A Best Communities for Music Education recipient

since 2013

STAPLES MUSIC

Staples High School, Westport CT

The 2024 Westport Pops Concert June 7.

UPCOMING EVENTS

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 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 2024.

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.

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

Equity and Access in Music Education

Inclusivity and Diversity in Music Education

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

QUICK LINKS: Courses, Classroom Music, Strings, Choral, Band, FAQs, Handbook

The Happiest Place on Earth!

A Best Communities for Music Education recipient since 2013