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.
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.
Music Learning Links
Art Learning Links
MOMA • LUNCH DOODLES WITH MO WILLEMS
Other Learning Links
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.
Click to see
Program!
SPARK Art Exhibit Packs MoCA Westport June 11
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."
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 Fantasia, Ose 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.
