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Preparing all students
to reach their full potential as lifelong learners and socially responsible contributors to our global community

MUSIC & VISUAL ARTS

Background art created
by Saugatuck Elementary School student

UPCOMING EVENTS

 Please refer to this website throughout the school year for updated information about events & performances. 

DEC 5   CES Grade 5 Orchestra/Grade 4-5 Choral Concert

7:00pm, CES 

DEC 6   LLS Grade 5 Orch, Choral Concert

7:00pm, LLS 

DEC 9   MS Western Region Auditions

Morning, Fairfield Woods Middle School

DEC 12   BMS Grade 6 Band, Orchestra & Choral Concert

7:00pm, BMS Auditorium

DEC 14   BMS Grade 8 Band, Orchestra & Choral Concert

7:00pm, BMS Auditorium

DEC 14   KHS Grade 5 Orch; Grade 4/5 Choral Concert

7:00pm, KHS Auditorium

DEC 15   Candlelight Concert

8:00pm, SHS Auditorium

DEC 16   Candlelight Concert

3:00pm & 8:00pm, SHS Auditorium

DEC 19   BMS BMS Specialty Concert (Wind, Jazz, Chamber, & Camerata)

7:00pm, BMS Auditorium

DEC 20   GFS Grade 5 Orch; Grade 4/5Choral Concert

7:00pm, GHS Auditorium

Striving to develop each student's artistic literacy & global awareness

 

The Westport Music & Art Department's vision is to develop each students' artistic literacy and global awareness by developing their ability to create, perform/produce and respond to diverse music and art at the highest level in a safe and nurturing environment.

Art Learning Links

MOMA  •  LUNCH DOODLES WITH MO WILLEMS

Other Learning Links

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The Westport Public Schools Visual Arts show, SPARK, brought out area art lovers June 11. The exhibit, which ran from June 8-11, featured work from PreK artists to seniors in high school. The walls were covered wth evidence that art is thriving in our schools. Also featured was 

a special exhibit by Westport Artist Mark Yurkiw. A 3-legged 50ft. Arch, “SisterCities Bridge for Lyman Ukraine,” supported art created by our Westport students to let the school children in Lyman Ukraine know they are not forgotten. 

In case you missed it, you can get a taste of what was on display in the Spark program below.

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Click to see
Program!

SPARK Art Exhibit Packs MoCA Westport June 11

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Westport Public Schools Receives Best Community for Music Education Recognition, AGAIN!

The Westport Public Schools has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from the NAMM Foundation for the 10th year in a row. Recognized for its outstanding commitment to music education,  Westport joins 623 districts across the country in receiving this prestigious award for 2023. 

The Best Communities Music Education designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students. Districts that have been recognized by the NAMM Foundation are often held up as models for other educators looking to elevate their own music education programs. 

To qualify for the Best Communities designation, Westport answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program, and community music-making programs. The Music Department has been fortunate to forge partnerships with community organizations such as the Westport Library, the Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts, PTA Cultural Arts and WestPAC, all who recognize and value the importance of the arts in education.

This award also recognizes that Westport is leading the way with learning opportunities as outlined in the new federal education legislation, the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). ESSA recommends music and the Arts as important elements in a well-rounded education for all children.

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Musicians, Grade 12: Jason Capozucca, Jaime Paul, Ana Jahnel, Delaney McGee, Henry Nowak, Jet Tober, Witt Lindau; Grade 11: Freddie Aldridge, Zach Abramowitz, Deneil Betfarhad, Spencer Greiss, Ethan Walkmark, Matt Weiner; Grade 10: Sam Rondon, Tommy Linn, Cooper Paul; Grade 9: Charlie Beckwith; and Director Phil Giampietro

SHS Jazz Ensemble Takes Second Place at National Jazz Festival

Staples High School's music department is proud to announce that its Jazz Ensemble, directed by Mr. Phil Giampietro, took second place in the top division at the National Jazz Festival held in Philadelphia on Saturday, April 22nd. The ensemble's drummer, Witt Lindau, was also recognized with one of three Outstanding Musician medals.
The impressive showing at the festival is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the students and their instructors, including Bedford Middle School Band Director and Staples' Assistant Jazz Band Director, Gregg Winters, who played a critical part in the ensemble's development.
The Jazz Ensemble's performance at the festival included a repertoire of outstanding pieces including "Cubauza" by Michael Philip Mossman, "Movin’ Uptown" by Benny Carter, edited by David Berger, "Groove Merchant" by Jerome Richardson, arr. Thad Jones, and "Shades On, Roof Down" by Eric Richards.
This marks the second time that the jazz program at Staples has been recognized nationally in recent years. The Staples High School Jazz Combo received first place in Small Ensemble Division 1 Live Performance at the 2021 National Jazz Festival.
Director Giampietro stated, "the Staples music faculty and I are so proud of our students and their hard work. This incredible achievement is a testament to their perseverance during the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. I am inspired by their continued commitment to making great music."

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83rd Candlelight Concert Features World Premiere of I Found the Light!

The 83rd Annual Candlelight Concert will be presented at Staples High School Auditorium on Friday, December 15 at 8:00pm and Saturday, December 16 at 3:00pm and 8:00pm. This annual gift to the Westport community showcases the talents of Staples’ nationally recognized musicians and performers. 

For 2023, Staples Music proudly announces the premiere of I Found the Light, a commissioned work marking a significant first for the program. This piece, a collaborative creation by Staples alumni, composer Jake Landau (Class of 2000) and poet Emily Garber (Class of 2000), represents a milestone in our commitment to fostering artistic excellence. Upon its release, I Found the Light will be shared worldwide, carrying the distinguished official stamp, “Commissioned by Staples High School, Westport, CT." 

The Staples Symphonic Orchestra, Symphonic Band and Choral Ensembles will also perform traditional Candlelight favorites such as Sing We Noel and Hallelujah Chorus. In addition the program will include Vaughan William’s Greensleeves FantasiaOse Shalom by John Leavitt and Leroy Anderson’s classic, A Christmas Festival.

Tickets will be available to the public on Friday, Dec. 1, starting at 9am at staplesmusic.org (4 ticket maximum). Order promptly, tickets historically sell out fast. There is no charge for Candlelight tickets, however donations in support of the music program are graciously accepted.

83rd Annual
Candlelight 
Concert
 

Public Ticket Sales
Open Dec. 1, 9:00am

Get tickets at staplesmusic.org

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