Concert, scholarship will honor De Carolis

A Big Band Benefit Concert to honor Mario "Chic" De Carolis and to fund the first music scholarship in East Brunswick is planned for 3-5 p.m. on Oct. 28 at East Brunswick High School, Cranbury Road.

De Carolis, who died in February, was a music teacher and bandleader at East Brunswick High School, Middle School and elementary schools for 30 years. He was especially well-known for founding the Indigos Dance Band, a 24-member jazz stage band made up of the high school's elite musicians, many of whom have become successful music teachers and/or professional musicians.

In honor of "Mr. D's" life and longstanding contributions to the community, his daughter, Yvonne Amalina De Carolis, his family and his former students including Steve Kaplan and Noreen Braman, have created the first music scholarship and benefit concert in his name.

The Mario "Chic" De Carolis Music Scholarship Concert will feature former Indigos Band alumni, musicians from Musicians Local No. 204-373 (of which De Carolis was president) and current students in the East Brunswick High School Jazz Band, under the direction of John Kish.

Former students and colleagues who wish to participate in the event or who cannot attend but wish to make a donation are invited to call Yvonne De Carolis at (609) 275-8474.

Concert donation is $10. All proceeds will benefit the scholarship fund.