Candlelight Concert: A Trumpeter’s View

Staples High School sophomore Sam Abramowitz plays trumpet in the school’s Symphonic Band and Jazz Ensemble, and Western Regional band. He also volunteers for the Little League Challenger baseball program, skis and plays squash.

Sam took part in this year’s Candlelight Concert. Today he shares what it’s like to be part of that great tradition.

Every year since I moved to Westport in 2012, I have attended the Staples Music Department’s Candlelight Concert.

It has always symbolized both the start of the holiday season, and the end of the year. I have always loved how each year the entire Westport community comes together to continue a tradition that has been going on for over 80 years. 

This year was different. I was finally going to be a performer instead of an audience member.

Trumpeter Sam Abramowitz, at the Candlelight Concert. (Photo/Kerry Long)

When we got the music back in October, it was a bit overwhelming to have to learn so many new pieces, with all 3 sections of the music department.

But one of the best parts of Candlelight is that the band, orchestra and choir all come together and perform as one big ensemble.

This year 2 new groups made their debuts at the Candlelight Concert. The Jazz Ensemble and Wreckapellas performed “We Need a Little Christmas,” directed by new band director Mr. Kevin Mazzarella. Having these groups join the concert added a new layer, while still embracing the festive tradition.

We spent the last couple of weeks at night rehearsing our music and making sure we were prepared for the performance. There was a sense of purpose that everyone had, as we all were working toward perfecting each piece.

We completed our dress rehearsal in front of some of the Staples faculty, and many people from the Westport Y’s Men and Y’s Women. This was a great way to practice performing our songs in front of a live audience.

Although the rehearsals were long and tiring, our hard work paid off. We were able to put on 3 separate shows. 

Every Candlelight starts with the beloved “Sing We Noel.” Members of the choir walk in with candles, and sing surrounded by the audience. This makes audience members feel a part of the show, because they see how the performance works up close.

Likewise, Candlelight always ends with the “Hallelujah Chorus.” Staples alumni are encouraged to join the stage with us. This is one of my favorite traditions, because it allows current students to connect with the students who performed in years prior.

Kevin Mazzarella conducts the “Hallelujah Chorus.”

Along with these classics, this year we played some new pieces. One of my favorites was “Selections from the Polar Express.” This was split into 4 songs from the popular movie, and included some jazz influence as well as a strong vocal section. This was a great way to embrace the holiday spirit, by offering an upbeat and vibrant song that many people were familiar with.

Another one of my favorite pieces was “March of the Toys” from the movie “Babes in Toyland.” This song showcased a strong trumpet section, which I am a part of, and marked the first piece played solely by the band and orchestra.

The 2024 Candlelight concert was a huge success, and enjoyed by many members of the Westport community. The tradition remains strong, and is something I am proud to have participated in this year from the stage.

I am excited to help continue the tradition in the next 2 years, as I play my trumpet in the “Hallelujah Chorus.” I am also excited to rehearse and perform new additions to each Candlelight Concert.

And I look forward to joining fellow alumni on stage in December 2027.