A Best Communities for Music Education Recipient
Since 2013

STAPLES MUSIC

Staples High School, Westport CT

The 2024 Westport Pops Concert. Photo by Kerry Long.

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UPCOMING EVENTS

LATEST NEWS

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National Best Community for Music Education Recognition for 2025!

The Westport Public Schools has once again been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from the NAMM Foundation for the 12th 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 2025.

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.

Westport POPS Returns to the Levitt June 6

The Westport Pops Concert at the Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts returns this year on Friday, June 6. The sell-out event features the nationally recognized Staples High School Symphonic Orchestra and Band, Jazz Ensemble, Orphenians, Choralaires and other small group ensembles. This musical tradition, hosted by James Naughton, was established in 2016 and is a highly anticipated highlight of the Levitt Pavilion’s Spring programming.

The lawn at the Levitt Pavilion opens for concert goers at 6:00pm (BYO chair), with the concert beginning at 7:00pm. It promises to be a memorable event with great music, great fun and great food on the premises from area food trucks. Tickets are free, but a suggested donation of $15 per ticket is suggested to help offset the concert's production costs. Tickets can be acquired at this website beginning Wednesday, May 28 at 9:00am on a first-come, first-served basis. In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be performed in the Staples High School auditorium at 70 North Avenue, where tickets will be honored.

This annual concert, modeled on Boston’s fabled Pops on the Esplanade Concert Series, promises to be a memorable musical experience under the stars.

Viva la Cabaret Olé!

March 30 was an amazing night of good food, auctioning & prizes and stellar music. The Orph fundraiser, to support their trip to the Spain Choral Festival in summer '25, was a huge win for performers and concert goers alike. Thanks to all who made the event happen and contributed. Photos N. Lalor Photography

SHS Symphonic Band at Carnegie Hall!

The Staples High School Symphonic Band made its NYC Carnegie Hall debut at the National Band & Orchestra Festival, April 1 2025. They were invited to perform along with Port Richmond High School Wind Ensemble, Mason High School Honors Symphony Orchestra and Mason High School Philharmonic Orchestra
They began the morning in a clinic with former Columbia University Wind Ensemble director Jasmine Britt. Their 1:30 performance included “Across the Great Plains,” “One Life Beautiful” and “First Suite in E Flat,” conducted by their directors Kevin Mazzarella and Caitlin Serpliss.

SHS Music Takes Broadway!

The Pop Music ECE and AP Music Theory classes visited Broadway April 9 to see "MJ The Musical." A highlight of the trip was meeting with Tony Kadleck (lead trumpet) and Brian Pareschi (second trumpet), and other members of the pit orchestra after the performance.

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.

Black Lives Matter.

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.

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.

We Are Listening.

Mrs. Brima, Ms. Mascaro, Mr. Mazzarella,

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.

MAY 19 Chamber Orchestra Concert

7:00pm, MoCA Westport

MAY 22 Chamber Group Festival: Freshman Band, Freshman Orchestra & Sophomore Orchestra

7:00pm, BMS

MAY 26 Memorial Day Parade