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
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.
MAY 14 CMS Grade 6-8 Orchestra and Chamber
7:00pm, CMS
MAY 15 SHS Stradivarius Chamber Orchestra
7:00pm, SCC Hoskins Hall
MAY 19 BMS BMS Specialty Concert
7:00pm, BMS
MAY 19 CES Grade 4 Orch; Grade 4/5 Chorus Concert
6:00pm, CES
MAY 20 KHS 4th Orchestra/4th&5th Chorus Concert
6:00pm, KHS
MAY 20 GFS Grade 5 Orch; Grade 5 Band Concert
6:00pm, GFS
MAY 21 CMS 6-8 Chorus & Camerata Concert
7:00pm, CMS
MAY 21 LLS Chamber Orch/5th Grade Orch & Band Concert
6:00pm, LLS
MAY 25 Memorial Day Parade
8:00am, Westport
MAY 25-JUN 5 SHS Art Show
All Day, SHS
The Westport Public Schools has once again been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from the NAMM Foundation for the 13th 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 2026.
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.
WPS Music Department: One of the Best of the Best
Staples High School Student Earns National Gold Medal in Scholastic Art & Writing Awards
Details at Staples Visual Arts
SHS Students Honored at 31st Annual High School Arts Banquet
Staples High School proudly celebrated two exceptional seniors at the Connecticut Association of Schools (CAS) 31st Annual High School Arts Banquet, held March 30 at the Aqua Turf Club.
Representing the very best of Staples’ artistic community, Harry McLaughlin was recognized in Visual Arts, and Eva Slossberg was honored in Music & Theater. Both students were selected by Staples faculty for their outstanding achievement, dedication, and impact within their respective disciplines.
The evening brought together top student artists from across Connecticut to celebrate excellence in the arts and student leadership. A keynote address by John Mastrionni of the University of Connecticut provided an uplifting reflection on how the arts shape identity, give voice to personal expression, and create lasting impact, both for the artist and for every audience they reach. The event also featured a performance by Rubyfruit, an all-upper-voice a cappella group from the University of Connecticut, founded in 1999 and dedicated to promoting women’s empowerment through music.
WPS Music Shines at All-State Festival!
The Westport Public Schools Music Department delivered an outstanding showing at this year’s Connecticut Music Educators Association All-State Festival. Twenty-six Staples musicians participated in rehearsals and performances, while the Bedford Middle School Jazz Band and the Staples High School Orphenians were featured in the prestigious Ensemble Showcase. Staples orchestra teacher Mrs. Brima led a presentation, and Ms. Mascaro served as the 2026 Chair of the All-State Orchestra. Together, they all represented WPS Music with exceptional distinction.
The festival was held March 26–28 at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford. The Connecticut Music Educators Association is committed to supporting professional educators, students, and future music educators through programs that advance and enrich music education for all children.
Staples Music Dept. Steps Out in Nashville
The entire Staples Music Department traveled to Nashville March 19-23. Details at Staples Music
MS Chamber Orchestra Students Broadway Workshop
The BMS & CMS Chamber Orchestra students joined together March 11 for an unforgettable musical experience in New York City. The combined orchestras participated in a special workshop with Broadway conductor Michael Dansiker, where students rehearsed "For Good" from the musical "Wicked." Mr. Dansiker encouraged students to play as though they were singing and their performance grew noticeably stronger during the session. Students also challenged themselves with sight-reading music they had never seen before, including "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" from "The Wizard of Oz" and a "Mamma Mia!" medley, an important skill for musicians and even Broadway pit performers.
After the workshop, students enjoyed a brief visit to Times Square before attending the matinee performance of "Wicked" at the Gershwin Theatre. The evening concluded with dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe.
Artist Showcase: LLS 4th & 5th Graders
Long Lots artists 4th graders focused on abstract line landscapes utilizing pattern to create fore, middle nd backgrounds. 5th graders illustrated dog characters inspired by photographer William Wegman.
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