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
STRINGS
ENSEMBLES
QUICK LINKS: Classroom Music, Choral, Band, FAQs, Handbook
Freshman Concert Orchestra Strings
Instructor: Jeri Brima
Note: Orchestra Wind/Percussion players are automatically enrolled in
Freshman Band
Students in Freshman Concert Orchestra study significant orchestral literature. FCO is open to all 9th grade string players, and to selected wind and percussion players on the basis of auditions held in the spring. Four rehearsals are scheduled per week. In order to continue to progress properly on their instruments, students who are not taking private lessons outside of school are required to schedule a weekly 15-minue lesson during a free period, concurrently during an ensemble, lunch or before or after school. Lesson assessment will be part of the course grade. All 9th grade wind/percussion students who satisfy the orchestra audition will be scheduled for two days each of Freshman Concert Orchestra and Freshman Band, receiving one-half (1/2) credit for each. The FCO performs at several concerts during the school year.
Sophomore Orchestra Strings
Instructor: Carrie Mascaro
Note: Orchestra Wind/Percussion players are automatically enrolled in Sophomore Band
Students in Sophomore Orchestra study significant orchestral literature. SOS is open to all sophomore string players, and selected wind and percussion players on the basis of auditions held in February. In order to continue to progress properly on their instruments, students who are not taking private lessons outside of school are required to schedule a weekly 15-minute 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. All sophomore wind/percussion students who satisfy the orchestra audition will be scheduled for two days of Sophomore Orchestra and two days of Sophomore Band, receiving one-half (1/2) credit for each. The SOS performs at several concerts during the school year.
Symphonic Orchestra Strings
Instructors: Carrie Mascaro, Jeri Brima
Note: Orchestra Wind/Percussion players are automatically enrolled in
Symphonic Band
4 days per week
Students in Symphonic Orchestra study significant and standard orchestral literature. SOS is open to all junior and senior string players and to selected wind and percussion players on the basis of auditions held in February. Sophomores who can perform a Level V solo may be considered for admission into this advanced level group through a rigorous audition process held in February. Four rehearsals are scheduled per week: two for full orchestra and two for strings only. Strings attend all four rehearsals while wind and percussion meet for rehearsal two days per week only. The alternate two days they will be enrolled in Symphonic Band in order to further develop their musical skills. In order to continue to progress properly on their instruments, students who are not taking private lessons outside of school are required to schedule a weekly 15-minute lesson during one free period per week, concurrently during an ensemble, lunch or before or after school. Lesson assessment will be part of the course grade. The SO plays for the Candlelight Concert, Youth Concert, Spring Concert and occasionally participates in exchange programs and festivals with other high schools.
Stradivarius Chamber Orchestra
Instructor: Carrie Mascaro
The Stradivarius Chamber Orchestra is an auditioned, advanced string orchestra open to all students, grades 9 - 12 who are currently enrolled in the Staples Orchestra program. Rehearsals are Wednesdays 6:00-8:00 pm. Auditions take place at the beginning of the school year and all members must re-audition every year. The Chamber Orchestra schedules an annual Master Class, either in Boston or New York, in addition to performing for community organizations.
Amati Chamber Orchestra
Instructor: Jeri Brima
The Amati Chamber Orchestra is an auditioned, selective string orchestra open to all students, grades 9-12, who are currently enrolled in the Staples Orchestra program. Rehearsals are Wednesdays from 2:45-4:00pm. Auditions take place at the beginning of the school year and all members must re-audition every year. The Amati Chamber Orchestra participates in performances throughout the year both in school and in the community.