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
Preparing all students
to reach their full potential as lifelong learners and socially responsible contributors to our global community
MUSIC & VISUAL ARTS
Westport Public Schools, Westport CT
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.
JAN 8 SHS/BMS/CMS All City Honors Orchestra Concert
7:00pm, CMS
JAN 13 CMS 6-8 Orchestra & Chamber Orchestra Concert
7:00pm, CMS
JAN 14 CMS 6-8 Bands & Wind Ensemble Concert
7:00pm, CMS
JAN 16-17 Western Region HS Festival
Wilton HS
JAN 22 SES 5th grade Orchestra, 4th & 5th Grade Chorus
7:000pm, SES
FEB 4 Jazz & Java
7:00pm, SHS Cafe
FEB 7 SHS All-State Auditions
All Day, North Haven HS
FEB 11 SHS Freshman/Sophomore Winter Concert
7:00pm, CMS
MAR 4 SHS/BMS/CMS Chamber Orchestra Festival
7:00pm, BMS
MAR 6 SHS Wilton Jazz Symposium
Time TBD, Wilton HS
MAR 6-7 Western Region MS Festival
All Day, Sacred Heart University
MAR 26-28 SHS All-State Festival
All Day, Hartford Convention Center
Eight SHS Students Win Scholastic Art Awards
Details at Staples Visual Arts
5th graders from KHS Chorus continued the annual tradition of singing for the seniors at their luncheon at the Westport Senior Center in December.
KHS Choral Singers Spread Holiday Cheer
Details at Staples Music
Orphenians' Radio City Debut!
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Westport Students Captivated by 2025 Candlelight Youth Concert
On the mornings of December 16 and 17, WPS elementary and middle school students bussed to Staples for the Youth Candlelight Concert. Staples students served not only as the musical performers, but also as MCs, guiding concert goers through the program. The energy was high and the student musicians were on point.
Under the direction of the Staples Music faculty, students experienced the artistry and depth of Staples’ ensembles. The concert opened with Susato’s La Morisque and the beloved Candlelight processional, Sing We Noel.
Highlights of the program were Tim Berens’ A Winter Miracle, an imaginative work blending Vivaldi’s Winter from The Four Seasons with the traditional Hanukkah song O Hanukkah. Student-led ensembles performed favorites such as Carol of the Bells, You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch, and Jingle Bell Rock. The concert concluded with the timeless Sleigh Ride, inviting the audience to join in the fun of the iconic whip!
Through musical experiences like Candlelight, students learn to express themselves creatively, connect with diverse traditions, and appreciate the power of shared community.
SHS students Evelyn Overley, a member of the SHS Jazz 2 ensemble, and Emersyn Miller collaborated on a video project for Mr. Mark DeRosa’s art class last year. Emersyn, a 2025 first-semester Music Technology student in Mr. Gregg Winters’ class, composed an original score for the video, recording each track and carefully spotting every musical moment. Enjoy their creative teamwork and remember to turn up your volume!
SHS Visual Arts & SHS Music Combine Forces!
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.