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A Best Communities for Music Education recipient

since 2013

STAPLES MUSIC

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Staples High School, Westport CT
The SHS Band performs on the Waterside tage at Disney World March '24.

LATEST NEWS

Staples Musicians Invited to Perform at All-State

After participating in a rigorous audition schedule, 11 SHS musicians were invited to perform at the prestigious All-State Festival. The festival, held at the Hartford Convention Center April 4-6, brings together the finest high school musicians in the state of Connecticut. Congrats to our outstanding musicians!

 

Band: Deneil Betfarhad, trumpet; Ryder Levine, flute; Zachary Newshel, timpani

Orchestra: Isabel Jo, viola; Ludovit Pauliny, oboe; Ayush Rudra, double bass

Choir: Demi Betfarhad, bass; Josie Caricato, alto; Sofia Donroe, alto; Alex Esser, tenor; Alyssa Lee, alto

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The entire SHS Music Department descended on Disney March 7-11 to participate in Festival Disney. The festival gives ensembles the chance to compete with other schools from across the country, while also having the opportunity to spend a little time in the park!

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Westport Grades 3-5 & 8 Celebrate the Holidays at the Youth Candlelight Concerts Dec 19 & 20

Westport schools grades 3-5 & 8 attended a special performance of the 83rd Candlelight Concert at Staples on the mornings of December 19 and 20. Students  were treated to a winter art show (of their own artwork), a host of elves who greeted and emceed the performances and of course, holiday music including “March” from The Nutcracker, “Ose Shalom,” and “A Christmas Festival.” 

The concert aligns with the mission of the Westport Public Schools, to prepare all students to reach their full potential as life-long learners and socially responsible contributors to our global community. The arts serve as an integral component of a comprehensive strategy where students acquire and apply knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop healthy identities, achieve personal/collective goals, and feel and show empathy for others.

Candlelight is a unique and beloved Westport tradition that is perfect to share with our younger students. We aim to give them a powerful experience for many that otherwise would not be able to see it as the performances typically sell out within hours each year.

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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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The Westport Music Department’s Vision is to develop our students’ artistic literacy and global awareness by growing their ability to create, perform and respond to diverse music at the highest level in a safe and nurturing environment.

HOPE FOR A BETTER FUTURE

Music has been a timeless way of communication when there were no other words to be said. It can have the power to heal, unify, and transcend all boundaries. It is now more than ever that we need to stay connected in order to listen and learn from each other.

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Black Lives Matter.

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We stand by our mission to prepare all students to reach their full potential as life-long learners and socially responsible contributors to our global community, yet we remain teachable ourselves in our efforts in order to fully promote that mission through and beyond the current and ongoing racial injustices.

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We are proud to be a part of a national association that promotes equity and we stand united with you as the Staples Music community accepting of all of our differences in the hope for a better future. 

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We Are Listening. 

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Mr. Giampietro, Ms. Mascaro, Mrs. Brima,

Mrs. Pine, Mrs. Serpliss, Mr. Winters


National Association for Music Education Statement

Equity and Access in Music Education

Inclusivity and Diversity in Music Education

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

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MAR 7-11  Disney Music Festival

Orlando, FL

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APR 4-6  All-State Festival

Hartford Convention Center

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APR 30  Spring Band Concert

7:30pm, SHS

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MAY 3  Spring Orchestra Concert

7:30pm, SHS

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MAY 10  Spring Choral Concert

7:30pm, SHS

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MAY 20  Chamber Concert: SHS/MS

7:00pm, MoCA Westport

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MAY 27  Memorial Day Parade

8:00am, Westport

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JUN 7  Westport Pops Concert

7:00pm, Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts

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QUICK LINKS: Courses, Classroom Music, Strings, Choral, Band, FAQs, Handbook

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