Tag Archives: Luke Rosenberg

Roundup: Aloha, Bonjour …

Posted on January 24, 2023 | 4 comments

A much-needed mid-winter touch of Hawaii came to the Westport Library Sunday night.

The Staples High School Orphenians put on an aloha-themed cabaret, as part of their fundraising efforts for their summer trip to the Aloha State.

Longtime Staples music aficionado — and former Fairfield music teacher — Ellen Kuroghlian was there. She writes:

“The benefit was outstanding. The singers were better than I have ever heard at Staples. The program included individual singers, with Broadway star Kelli O’Hara singing the last number — “You’ll Never Walk Alone” — with all Orphenians.

“David Pogue was the emcee. He worked on Broadway for 10 years, and is an expert at the piano, so he used it to emphasize a story or point. What a wonderfully dedicated father of a current Staples student, and 2 college age ones. And what wonderful gifts from these 2 pros.

“Choral director Luke Rosenberg sang too. He is a terrific performer. ‘Excellent modeling,’ as we educators say.

“Staples culinary instructor Chef Cecily Gans deserves ‘extra credit’ for the wonderful and bounteous ‘aloha-themed bites’ (which were large ones). Aliso Milwe Grace was there too, helping out.

“The performance, and the whole evening, was totally special.”

If you missed it — or just want to add something to the Orphs’ fund — click here.

Two of the many performers. James Dobin-Smith sang “My Way,” while Ethan Walmark played “Piano Man.”

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Yesterday’ Roundup item about the regular weekend pop-up clean-up projects around town led several readers to ask: When is the next one?

It’s Saturday, February 5, at the Imperial Avenue parking lot (11 a.m.). Bring gloves and trash bags, and wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty in.

There will be more than enough garbage to go around!

Questions? Email acolabellartm4@gmail.com

This past weekend’s trash pick-up on Greens Farms Road. Next up on February 5: the imperial Avenue parking lot.

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Earlier this month the mayor of Marigny — Westport’s French sister city — announced they’d be joining us, in offering aid to Lyman, Ukraine.

Marigny has not forgotten the help our town provided in the years following World War II.

Want proof? Check out the banner on the top of the region’s daily newspaper:

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Today’s Kings Highway Elementary School students have no clue about the 1980s. Some of their parents may be too young to remember it too.

But the KHS PTA hosts a “totally tubular ’80s-themed prom fundraiser” on Saturday, February 4 (7 to 10 p.m., Norwalk Inn). All KHS parents – past, present and future are invited. So is everyone else in town, no matter what you though about (or did during) that decade.

It’s a fundraiser for the school’s Outdoor Learning Center. Money is needed for raised planter beds, special bat-watching cameras, a greenhouse and more.

There will be dancing to ’80s tunes, and auction items from places like Modern Dermatology, Splatterbox, and Wakeman Town Farm, plus field passes to a Mets game, and a chance to have kids driven to school in a police cruiser.

While satin prom dresses, shoulder pads and “Miami Vice”-inspired pastel suits are encouraged. Tickets include a full open bar, passed hors d’oeuvres, and charcuterie, crudité and pasta stations. Click here for tickets, and more information.

Artists’ rendering of Kings Highway Outdoor Learning Center.

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For 60 years, Weston Emergency Medical Service has provided free care to town residents — and mutual aid to Westport, Wilton, Fairfield, Redding, Norwalk, Easton and Georgetown.

On March 25 (6:30 p.m., Rolling Hills Country Club, Wilton), the 100%-volunteer organization celebrates those 6 decades in a very Weston way.

Tony Award-winning director/longtime TV and movie star/proud Weston resident James Naughton will emcee.

Dan Micciche — music director of “Wicked” — will perform, along with other Broadway stars.

Weston EMS hopes to raise $100,000 to continue their mission of neighbors helping neighbors with the highest level of emergency care services and state-of- the-art equipment — all free.

An online raffle begins March 10. Tickets will also be available at the gala, plus silent and live auctions.

To become a sponsor, advertise in the program, or donate a product or service to the raffle or auctions, email abelport@westonems.com

Tickets are on sale now. To purchase tickets, click here and scroll down. Questions? Email gala@westonems.com.

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Sarah Jane Cion returns to Jazz at the Post this Thursday (January 26, shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner at 7).

First place winner of the 17th annual Great American Jazz Piano Competition, and a thoughtful composer, her songs “Cat in the Hat” and “Golden Song” were featured respectively in “The Mule” and “Thor: The Dark World.”

Joining Sarah Jane are bassist Peter Brendler, drummer Michael Camacho and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall.

The cover charge is $15. Reservations are strongly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.

Sarah Jane Cion

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It took a while for last year’s jetty project to be completed at Burying Hill Beach.

Now — with crowds gone — it’s a perfect home for gulls.

Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo comes from one of the few folks at Westport’s “other” beach: Eric Bosch.

(Photo/Eric Bosch)

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And finally … if you’re ready for the ’80s (as in, the Kings Highway Elementary School fundraiser — story above), then you must get up and dance to this:

(“06880” hasn’t been around since the 1980s. But we’ve covered Westport — and have not missed a day — since 2009. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog.)

4 Comments

Posted in Entertainment, Environment, Politics, Staples HS, Weston

Tagged Imperial Avenue parking lot, Jazz at the Post, Kings Highway Elementary School, Luke Rosenberg, Lyman Ukraine, Marigny, Staples Oprhenians, Weston Emergency Medical Service

Orphenians Sway To “Aloha Cabaret”

Posted on January 2, 2023 | 5 comments

It’s winter in Westport. Plenty of folks are dreaming of Hawaii.

The Orphenians will actually go there.

Well, not until June. But Staples High School’s elite a cappella choral group is already making plans. And rehearsing.

And raising funds.

The trip to the International Luau of Song Festival, with director Luke Rosenberg and conductor Pearl Shangkuan of Calvin College, will include learning about cultural music, performing, and touring on both Oahu and the Big Island.

All 42 Orphenians are going. They’ve set a goal of $45,000, to cover expenses of those who cannot afford it all.

So think leis and grass skirts, and get ready for an “Aloha Cabaret.” It’s set for January 22, at the Westport Library.

Broadway and Metropolitan Opera star, Tony Award-winning Kelli O’Hara — a Westporter, and Orphenians fan — will perform. Choral alumni like Clay Singer, Georgia Wright and others joins her on stage.

Rosenberg will sing too. For those who know him only from the back, as he wields his baton, that’s a special treat.

The emcee is David Pogue. Among many other talents, the “CBS Sunday Morning” correspondent is a former Broadway arranger and conductor (and father of Orphenians).

A silent auction includes an array of items, from Caribbean stays and jewelry to lessons and coaching. There are Hawaiian-themed light bites too.

Just what we need for a cold — but also very cool — January night.

(VIP tickets are $225 per person; they include 6 p.m. early entry, choice seating, and a meet-and-greet with performers. General admission tickets are $150 per person, for 6:30 p.m. entry. Click here to purchase. To make a donation without purchasing, click here. Questions? Email Staples.Music.Parents.Assn@gmail.com.)

Click below for the Orphenians’ most recent Westport Library event. They performed holiday music, and selections from their fall concert.

5 Comments

Posted in Arts, Entertainment, Library, Staples HS, Teenagers

Tagged David Pogue, Kelli O'Hara, Luke Rosenberg, Staples High School Orphenians

Now Let Hosannas Ring …

Posted on December 18, 2022 | 2 comments

This weekend’s Candlelight Concert — the 82nd since 1940 — honored both its long and storied tradition, and kept it fresh and new.

The choral symphonic and jazz ensembles awed the full auditorium with their voices and musicianship. The program — from the traditional, lovely “Sing We Noel” through the stunning “Nutcracker Suite,” rousing “Jubilate Deo” and clever production number, to the powerful “Home Alone Suite” and rousing “Hallelujah Chorus” finale — was both proof that our town’s young artists are very alive, quite well (and superbly well-trained), and that even in times of uncertainty and division, all can be right in Westport.

Congratulations and thanks to all who made Candlelight possible: choral director Luke Rosenberg; orchestra directors Carrie Mascaro and Jeri Hockensmith; band director Phil Giampietro; townwide music and visual arts coordinator Steve Zimmerman — and of course all the teenage musicians, who gave us the gift of music.

And of course thanks to Lynn Untermeyer Miller, who captured all the magic of the show.

The stage …

… and the lobby …

… the welcoming musicians …

… the ubiquitous Alice Addicks …

… the “Sing We Noel” processional …

… the orchestra …

… in tune with each other …

… an intense gaze …

… the Jazz Combo plays “Frosty the Red-Nosed Christmas Tree” …

… and the vocal duet “Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow” …

… and the music …

… and the production number, Don Rickenback’s original “Holiday Greeting Letter” …

… and another production number view …

… while Jeri Hockensmith (rear) introduces her Staples music department staff (from left) Carrie Moscaro, Luke Rosenberg, Nick Giampietro and Don Rickenback. (All photos/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)

(Happy holidays! If you’d like to help support this hyper-local blog, please click here. Thank you!)

2 Comments

Posted in Categories

Tagged Candlelight Concert, Carrie Mascaro, Jeri Hockensmith, Luke Rosenberg, Phil Giampietro, Staples High School music department

Unsung Heroes #264

Posted on November 23, 2022 | 2 comments

For over 60 years, Staples Players have entertained, touched and inspired audiences. Some shows are fun and funny; others, thought-provoking or provocative.

Over the years, we’ve grown to expect spectacular quality: acting, singing, directing, choreography, sets, costumes, lighting, the pit.

We always rave about Players’ productions. But we sometimes take them for granted.

“Guys and Dolls” — the 7th time they’ve put on that musical — closed Saturday night. It built on the tradition of previous versions, and all the other successes.

But it sure wasn’t easy.

Henry Carson — the senior playing Nathan Detroit — was laid out by flu just before the show opened. Freshman Will McCrae stepped spectacularly into the breach. (His late grandfather — Jack Lemmon — would have been very proud.)

Will McCrea as Nathan Detroit, and Jackie Peterson as Adelaide. (Photo/Kerry Long)

The next day, understudies Graham Griffin (also a 9th grader) and junior Finley Chevrier took the stage, in other roles. A spot operator was also out sick.

In the week between opening and closing, nearly 2 dozen of the cast and tech crew caught whatever was going around. By the final performance, all but one had recovered. The show went on — fabulously.

But without its regular pit orchestra conductor.

Staples music teacher Carrie Mascaro was ill. Her colleague Luke Rosenberg — the school’s choral director — stepped up big time. He learned the score, then led 14 musicians in a flawless performance.

Luke Rosenberg took over as pit director last weekend. (Photo/Dan Woog)

The show must go on. And it did.

How about one more standing ovation for:

The understudies who got the call, and quickly responded
Their replacements, who had to instantly adapt too
The costume crew, who did incredible work before the show, then kept working as actors took on new roles
The tech crew, which never gets enough praise — and their creative boss, Jeff Hauser, who made sure set designer Jordan Janota’s imaginative vision was brought to life

“Rockin’ the Boat” — on the great “Guys and Dolls” set. (Photo/Kerry Long)

Choreographer (and expectant mom) Rachel MacIsaac Myers, whose wonderful work continued with each new actor
Luke Rosenberg, a true professional who stepped into the big conducting breach with virtually no notice
Directors David Roth and Kerry Long, who solved problem after problem, and weathered storm after storm, by modeling the show biz tradition that everyone involved will remember the rest of their lives.

“Guys and Dolls” — the 1950 show — is all about luck.

“Guys and Dolls” — Staples Players-style — had plenty of bad luck. But every person involved, on stage and off, came through a winner.

Congratulations, guys (and dolls). You’re our “06880” Unsung Heroes of the Week.

PS: Missed the show? check out the highlight reel below. It’s an easy bet: This will be the best 8 minutes you spend today.

(Do you know an Unsung Hero? Let us know! Email 06880blog@gmail.com)

(“06880” entertains — and, hopefully, inspires and provokes — you several times a day. To support your hyper-local blog, please click here.)

2 Comments

Posted in Arts, Entertainment, Staples HS, Teenagers

Tagged "Guys and Dolls", David Roth, Jeff Hauser, Kerry Long, Luke Rosenberg, Staples Players, Will McCrae

Roundup: “Guys & Dolls”, World Cup, Bridgeport Boatworks …

Posted on November 20, 2022 | 2 comments

Last week, “06880” reported on the hard luck suffered by the cast of Staples Players’ “Guys and Dolls.” Henry Carson (Nathan Detroit) fell ill just before the show opened. Freshman Will McCrae stepped spectacularly into the breach.

The next day, understudies Graham Griffin (also a 9th grader) and junior Finley Chevrier took the stage, in other roles.

In the week between opening and closing, nearly 2 dozen of the cast and tech crew got sick. By the final performance, all but one had recovered. The show went on — fabulously.

But without its regular pit orchestra conductor.

Staples music teacher Carrie Mascaro is in the hospital with pneumonia. Her colleague Luke Rosenberg — the school’s choral director — stepped up big time. He learned the score, then led 14 musicians in a flawless performance.

The show must go on. And it did.

But it’s a good bet (ho ho) that directors David Roth and Kerry Long will tell the improbable “Guys & Dolls” story to future Players for many years to come.

Conductor Luke Rosenberg in the pit last night. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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The World Cup starts today.

If you can’t be in Qatar for the opening match — the hosts vs. Ecuador, 11 a.m. EST — you can do the next best thing.

Head to Vanish Media System‘s showroom, in the strip mall near Fortuna’s and Greens Farms Spirit Shop.

Mark Motyl’s company builds state-of-the-art home theaters that disappear into customized credenzas or benches.

He’s got several in the showroom. With Dolby Atmos Surround Sound and a 4k projector, it’s just like being in the stadium. Except at Vanish Media, you’re much closer to the action.

Like Qatar, Mark does not sell beer. But he provides snacks, and is plenty of fun to watch a game with.

There’s an open invitation for today’s 11 a.m. match. If you’d like to arrange a private viewing party for an upcoming game of interest, call or text Mark: 203-246-2011.

Click here for a full schedule of all 64 matches.

In February, Julia Marino’s family and friends gathered in the Vanish Media showroom to watch her silver-winning snowboard performance at the Beijing Olympics. Today, the action switches to soccer’s World Cup in Qatar.

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Over 80 Westport-Weston Y’s Men visited Bridgeport Boatworks Friday morning.

The highly specialized business provides a wide range of maintenance and storage services for boat clients around the world, including New York ferries and super yachts. Its 2 lifts can haul up to 200 tons.

Y’s Men at Bridgeport Boatworks. (Hat tip and photo/Dave Matlow)

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Longtime Westport resident Mary Kinser died peacefully in her sleep on Friday, at home. She was 92. Her family calls her “a tiny package with a huge impact.”

Born in Kentucky and raised in West Virginia, she attended business school and worked as a bookkeeper. She married Bill at 20, and a year later their daughter Mary Jo was born.

The family traveled all across the US and Europe. In 1966 they moved to Toledo, then 14 years later to Geneva, Switzerland for Bill’s work. Mary loved to ski and hike in the Alps.

After her husband died in 1982 she moved to Westport, where her daughter lived. She knew no one here, but began working as a receptionist at the Westport YMCA, a real estate assistant and a babysitter.

She loved Compo Beach: walking, combing for shells and enjoying sunsets. She also found joy and excitement in New York City’s arts and culture scene.

Mary served the United Methodist Church of Westport and Weston for over 40 years. She taught Sunday school, prepared communion, babysat in the nursery and visited sick parishioners.

She also volunteered at the Gillespie Center and food bank, delivered meals to shut-ins, and raised money for the less fortunate.

Mary was preceded by her sisters Mabel Rumbaugh and Mearilyn Auvil. She is survived by her daughter Mary Jo (Greg Hawkins) Kinser; brother John Hackworth, and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and step-granfchildren.

Funeral services will be held in West Virginia on Saturday (November 26, noon). Click here for the livestream, or to view later. A memorial service is set for March 11 at United Methodist Church of Westport.

Mary Kinser

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(Photo/Ted Horowitz)

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And finally … Ned Rorem, the Pulitzer Prize-winning composer, died Friday in New York. He was 99. Click here for a full obituary.

(If you get a kick out of “06880,” please consider a donation. Click here for details.)

2 Comments

Posted in Entertainment, Obituaries, Sports

Tagged "Guys & Dolls", Luke Rosenberg, Vanish Media Systems, World Cup, Y's Men of Westport and Weston

Roundup: “Guys & Dolls,” World Cup, Bridgeport Boatworks …

Posted on November 20, 2022 | 2 comments

The next day, understudies Graham Griffin (also a 9th grader) and junior Finley Chevrier took the stage, in other roles.

In the week between opening and closing, nearly 2 dozen of the cast and tech crew got sick. By the final performance, all but one had recovered. The show went on — fabulously.

But without its regular pit orchestra conductor.

The show must go on. And it did.

But it’s a good bet (ho ho) that directors David Roth and Kerry Long will tell the improbable “Guys & Dolls” story to future Players for many years to come.

Conductor Luke Rosenberg in the pit last night. (Photo/Dan Woog)

=======================================================

The World Cup starts today.

If you can’t be in Qatar for the opening match — the hosts vs. Ecuador, 11 a.m. EST — you can do the next best thing.

Head to Vanish Media System‘s showroom, in the strip mall near Fortuna’s and Greens Farms Spirit Shop.

Mark Motyl’s company builds state-of-the-art home theaters that disappear into customized credenzas or benches.

He’s got several in the showroom. With Dolby Atmos Surround Sound and a 4k projector, it’s just like being in the stadium. Except at Vanish Media, you’re much closer to the action.

Like Qatar, Mark does not sell beer. But he provides snacks, and is plenty of fun to watch a game with.

There’s an open invitation for today’s 11 a.m. match. If you’d like to arrange a private viewing party for an upcoming game of interest, call or text Mark: 203-246-2011.

Click here for a full schedule of all 64 matches.

======================================================

Over 80 Westport-Weston Y’s Men visited Bridgeport Boatworks Friday morning.

Y’s Men at Bridgeport Boatworks. (Hat tip and photo/Dave Matlow)

=======================================================

Longtime Westport resident Mary Kinser died peacefully in her sleep on Friday, at home. She was 92. Her family calls her “a tiny package with a huge impact.”

Born in Kentucky and raised in West Virginia, she attended business school and worked as a bookkeeper. She married Bill at 20, and a year later their daughter Mary Jo was born.

The family traveled all across the US and Europe. In 1966 they moved to Toledo, then 14 years later to Geneva, Switzerland for Bill’s work. Mary loved to ski and hike in the Alps.

She loved Compo Beach: walking, combing for shells and enjoying sunsets. She also found joy and excitement in New York City’s arts and culture scene.

Mary served the United Methodist Church of Westport and Weston for over 40 years. She taught Sunday school, prepared communion, babysat in the nursery and visited sick parishioners.

She also volunteered at the Gillespie Center and food bank, delivered meals to shut-ins, and raised money for the less fortunate.

Mary Kinser

=====================================================

(Photo/Ted Horowitz)

=======================================================

And finally … Ned Rorem, the Pulitzer Prize-winning composer, died Friday in New York. He was 99. Click here for a full obituary.

(If you get a kick out of “06880,” please consider a donation. Click here for details.)

2 Comments

Posted in Entertainment, Local business, Obituaries, Sports, Staples HS, technology

Tagged "Guys & Dolls", Luke Rosenberg, Mark Motyl, Mary Kinser, Staples Players, Vanish Media Systems, World Cup, Y's Men of Westport and Weston

Terry Brannigan: It’s “Time” For Gillham’s Debut Album

Posted on December 24, 2021 | 3 comments

Some Westporters know Terry Brannigan as an Eagle Scout. Others think of him as a former Staples High School wrestling star.

Perhaps one day the rest of the world may celebrate him for his music.

The 2020 Staples grad is now a Wesleyan University sophomore. He’s double majoring in physics and music. He’s minoring in IDEAS (Integrated Design, Engineering and Applied Science). He’s a varsity wrestler (125 pounds).

And he’s just released his first album. Which (of course!) he created entirely himself, in his dorm room.

Terry Brannigan’s “studio.”

He wrote every song. He played live instruments (after teaching himself bass and piano — he already knew guitar). He sang. He mixed, mastered and produced it all (after figuring out how to use the Ableton program).

And — why not? — he designed the album cover too

Terry Brannigan created all the “Gillham” art.

“Gillham” — that’s Terry’s middle name; it’s both the album title and his stage name — traces its roots back to Terry’s first guitar, at 7. He joined School of Rock, but did not take music seriously until the summer after 11th grade

He and a friend formed the band Verbatim (it included his younger brother Eamon). They played a few gigs, at venues from bars to Barnes & Noble.

Terry Brannigan

A turning point for Terry was taking Advanced Placement Music Theory with Luke Rosenberg. The Staples choral director gave Terry “another way to look at and appreciate music,” he says.

Balancing school, music, wrestling and Boy Scouts was not easy. Terry was grateful to have two escapes — arts and sports — from the stresses of teenage life. They use different sides of the brain, he notes, and balance each other out.

Throughout high school, Terry wrote songs. Last year, stuck in his Wesleyan dorm room for long stretches during COVID, he worked in earnest on his music.

“I’d sit in the same chair for 6 or 7 hours — class, homework, music, eating dinner at my desk,” Terry says. “I was having a really weird relationship with time.” He began writing songs with that theme.

At first, Terry admits, it was hard to write about personal feelings. “Is it too much information? Why would anyone care?” he wondered. But, he notes, “it’s easier, and a lot more fun, to write something you care about.”

The hardest part of making an album was not the lyrics or melody. It was production.

“There’s so much to learn,” says Terry. He taught himself Ableton Live — a digital audio workstation. “There’s an infinite number of sounds and instruments. When I figure out how to get something to sound the way I want it to, I’m grateful.”

Terry Brannigan: Westport and Wesleyan’s music man, in Nashville.

He’s produced an impressive debut album. That theme of “time” runs through nearly every track, mutating and reprising often. The more you listen to “GIllham,” the more you appreciate Terry’s insights, subtleties and nuances.

After the next tough part — promotion — Terry will turn to another musical project.

He’ll fit it in along with his very demanding courses at Wesleyan. And his equally tough wrestling schedule.

Terry Brannigan is a many of many talents. And — somehow — he’ll find “time.”

(“Gillham” by Gillham is available on Spotify, Apple Music and other streaming platforms.)

If Terry Brannigan is not making music or studying, you’ll find him on the wrestling mat.

3 Comments

Posted in Arts, Entertainment, Sports, Staples HS

Tagged Luke Rosenberg, Staples High School, Staples High School wrestling team, Terry Brannigan, Wesleyan University

Candlelight Concert 2021: Now Let Hosannas Ring!

Posted on December 19, 2021 | 4 comments

Staples High School’s 81st annual Candlelight Concert — but first of the 2020s decade — awed audiences this weekend, with stunning performances by nearly 200 young musicians and singers.

(Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)

With slight tweaks — an almost indiscernible new arrangement of “Sing We Noel,” snappy staging, even a new font in the program — the beloved event held on to all its important rituals, while offering fresh takes that showcased astonishing individual talents, and tremendous collaboration among teachers and groups.

A festive scene greeted concert-goers in the auditorium lobby. (Photo/Dan Woog)

Along with offerings from the Symphonic Band, Symphonic Orchestra nd Choirs, highlights included (but were hardly limited to) the Jazz Combo’s “Baby, It’s Cold Outside”; the String Quartet’s “Andante Festivo”; the Percussion Ensemble’s “Nutcracker to Go,” and the show-stopping “Fantasie for Piano, Choir & Orchestra Op. 80” by Beethoven, with vocal soloists and a mesmerizing performance by senior pianist Sasha Maskoff.

Another tradition: Alice Addicks greeting the audience. (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)

Each music instructor took turns leading combined group. Take a well-deserved bow, Luke Rosenberg, Carrie Mascaro, Phil Giampietro and Jeri Hockensmith — and your scores of talented, passionate performing artists.

(Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)

“Sing We Noel” processional (Photo/Dan Woog)

Orchestra director Jeri Hockensmith leads “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers.” (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)

All eyes are on the conductor. (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)

Phil Giampietro acknowledges applause for the band and orchestra. (Photo/Dan Woog)

Masks did not detract at all from the choral selections. (Photo/Dan Woog)

Choral director Luke Rosenberg helped mastermind the 2021 Candlelight Concert. (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)

Jeffrey Pogue and Shanti Wimmer solo on the Jazz Ensemble’s “Baby, It’s Cold Outside.” (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)

Sasnta and friend, in Don Rickenback’s peppy production number (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)

Carrie Mascaro conducts the rousing “Hallelujah Chorus.” (Photo/Dan Woog)

Adding a bit of color to the Symphonic Band. (Photo/Dan Woog)

Staples music instructors (from left) Jeri Hockesmith,Don Rickenback, Mary Gardner, Luke Rosenberg, Phil Giampietro and Caitlin Serpliss acknowledge applause of their musicians after the “Hallelujah Chorus.” (Photo/Dan Woog)

Dozens of alumni joined nearly 200 musicians onstage for the “Hallelujah Chorus” finale. (Photo/Danielle Dobin)

Missed the concert? Mark this coming Thursday (December 23, 8 p.m.); click on www.StaplesMusic.org, for a streamed, previously recorded show.

(Photo/Dan Woog)

4 Comments

Posted in Arts, Staples HS, Teenagers

Tagged Candlelight Concert, Carrie Mascaro, Jeri Hockensmith, Luke Rosenberg, Phil Giampietro, Staples High School music department

Roundup: Staples Choral Concert; Da Pietro’s; BleachMaker; More

Posted on June 16, 2020 | 2 comments

School’s out for summer. But you can listen today — and any (or every) day to Staples High’s Spring Virtual Choral Concert.

Masterminded by the great director Luke Rosenberg, with video work from student Tomaso Scotti, the wonderful event included solo performances, a choral work from each ensemble, and senior updates.

Click below for the full performance:

Click below for the choral performances only:

Among the restaurants that have recently reopened: Da Pietro’s.

The small spot on Riverside Avenue has a new “casual menu,” for takeout or delivery. Click here for details.

Owner/chef Pietro Scotti of DaPietro’s

Westporter Brandon Wilson was just a week into Peace Corps training in Costa Rica in March, when COVID-19 forced all volunteers to evacuate.

Back here and uncertain about next steps, he began working for a Louisville-based company. Waterstep was right up his alley: They empower citizens in developing nations to take care of their long-term water needs.

The key is a sanitizing BleachMaker. The portable device produces 1 gallon of powerful disinfectant in an hour using only water, salt and a 12V/DC power source for on-site.

During the pandemic it’s being used in the US too, in homeless shelters, food banks, prisons, jails, hair salons and other places that need bleach.

Money from domestic sales is used to donate BleachMakers in places like Kenya, where it’s disinfecting hospitals. It’s also a way for people to create microbusinesses.

“Instead of paying multinational corporations for bleach, money stays in local communities,” Brandon notes. He encourages “06880” readers to explore Waterstep further; just click here.

And finally … 50 years ago, the Temptations sang about a ball of confusion. Still, that’s what the world is today.

2 Comments

Posted in Arts, Environment, Restaurants, Staples HS, Teenagers

Tagged Luke Rosenberg, Staples High School choral program, WaterStep

Pics Of The Day #781

Posted on June 7, 2019 | 6 comments

In just 4 years, the Westport Schools’ Music Department Pops Concert has become one of the true highlights — and must-have tickets — of the spring.

The choruses, bands and orchestras are phenomenal. The Levitt Pavilion locale is stupendous. The evening is warm — in both the weather and community senses of the word.

It’s a sure sign that summer is almost here.

And that this is a town that loves and supports music, in all its forms.

A variety of chamber groups entertained early arrivals…

… as did the very talented Middle School Percussion Ensemble, playing traditional rhythms of Senegal.

A small part of the large Levitt Pavilion crowd.

The Westport Police Department color guard. (Photo/Tomas Curwen)

Symphonic and jazz band leader Nick Mariconda retires this year, after 41 years with the Westport schools. He was honored at his final concert.

Three of Mariconda’s former students — Jon Owens ’86, Andrew Willmott ’85 and Michael Ances ’90 — came back. They played trumpet — Mariconda’s instrument — on “Bugler’s Holiday.” All are now music educators.

Between sets, Staples musicians hung out by the river.

First Selectman Jim Marpe, interim superintendent of schools Dr. David Abbey and former Staples High School principal/Pops emcee John Dodig enjoyed the show.