A Best Communities for Music Education recipient since 2013
A Best Communities for Music Education recipient since 2013
FACULTY
FACULTY
A Best Communities for Music Education recipient
since 2013
STAPLES MUSIC
Staples High School, Westport CT
Mr. Giampietro conducts combined ensembles at the 2022 Westport Pops Concert June 10
Check back in August for the 2022-23 concert & festival line up!
LATEST NEWS
Highlights from the Westport Pops Concert, June 10, 2022. Photos by Allison Ginzburg.
Westport Pops, A Magical Night
It was another magical night under the starts at the Levitt on June 10! The weather, music, directors and MC David Pogue all aligned to create a memorable performance.
The Staples Music Department would like to thank and acknowledge those who help make this concert possible: The Staples Music Parents Association and SMPA Pops Committee; Levitt Pavilion Directors Freda & Carleigh Welsh and staff; the ad patrons and donors who generously supported our concert; David Pogue for being this year’s MC; Jacob Friedman & Ms. Carla Eichler, for Pops design & artwork; Performance Audio, Inc. for sound; Mr. Jim Honeycutt for video recording, Miles Katz for lighting; and the entire Staples Music community for its unyielding support of quality music education in our schools. This support has enabled us to be recognized as a National Best Community for Music Education since 2013 as well as a Grammy Signature School
National Semifinalist.
Please consider Supporting the Westport Pops Concert.
Your support will help fund expenses associated with the Westport Pops Concert and enhance our award-winning Staples Music programs.
Westport Public Schools Music Program Receives Best Community for Music Education Recognition
The Westport Public Schools has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from the NAMM Foundation for the 10th 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 2022.
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.
Maskoff and Alcyone Named CAS Recipients for 2022
Staples High School students Sophie Alcyone and Sasha Maskoff, two of approximately 300 top Connecticut seniors who excel in the arts, were honored at the 27th Annual High School Arts Awards. The Connecticut Association of Schools (CAS) honored the top seniors with plaques for excellence and distinguished service at a banquet on April 5 at the Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville, CT. The CAS annually recognizes two seniors in each member high school for their outstanding ability in the performing or visual arts. Selected by Staples staff to receive this honor, Alcyone was recognized for visual art and Maskoff for music.
The Connecticut Association of Schools serves Connecticut's K-12 public and parochial schools in all areas of inter-school activity. The association represents over 1,100 schools in the state. The Connecticut Association of Schools is a non-profit organization located in Cheshire, Connecticut.
SHS Students Shine at All-State Festival in Hartford
Staples musicians took the stage at this year's CMEA All-State Festival in Hartford March 31 and April 1. Students who earned a performing spot at the Festival were Deneil Betfarhad (10), Zachary Bishop (12), Jason Capozucca (11), Kendra Cheng (9), Tanvi Gorre (11), Anastacia Jahnel (11), Witt Lindau (11), Delaney McGee (11) and Izabela Pauliny (11).
Also performing on April 1, by invitation, was the Staples Jazz Ensemble. Staples shared the stage with Hall-West Hartford, one of the most revered jazz programs in the country. The group played a range of music from ranging from Duke Ellington, Thad Jones and Craig Skeffington.
SHS Jazz Ensemble: Front row, pictured left to right; Annam Olasewere, Ana Jahnel, Jaime Paul, Jason Capozucca, Peter Moody, Freddie Aldridge, Mr. Giampietro. Second row, left to right; Jet Tober, Matt Weiner, Zach Abramowitz, Oliver D’Anna, Gustav Zauls. Third row, left to right; Amy Ginzburg, Witt Lindau, Henry Nowak, Delaney McGee, Eamon Brannigan, Spencer Greiss, Tommy Linn
The Westport Music Department’s Vision is to develop our students’ artistic literacy and global awareness by growing their ability to create, perform and respond to diverse music at the highest level in a safe and nurturing environment.
HOPE FOR A BETTER FUTURE
Music has been a timeless way of communication when there were no other words to be said. It can have the power to heal, unify, and transcend all boundaries. It is now more than ever that we need to stay connected in order to listen and learn from each other.
Black Lives Matter.
We stand by our mission to prepare all students to reach their full potential as life-long learners and socially responsible contributors to our global community, yet we remain teachable ourselves in our efforts in order to fully promote that mission through and beyond the current and ongoing racial injustices.
We are proud to be a part of a national association that promotes equity and we stand united with you as the Staples Music community accepting of all of our differences in the hope for a better future.
We Are Listening.
Mr. Giampietro, Ms. Mascaro, Ms. Hockensmith,
Mr. Rosenberg, Mrs. Serpliss, Mr. Winters
National Association for Music Education Statement