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
The Westport Music and Visual Arts Department’s vision is to inspire curious, connected, and joyful students through high-level experiences that develop creative, skillful, and expressive artistry.
STAPLES MUSIC
Staples High School, Westport CT
Combined ensembles perform
at the 2025 Candlelight Concert. Photo by Jerri Graham.
EMPOWERING STUDENTS THROUGH MUSIC
Music is a timeless way of communication that heals, unifies, and transcends boundaries. At Staples High School, we believe our ensembles must reflect the diverse world we inhabit. We are committed to the continuous work of identifying and removing systemic barriers within music education. We stand united as a community that moves beyond simple 'acceptance' toward a culture of authentic belonging and inclusion, ensuring every student - regardless of identity or background - is empowered to reach their full potential as a global citizen.
Mrs. Brima, Ms. Mascaro, Mr. Mazzarella,
Mrs. Pine, Mrs. Serpliss, Mr. Winters
National Association for Music Education Statement
Please refer to this website throughout the school year for updated information about events & performances.
FEB 23 SHS Freshman/Sophomore Winter Concert
7:00pm, SES
MAR 4 SHS/BMS/CMS Chamber Orchestra Festival
7:00pm, BMS
MAR 6 SHS Wilton Jazz Symposium
Time TBD, Wilton HS
MAR 26-28 SHS All-State Festival
All Day, Hartford Convention Center
APR 22 SHS Spring Band Concert
7:00pm, BMS
APR 26 SHS and Westport Community Bands Concert
7:00pm, BMS
APR 28 SHS Spring Orchestra Concert
7:00pm, BMS
MAY 1 SHS Spring Choral Concert
7:00pm, SHS
LATEST NEWS
Bravo! 69 SHS Musicians Accepted in CMEA WRF!
The music department is proud to celebrate 69 of our music students from band, choir and orchestra who were accepted into this year's Connecticut Music Educators Association auditions for the Western Region Festival.
These students will be performing in their festival ensembles with other top musicians in our region on January 16th and 17th.
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L to R: Members of the SHS Symphonic & String Orchestras at the Western Regional Festival; A listing of the 69 music students accepted into the festival.
Orphenians' Radio City Debut!
On December 5, 2025, the Staples Orphenians made their debut on the iconic stage of Radio City Music Hall in New York City. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity allowed our ensemble to perform in one of the world’s most legendary venues, experience a behind-the-scenes tour of Radio City, and attend the Radio City Christmas Spectacular featuring the world-famous Rockettes, who were celebrating their 100th anniversary. Performing at Radio City was a memorable milestone for our students and a celebration of the artistry, dedication, and tradition of the Orphenians.
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Candlelight '25: A Photo Review!
Summer '25: Orphenians Perform in Spain
For nine days in June '25, the Ophenians traveled to Spain for a transformative choral festival under the leadership of teacher-conductor Lauren Pine and renowned composer and conductor Dr. Rollo A. Dilworth.
Joined by ensembles from across the United States and two choirs from Canada, students came together to rehearse, perform, and share music across historic cities. A highlight of the tour was the performance of Dilworth’s work "United in Purpose," set to the words of Maya Angelou, which called singers to embrace unity and responsibility for their communities. The journey included concerts in Madrid, Toledo, and Montserrat, as well as the extraordinary opportunity to sing during mass and in concert at La Sagrada Família, Barcelona.
Throughout the journey, students performed great music, fostered cross-cultural exchanges, strengthened ensemble discipline, and were exposure to a world-class conductor. Above all, it offered personal growth and lasting memories that will continue to shape their lives as musicians and as citizens of the world.
The Westport Music and Visual Arts Department’s vision is to inspire curious, connected, and joyful students through high-level experiences that develop creative, skillful, and expressive artistry.