This is the next installment in a series of profiles of finalists competing in Morristown Onstage 2019.
By Marion Filler
Converting a song written for a group to a solo instrumental takes imagination. Breyton Croom goes even further, imbuing his soprano sax with the emotion of a human voice — specifically, Michael Jackson’s.
Croom will channel the King of Pop on Who’s Loving You, at Morristown Onstage on Feb. 27, 2019, at the Mayo Performing Arts Center in Morristown.
He is one of 15 finalists vying for prize money and local bragging rights, in a competition to benefit programs in the Morris School District.
“Michael Jackson had a voice like no other, and I’m trying to capture that voice and add a little bit of myself to it,” Croom says.
“This song was originally by the Temptations, and it was covered by the Jackson Five. They were my Dad’s favorite when I was growing up.”
Croom started by memorizing sheet music for the song.
“And then I improvise, so it’s not all just reading. What you will hear is me feeling the music.”
Music has been a friend to Croom, who was diagnosed with pervasive developmental disorder (PDD) as a child. It’s a form of autism that can range from mild to severe; some patients function on a high level while others cannot.
Luckily, Croom is on the mild end of the spectrum.
“They told my Mom that I would never go to a regular school, never go to college, and never live a normal life,” he recounts.
Fortunately, that was not the case. He played in the Morristown High School Marching Band, graduated from college and earned a Master’s degree in accounting. Croom works at Price Waterhouse, and is studying for his CPA exam in the spring.
But music is what gets him jazzed.
“Music is everything to me,” Croom says.
He started playing in the 4th grade, and eventually mastered the soprano sax, tenor sax and bass clarinet.
“Before I took it seriously, it was an extracurricular activity. Now it crosses the line between accounting and a career.”
During his free time, Croom plays with a band called High Anxiety.
More than 50 acts auditioned for this 12th edition of Morristown Onstage, a creation of the Morris Educational Foundation.
Organizers aim to top last year’s record of $143,000 raised for local school programs. The competition is open to amateur performers who live, work or study in Morristown, Morris Township or Morris Plains, and to graduates of Morristown High School.
Croom attributes his success to determination to overcome his diagnosis.
“You have to rely on your own self worth. Don’t let anybody define what you can do,” he says. He also credits the support of his family.
“They supported me all those years, emotionally, academically and socially. I’m very grateful.”
Fifteen top amateur acts from Greater Morristown will compete for cash and glory in the 12th annual Morristown Onstage, on Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2019, at the Mayo Performing Arts Center. Tickets: $29-$79. Proceeds benefit the Morris Educational Foundation. Call 973-539-8008.
