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 2023 Candlelight Concert processional.
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SALES ARE LIVE!!
to Candlelight
The 84th Annual Candlelight Rings in the Season December 13 and 14!
The 84th Annual Candlelight Concert will be presented at Staples High School Auditorium on Friday, December 13 at 8:00 pm and Saturday, December 14 at 3:00 pm and 8:00 pm.
This annual gift to the Westport community showcases the talents of Staples’ nationally recognized musicians and performers.
In a program that spans the centuries, this year’s Candlelight Concert will feature inspiring selections and familiar favorites. Opening with Susato’s lively La Morisque, the Staples brass and winds will transport the audience to the spirited sounds of 1551 Germany, leading seamlessly into the annual Candlelight processional, Sing We Noel. The Full Orchestra will delight with March of the Toys from Victor Herbert’s Babes in Toyland, while the combined choral ensembles will share the Liberian folk song African Noel, Biebl’s setting of Ave Maria, and Barnett’s vibrant arrangement of the Ashkenazic folk song S’Vivon.
This year’s concert also offers an exciting first as Staples welcomes new Band Director Kevin Mazzarella to the podium, bringing fresh energy and leadership to this much-anticipated event. Audiences can also look forward to a stirring rendition of Aaron Copland’s The Promise of Living from The Tender Land, a hopeful, reflective close to the year, followed by the vibrant and dramatic Bacchanale by Saint-Saëns, showcasing the orchestra’s technical brilliance and ending the program on a lively note.
Continuing its tradition of memorable finales, the program will conclude with Alan Silvestri’s The Polar Express and George Frideric Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus, inviting the audience and performers alike to join in celebrating the spirit of the season.
In the spirit of the season, the Staples Tri-M Music Honor Society will be collecting for “CanDelight” Dec. 9-14, a canned food donation drive to benefit the Westport Homes for Hope Food Pantry. Collection bins will be in the lobby of Staples High School before each concert if you would like to contribute!
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.
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 Happiest Place on Earth!
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.
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
