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
The 2024 Westport Pops Concert June 7.
LATEST NEWS
Staples Music Welcomes Kevin Mazzarella as New Director of Bands
Staples Music is thrilled to welcome Kevin Mazzarella as the the new band director this year! Kevin was named Coventry Public Schools' Teacher of the Year for 2024, where he taught Middle School Band. Previously, at Cutler Middle School in Groton, he earned the 2018 Teacher of the Year award and was a quarter-finalist for the GRAMMY Music Educator Award. Under his leadership, the Cutler Jazz Band was selected as a Showcase Ensemble at the 2020 CMEA Conference.
His foundation in music education began at the University of Miami's Frost School of Music, where he earned his Bachelor's degree. He holds Masters’ degrees in Music Education from Columbia University's Teachers College and Educational Technology from the University of Saint Joseph. Kevin also completed his graduate certificate in Trumpet Performance from the University of Connecticut in 2023.
Kevin studied trumpet with renowned instructors Louis Hanzlik, Ben Wright, and Tony Kadleck, and conducting with Gary Green and Phil Clements. His extensive performance credits span various genres, from jazz to early music, and include appearances at prestigious venues such as the Goodspeed Opera House. As an active contributor to music education, Kevin has served in numerous voluntary roles with the Connecticut Music Educators Association (CMEA) and presented at the state conference on topics including jazz improvisation and trumpet techniques. In 2025, he will serve as the NAfME All-Eastern Division Jazz Band Co-Chair. Recognizing his excellence in the field, Kevin was nominated and selected for membership in the American School Band Directors Association (ASBDA) in 2022.
In Rhapsody at the Levitt
SHS Music mesmerized concert goers once again with a stellar night of music at the Westport Pops on June 7. The Symphonic Band and Orchestra, Choralaires, Orphenians, Jazz Ensemble and several small ensembles performed rock through the ages with favorites from Blood Sweat & Tears, Björk, the Beatles, Simon & Garfunkel and Queen. See Dan Woog's 06880 article with more accolades for these outstanding student musicians, Pops! Goes the (Windy) Concert.
Westport Public Schools Receives National Best Community for Music Education Recognition for 2024
The entire SHS Music Department descended on Disney March 7-11 to participate in Festival Disney. The festival gives ensembles the chance to compete with other schools from across the country, while also having the opportunity to spend a little time in the park!
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.
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.
OCT 1 Fall Orch & Band Concert
7:30pm, SHS Auditorium
OCT 17 Fall Choral Parlor Concert
7:30pm, Trinity Episcopal, Southport
OCT 29 Fall Chamber Orchestra Concert
7:00pm, MoCA Westport
NOV 13 ASBDA Band Festival (by teacher recommendation)
All Day, Maloney HS
NOV 16 Western Region HS Auditions
9:00am-5:00pm, Westhill HS, Stamford
DEC 13 Candlelight Concert
8:00pm, SHS Auditorium
DEC 14 Candlelight Concert
3:00pm & 8:00pm, SHS Auditorium
The Happiest Place on Earth!