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
BAND
ENSEMBLES
QUICK LINKS: Classroom Music, Strings, Choral, FAQs, Handbook
Freshman Concert Band
Instructor: Kevin Mazzarella, Caitlin Serpliss
4 days per week
Freshman Concert Band is open to all 9th grade students who play a wind or percussion instrument. The FCB studies artistically, intellectually, and emotionally challenging quality band literature appropriate to the grade level. In order to progress properly on their instruments, students who are not taking private lessons outside of school are required to schedule a 15-minute weekly lesson during a free period, concurrently during an ensemble, during lunch or before or after school. Lesson assessment will be part of the course grade. The FCB performs at concerts and the Memorial Day Parade.
Symphonic Band
Instructor: Kevin Mazzarella, Caitlin Serpliss
4 days per week
Symphonic Band, SHS’s premiere band ensemble, is open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors who play a wind or percussion instrument. The Symphonic Band studies musically challenging band literature of a significant level of difficulty. In order to provide diverse learning opportunities and foster student independence and leadership, sectional rehearsals and chamber music workshops are integrated into the class structure. This ensemble combines with members of the Symphonic Orchestra – Strings for several concerts each year for performance of full orchestra repertoire. The Symphonic Band performs at concerts and the Memorial Day Parade.
Students in the Symphonic Band participate in the Candlelight and Pops Concerts as part of large festival ensembles combining band, orchestra, and choir. This is a unique opportunity for students to perform masterworks and apply their skills in an inspiring, collaborative environment that highlights the unity and talent of our entire music program.
Jazz Ensemble
Instructor: Kevin Mazzarella
Jazz Ensemble is open to advanced wind/percussion students who wish to explore the Jazz idiom. Students are selected by audition in June of the prior school year and must be a member of a Staples band, chorus, or orchestra. Jazz Ensemble meets one afternoon per week for an in-depth jazz study and rehearsal. One weekly sectional is also required. Jazz Ensemble performs at school functions, festivals, community events, and concerts during the school year. Students do not register for this course until after the audition.
Jazz Workshop
Instructor: Gregg Winters
Jazz Lab at Staples High School is designed for students to learn the foundations of jazz styles and improvisation. This group performs multiple times throughout the year, including at the Jazz & Java concert and various off-site venues around Westport. Jazz Lab operates as an independent ensemble and serves as a preparatory group for students aiming to join the SHS Jazz Ensemble.