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
The Westport Music and Visual Arts Department’s vision is to inspire curious, connected, and joyful students through high-level experiences that develop creative, skillful, and expressive artistry.
STAPLES MUSIC
Staples High School, Westport CT
Ensembles perform at the Westport Pops Concert
EMPOWERING STUDENTS THROUGH MUSIC
Music is a timeless way of communication that heals, unifies, and transcends boundaries. At Staples High School, we believe our ensembles must reflect the diverse world we inhabit. We are committed to the continuous work of identifying and removing systemic barriers within music education. We stand united as a community that moves beyond simple 'acceptance' toward a culture of authentic belonging and inclusion, ensuring every student - regardless of identity or background - is empowered to reach their full potential as a global citizen.
Mrs. Brima, Ms. Mascaro, Mr. Mazzarella,
Mrs. Pine, Mrs. Serpliss, Mr. Winters
National Association for Music Education Statement
Please refer to this website throughout the school year for updated information about events & performances.
JUN 5 Westport Pops
7:00pm, Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts
LATEST NEWS
Get Tickets
to POPS &
Staples Music
Link Becomes Active May 22 at 9am
Westport Pops Returns to the Levitt June 5!
The Westport Pops Concert, at the Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts, returns on Friday, June 5. The sell-out event features the nationally recognized Staples High School Symphonic Orchestra and Band, Jazz Ensemble One, Choralaires, Sonora, the Orphenians, Stradivarius Chamber Orchestra and 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. This annual concert, modeled on Boston’s fabled Pops on the Esplanade Concert Series, promises to be a memorable musical experience under the stars.
Tickets are free, but a donation of $15 per ticket is suggested to help offset the concert's production costs. Tickets can be acquired on this website beginning Friday, May 22 at 9:00am on a first-come, first-served basis. In the event of inclement weather, ticket holders will be notified by email of an alternative venue, where tickets will be honored.
HUNGRY? Following last year’s success, the SMPA (Staples Music Parent Association) has exclusively partnered with Romanacci’s again to offer concert goers convenient and delicious meals. Meals will only be available by pre-order, deadline to order is Friday, May 29. Pre-Order Audience Meals HERE.
And for a sweet treat, the Oggi Gelato cart will be on site throughout the concert!
SHS Freshmen Strings Perform at Norwalk Town Hall
The Staples Freshman String Orchestra performed at Norwalk Town Hall for the Norwalk Orchestra Festival April 2026. The event was sponsored by the American String Teachers Association .
Staples Musicians Honored at All-State Festival in Hartford
Twenty-three Staples musicians earned All-State honors, a wonderful achievement reflecting their dedication and musicianship. These students participated in the All-State Festival March 26–28 at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford.
Abigail Kim
Kirthana Gowthaman
Justin Jendrock
Sophia Macris
Jasmita Mani Lorenzato
Isabella Mariani
Helen Root
Samantha Skopp
Dylan Taylor
Chloe Wong
Veronica Albee
Josephine Caricato
Beckwith Fipp
Christian Green
Catherine Herbert
Gargi Karve
Josephine Lewertoff
Lyla McEntee
Denver Razza
Ayush Rudra
Isabel Jo
Christian Michaels
Ari Sklar1
Also achieving elite recognition were the SHS Orphenians who were invited to perform as a Showcase Ensemle. They presented 6 numbers for music teachers from all over the state.
Music Department Steps Out in Nashville
Nearly 110 Students from Staples High School traveled to Nashville for a four-day music experience that blended performance, learning, and cultural exploration. The trip included standout performances by band and choir at the Country Music Hall of Fame, along with a special orchestra performance outside the Grand Ole Opry. Through clinics at Vanderbilt University and a recording session at RCA Studio B, students strengthened their musicianship while learning from Vanderbilt’s distinguished music faculty and experienced industry professionals. Beyond the performances, students explored Nashville landmarks including the Ryman Theatre, Broadway, and the Andrew Jackson's Hermitage, while also enjoying group activities like line dancing at Luke Combs’ Category 10 and the Grand Ole Opry show which featured performances by Brad Paisley, Trace Adkins, and Bill Anderson, along with a special appearance by Pat Sajak.
Bravo! 69 SHS Musicians Accepted in CMEA WRF!
The music department is proud to celebrate 69 of our music students from band, choir and orchestra who were accepted into this year's Connecticut Music Educators Association auditions for the Western Region Festival.
These students will be performing in their festival ensembles with other top musicians in our region on January 16th and 17th.
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L to R: Members of the SHS Symphonic & String Orchestras at the Western Regional Festival; A listing of the 69 music students accepted into the festival.
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Orphenians' Radio City Debut!
On December 5, 2025, the Staples Orphenians made their debut on the iconic stage of Radio City Music Hall in New York City. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity allowed our ensemble to perform in one of the world’s most legendary venues, experience a behind-the-scenes tour of Radio City, and attend the Radio City Christmas Spectacular featuring the world-famous Rockettes, who were celebrating their 100th anniversary. Performing at Radio City was a memorable milestone for our students and a celebration of the artistry, dedication, and tradition of the Orphenians.
The Westport Music and Visual Arts Department’s vision is to inspire curious, connected, and joyful students through high-level experiences that develop creative, skillful, and expressive artistry.