Bob is the Principal Saxophonist for the Pops, masterfully playing Alto, Tenor, and Baritone Sax. Since moving to Glen Rock in 1981, he has been an integral part of the ensemble, making him the longest-serving member at an impressive 43 years and counting.
Bob’s musical journey began early, and he holds the distinction of being the first saxophonist to perform with renowned blues singer Bonnie Raitt. While music has been a lifelong passion, his professional career took a different path—rooted in family legacy. His grandfather pioneered the production of Melba Toast, inspiring Bob’s career in the food industry. Today, he continues to share his expertise as a volunteer with SCORE, a division of the National Small Business Administration, where he has helped launch numerous local restaurants and bakeries.
Beyond music and business, Bob leads an active and multifaceted life. He is a certified soccer and lacrosse referee and a published author of articles on soccer rules. When winter arrives, he can be found teaching skiing at Campgaw Mountain Ski Area, while warmer months see him playing tennis at the Upper Ridgewood Tennis Club.
From the stage to the slopes, the field to the court, Bob’s dedication and diverse talents continue to enrich his community.
Jeanne has been a proud resident of Glen Rock for 33 years and a dedicated member of the Glen Rock Pops, playing 2nd Violin for the past 25 years. She and her husband, John Massaro, have been married for 34 years and are the loving parents of four children: Sean (Moises), Danielle (Nick), Connor, and Lauren. They are also proud grandparents to two grandsons, Caiden and Zachary.
Professionally, Jeanne spent 15 years as an engineer at AT&T before transitioning to a career in education. For the past 18 years, she has been a dedicated special education math teacher, helping students reach their full potential.
Beyond her career and music, Jeanne has always been an active member of the community. She served as a Girl Scout leader for many years and enjoys hobbies such as crocheting and participating in two book clubs. She also cherishes time spent at the family’s Montauk, N.Y., home, where she enjoys vacationing with family and friends. Together with her husband, John, she shares a passion for traveling the world.
Reflecting on her time with the Glen Rock Pops, Jeanne shares: “As life has given me ups and downs, the Glen Rock Pops has been a steady influence in my life. It has been an energizing experience to practice and perform with this orchestra.”
Jean (“Jeannie”) Papsun is the Chair of the Second Violin section in the Glen Rock Pops Orchestra. Since joining the Pops in 2009, she has lovingly referred to it as her “happy place.”
Jeannie, her husband Kent, and their young daughters, Heather and Amy, moved to Glen Rock in 1989. As her children grew, she found a passion for education, serving as a substitute teacher in language, social studies, art, and music. This experience eventually led to a full-time position as an elementary vocal and instrumental teacher at Hamilton School within the Glen Rock Public Schools.
With a background in piano from her studies at Nazareth College, Jeannie nurtured a love of music in her students, helping them explore, perform, and develop their own appreciation for the arts.
Now retired from teaching, Jeannie continues to immerse herself in music as a dedicated member of the Glen Rock Pops. Reflecting on her journey with the orchestra, she shares:
“Learning and performing the violin for over a decade—striving to make it ‘sing’ and blend seamlessly with other instruments—has deepened my respect, love, and appreciation for orchestral music and my fellow musicians.”
Despite leaving each rehearsal a little tired, Jeannie always departs with excitement, knowing that soon, an audience will be waiting to hear the music and, hopefully, leave with a smile.