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
MUSIC & VISUAL ARTS
Westport Public Schools, Westport CT
Preparing all students
to reach their full potential as lifelong learners and socially responsible contributors to our global community
A staples pottery student sculpts a piece on the wheel during a class
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.
Please refer to this website throughout the school year for updated information about events & performances. Refer to the calendar tab on this website to see the full year's schedule.
OCT 3 SHS Orchestra and Band Concert
7:30pm, Staples
OCT 16 SHS Fall Parlor Concert
7:30pm, Trinity Episcopal Southport
OCT 30 SHS Chamber Orchestra Concert
7:00pm, SCC Hoskins Hall
NOV 12 ASBDA HS Band Festival
All Day, Maloney High School
NOV 15 Western Region HS Auditions
9:00am-5:00pm, Westhill High School
DEC 3 LLS Grade 5 Orch, Chamber & Chorus
6:00pm, LLS
DEC 9 CES Grade 5 Orchestra/Grade 4-5 Chorus
6:00pm, CES
DEC 9 BMS Grade 7, Orchestra, Choir, Band
7:00pm, BMS
DEC 10 BMS Grade 6, Orchestra, Choir, Band
7:00pm, BMS
DEC 11 KHS 5th Orchestra/4th&5th Chorus
6:00pm, KHS
DEC 12 Candlelight Concert
8:00pm, SHS
DEC 13 Candlelight Concert
3:00pm & 8:00pm, SHS
DEC 13 Western Region MS Auditions
All Day, Middlesex MS, Darien
DEC 16 Youth Candlelight Concert-BMS/GFS/LLS
10-10:45am, SHS (in-school performance)
DEC 16 BMS Grade 8, Orchestra, Choir, Band
7:00pm, BMS
DEC 16 CMS 6-7-8 Chorus & Camerata
7:00pm, CMS
DEC 17 Youth Candlelight Concert-CMS/SES/KHS/CES
10-10:45am, SHS (in-school performance)
DEC 17 GFS Grade 5 Orch; Grade 4/5Chorus
6:00pm, GFS
DEC 18 BMS Specialty (Wind, Jazz, Chamber
& Camerata)
7:00pm, BMS
It was a remarkable effort, but in just 48 hours, the Staples Music team, along with students, technicians, the SMPA, and numerous supporters, successfully organized another outstanding performance! After relocating from the Levitt to SHS due to weather issues, they set up a new sound system, re-staged the show, and provided meals for 200 musicians and concert attendees. The concert kicked off, and as expected, the talented Vocal Ensembles, Symphonic Band & Orchestra, and Jazz Ensemble captivated the audience!
Staples Musicians Wow the Crowd at POPS 2025!
More than 1,000 visitors gathered at Bedford Middle School last night for Westport Public Schools’ fourth annual district-wide art exhibition, Spark—a celebration of student creativity and artistic expression.
“This event is a powerful display of the depth and breadth of arts education and the role it plays in shaping thoughtful, expressive, and empathetic students,” said Steve Zimmerman,WPS Music & Visual Arts Coordinator. “Spark showcases the incredible talent of our students and the dedication of our teachers.”
The exhibition features over 1,000 works of art from students in Pre-K through AP Art & Design. From observational drawing to mixed media, sculpture to digital art, the show reflects the depth, diversity, and imagination of Westport’s young artists.
Guests were also treated to performances by the Staples Jazz Lab under the direction of Gregg Winters and a student tuba ensemble led by Lou Kitchner. Art teachers set up live-model observational drawing stations, allowing attendees to both participate and witness the creative process in real time.
Fourth Annual “Spark” Art Exhibition at Bedford Middle School
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.