2007 and 2008, rehearsed and performed at the Darress with Mark Dacey and Mike True, and various original fairy tales musicals written by Regan Ryzuk,of EPI. With EPI at the Darress, she has performed with Greg Cilmi, John Hammel, Carmen Artist and Regan Ryzuk.

Outside of Boonton, Ms. Cece has premiered the work of many new composers.  Favorite performances include Mostly Mozart at Lincoln Center, Mabel in Pirates of Penzance, Vivaldi festivals with Baroque Orchestra of New Jersey, and Gesualdo at the Dramatists Guild, N.Y.C., Camelot at the Walnut Street Theatre, Philadelphia, PA. Most recently she has performed with the North Jersey Orchestra, Mozart’s Exultate Jubilate in Nyack, New York for the annual Concert of Remembrance a tribute to 9/11 victims, the role of Vitellia in La Clemenza Di Tito at Bruno Walter Auditorium at Lincoln Center. 

Ms. Cece says about Music for the Animals, 2010,  “Thank you so much everyone for taking the time to support foster and fur-ever homes and sanctuary for the animals retired from work in research and related fields. These animals are so sweet and deserving of all the love and attention they so innately crave. By coming together for Music for the Animals we are speaking out on their behalf in the hopes that the rest of the world is inspired to foster or adopt these dogs and cats or to donate to our sanctuary fund that supports care for these animals. Thank you Kindness Ranch for being there to help these animals. We are so proud to dedicate this event to your noble efforts!  Thank you!”

Here is Henry Tudor Playing the Piano to accompany Lauren.

Here is Chloe-Marie, beautiful as always. Looking up adoringly.