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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. 

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.

Art Learning Links

MOMA  •  LUNCH DOODLES WITH MO WILLEMS

Other Learning Links

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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

WESTPORT
POPS

Get Tickets
 
staplesmusic.org

JUNE 9

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.

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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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