MUSIC
MUSIC
MUSIC
OVERVIEW
Our highly regarded music program has been designated a Best Community for Music Education since 2013. Recognized on the regional and national level for outstanding performing groups and faculty/curricular achievements, the Westport Public Schools Music program also maintains community connections with various organizations including Music for Youth, the Westport Public Library and the Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts, to name a few.
The department strives to develop each students’ artistic literacy and global awareness by developing their ability to create, perform and respond to diverse music at the highest level in a safe and nurturing environment. Department goals for achieving a student's musical success:
• Every student should have an opportunity to develop a
lifelong connection to music
• Every student should be able to use music as a vehicle
to interact with their communities
• Every student should be entitled to an education that includes music
through Grade 8
• Every student should have the opportunity to participate
in a music class through Grade 12
• Every student should have the opportunity to participate in the
music program regardless of his or her financial situation
• Every student should have the opportunity to perform on a regular basis
• Every student should have the opportunity to audition for Middle and High School Regional/All-State Music Festivals
OVERVIEW
Our highly regarded music program has been designated a Best Community for Music Education since 2013. Recognized on the regional and national level for outstanding performing groups and faculty/curricular achievements, the Westport Public Schools Music program also maintains community connections with various organizations including Music for Youth, the Westport Public Library and the Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts, to name a few.
The department strives to develop each students’ artistic literacy and global awareness by developing their ability to create, perform and respond to diverse music at the highest level in a safe and nurturing environment. Department goals for achieving a student's musical success:
• Every student should have an opportunity to develop a
lifelong connection to music
• Every student should be able to use music as a vehicle
to interact with their communities
• Every student should be entitled to an education that includes music
through Grade 8
• Every student should have the opportunity to participate
in a music class through Grade 12
• Every student should have the opportunity to participate in the
music program regardless of his or her financial situation
• Every student should have the opportunity to perform on a regular basis
• Every student should have the opportunity to audition for Middle and High School Regional/All-State Music Festivals
SCHOOLS
SCHOOLS
The Long Lots
Pan Island Express
Steel Drum Band
with music director
Ms Tucker
The Long Lots
Pan Island Express
Steel Drum Band
with music director
Ms Tucker
The Long Lots
Pan Island Express
Steel Drum Band
with music director
Ms Tucker
"Mood Meter"
-Ms Robinson's GFS Grade ? Art Class
How artists communicate their emotional state through color, texture, value and media choice
"Mood Meter"
-Ms Robinson's GFS Grade ? Art Class
How artists communicate their emotional state through color, texture, value and media choice
"Title"
-Mr Soper's KHS Art Class
Description....
"Title"
-Mr Soper's KHS Art Class
Description....
"Title"
-Mr Soper's KHS Art Class
Description....
COURSE OF STUDY
COURSE OF STUDY
COURSE OF STUDY
Preparing all students
to reach their full potential as lifelong learners and socially responsible contributors to our global community
MUSIC & VISUAL ARTS
Westport Public Schools, Westport CT
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.
MAY 23 BMS Specialty (Wind, Jazz, Chamber, & Camerata)
7:00pm, BMS
MAY 24 SES Grade 5 Band, Orch & Chamber
7:00pm, SES
MAY 24 CMS Grades 6, 7, 8 Chorus & Camerata
7:00pm, CMS
MAY 25 SHS & MS Chamber Orchestras
7:00pm, SHS Cafeteria
MAY 29 Memorial Day Parade: SHS & MS
6-12 Bands
8:00am, Westport
MAY 31 GFS Grade 5 Band & Orch
7:30pm, TBD
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.
Music Learning Links
Art Learning Links
MOMA • LUNCH DOODLES WITH MO WILLEMS
Other Learning Links
PRE-REGISTER AT SPARK RECEPTION 2023
The Westport Public Schools Visual Arts show, SPARK, returns to MoCA June 8-11. Inspired by the imagination and self-expression of Westport students PreK-12, SPARK represents the creative spirit at work in Westport schools each day.
NEW this year will be a special exhibit by Westport Artist Mark Yurkiw, “Help Build the Bridge: Westport-France-Ukraine." Conceptualized and constructed by Yurkiw and adorned with art from WPS art students, the bridge’s intent is to extend messages of good will to children in Westport’s sister cities.
A reception will be held Sunday June 11, 2-4PM. MoCA encourages Pre-Registration for this event
SPARK Art Exhibition Returns to MoCA June 8-11
Student artwork pictured above, clockwise top left to right: Alison Cancro; Shival Kanthan; "My Life is a Circus" by Shelby Weisman; Cyanotype by El Macaluso; "Take Me Back" by Dania Hemdan; "Snaked by Kate Banks; Alexa Lunney, photography; 07 Kuhner.
Staples Students Show at Teen Vision Exhibit at Sacred Heart
Teen Vision, the Connecticut 2023 High School Art Exhibition sponsored by Jerry's Artarama, starts this weekend. Hosted by Sacred Heart University's Department of Art & Design, eight SHS students will be showcasing their work. All are invited to attend a reception Sunday May 21, 2-4pm at the Sacred Heart Art & Design Gallery.
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.
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."
