A few more images, from this weekend’s spectacular Candlelight Concert.
The concert begins.
The view from the stage, before the “Hallelujah Chorus.”
Alumni join current singers for the finale. (All photos/Dan Woog)
The audience rises, as the orchestra, band and choral groups — joined by alumni singers — perform the “Hallelujah Chorus.” (Photo/Jennifer Petrosinelli)
One of Westport’s best-loved holiday traditions — the Wakeman Town Farm tree lighting — is set for Friday, December 5 (4 p.m.).
Families enjoy treats and hot chocolate; musicians from Greens Farms and Saugatuck Elementary schools, plus a few Staples High School band members and a student jazz duo.
In the spirit of the season, WTF offers 3 ways to give back to neighbors in need.
The Wakeman Town Farm tree. (Photo/Dan Woog)
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Another great holiday tradition — Staples High School’s 85th annual Candlelight Concert — returns December 12 (8 p.m.) and December 13 (3 and 8 p.m.). Free ticket information will be available soon.
Meanwhile, advertising space in the concert program is available now. Ads will be seen by 3,000 people — and will support the spectacular Staples music department. The deadline is December 1.
Click here for advertising details.
The tradition continues. (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)
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Speaking still of the holidays: 3 special “Nordic Market” events makem special at Eleish Van Breems.
Everyone of all ages is invited to:
Glögg vs. Cider (December 12 and 14, 2:30 p.m.). A talk on American cider and Swedish glögg. Taste both holiday drink. Limited to 20; RSVP: events@evbhem.com.
Scandinavian Fairy Tales (December 13, 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.): Reading of “The Tomten.” He helps with the farm and animals — though no one has ever seen him.
Swedish Stars Workshop (December 13, 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.): A demonstration for the whole family on making Swedish hanging stars. Limit 12 per session; RSVP: events@evbhem.com.
Nordic Market comes to Eleish Van Breems.
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A fundraiser hosted by the Westport Firefighters Charitable Foundation helped raise funds to replace outdated Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs).
Now, the Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service has purchased 50 state-of-the-art Philips units for Westport’s first responders.
The total project cost is $62,020.
$25,000 raised by the Westport Firefighters Charitable Foundation will be transferred to Westport EMS to fund the Fire Department’s portion.
Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service covered the remaining balance.
Fire Chief Nick Marsan says, “These new AEDs significantly strengthen our emergency response capabilities. When someone is in cardiac arrest, every second counts. Ensuring our first responders have the most reliable tools available is a commitment to the safety and well-being of our community.”
Of course, donations to WVEMS — who are responsible for raising funds for everything from ambulances to Band-Aids — are always welcome. Click here to help.
First responders, with one of 50 AEDs.
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Michael Diggin writes: “For the first time, I (plus another dozen cars) was driving around Saugatuck this morning just before 8 a.m., futilely seeking permit parking between the north railroad station platform and Riko’s Pizza.
“I never had reason to know about permit parking lot #7, located north of I-95. It’s off the one-way Franklin Street, just before Ketchum Street.
“You have likely previously let folks know about it. But perhaps this map may help other people know where park when unexpectedly pressed. Clearly folks are now back in their offices.”
Thanks, Michael! And here it is.
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Just in time for cold weather — and Hanukkah — The Blondiniit has enclosed their outdoor pergola.
Church Lane may no longer be closed to traffic. But outside dining is still available.
And fun.
The Blondinit’s “Hannukah Holiday Winter Wonderland.”
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There was an interesting juxtaposition yesterday, between the notification on a Coastal Link bus, and the advertisement below it.
(Photo/DinkinESH Fotografix)
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Westport Police made 2 custodial arrests between November 12 and 18.
A 38-year-old Stratford man was charged with burglary, larceny and criminal mischief, after an investigation into a burglary in January. He posted a $150,000 bond.
A 20-year-old Bridgeport man was charged with operating under the influence (under 21 years old), operating a motor vehicle without a license, and traveling too fast for conditions, after an officer observed him traveling at a high rate of speed on Post Road East, in rainy conditions.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Texting while driving is illegal — even at a red light.
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Staples High School Class of 2022 graduate Hector Emmanuelli died last Friday. He was 25.
His obituary says, “Since birth, Hector was a guerrero, a fighter. He defied the odds after being born, weighing just 413 grams at 24 weeks, alongside his quadruplet siblings: Jimena, Chantal and Michelle. Fearless and resilient, he lived every day to the fullest.
“Hector loved to travel to see family in Mexico and Costa Rica. He was quite a comelón, loving all kinds of food, especially plátano, corn bread, and ice cream. He filled the house with music (like Ricky Martin and Baby Einstein), as he carried his iPad around to be wherever we gathered.”
His funeral was yesterday. Online condolences can be left here.
Hector Emmanuelli
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Former Westporter Hal Fass died Saturday, from a rare form of multiple myeloma. He was 68.
He graduated from Harpur College with a political science degree. He was active in the school’s radio station, and formed band (the Killer Tomatores). He met his wife Carole in college, when both were covering a Talking Heads show.
The family lived in Westport for nearly 25 years, before moving to the water in South Norwalk.
After earning an MBA at Baruch College, Hal worked in advertising and marketing. He traveled the globe for business, but spent every winter weekend in Vermont. He taught snowboarding at Okemo Mountain for almost 20 years.
Despite living for 5 years with cancer, Hal continued to travel, rode his Vespa and Triumph, wrote a screenplay, and formed a new band (The Clams).
Hal Fass
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Bob Weingarten sends today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo — and an explanation.
He writes: “You posted my article years ago on how to prevent deer on your property.
“This morning I saw a deer on my lawn next to an owl figure. In my piece I said they would not stay near an owl, even a statue.
“But this deer stayed for hours near it. So my prior statement was incorrect!”
(Photo/Bob Weingarten)
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And finally … Dr. John was born on this date, in 1941.
The blues/jazz/R&B/soul/funk singer/songwriter/pianist died in 2019, at 77.
(The holidays are coming — as noted above. And what better gift for “06880” than to click here, and support the work of your favorite hyper-local blog. All the elves here thank you!)
UN Day is October 24. This year as never before, the international organization is wracked with controversy.
The night before, Under-Secretary-General Christian Saunders will be at the Westport Library. He’ll speak on “The UN at 80: Current Challenges and Future Possibilities” (October 23, 7 p.m.).
The event is part of the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Memorial Lecture Series, established by the United Nations Association of Southwestern Connecticut.
Admission is free. For more information, click here.
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Today is the 2nd anniversary of Hamas’ October 7 attack.
The Blondinit will honor the memory of those lost in Israel, and those still held captive, by donating a portion of proceeds from all meals and drinks — dine in or take out at the Church Lane restaurant, and delivery — to United Hatzalah.
The volunteer-based emergency medical services organization provides free, lifesaving care to anyone in need across Israel. With more than 8,000 trained medics and an average response time of under 3 minutes, they save lives every day using innovative tools like ambucycles and GPS technology.
Entirely funded by donations, United Hatzalah was among the first responders during the October 7 attacks. They continue to provide critical emergency aid throughout the country.
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On a more joyful note, the Jewish holiday of Sukkot began at sundown last night.
The festival commemorates both the fall harvest, and 40 years of wandering in the desert after the Exodus from Egypt.
Celebrated for 7 days, it involves building a temporary hut (sukkah), which symbolizes the fragile, temporary shelters of the Israelites, and reminds observers of God’s protection.
This sukkah was built yesterday near Compo Beach:
(Photo/Richard Fogel)
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Survive-OARS — the inspirational (and very competitive) Saugatuck Rowing Club team made up of breast cancer survivors — heads to the Head of the Charles on October 18. It’s the biggest regatta in the world.
Six days before — this Sunday (October 12, 1 to 4 p.m., Saugatuck Rowing Club, rain or shine), the public can honor these strong, spirited women.
Every ticket and donation (all tax-deductible) will fuel the Survive-OARS’ life-changing program of strength, empowerment, resilience and sisterhood.
The afternoon includes music by the Bad Dog Buddy Band, nibbles and more (full raw bar, clam chowder, pumpkin bisque, charcuterie, apple crisp).
One of the highlights: turning the Saugatuck River pink, with 50,000 rose petals. That’s quadruple the usual, already stunning number.
A moment of silence will honor all the lives touched by the insidious disease.
Petals can be dedicated to a loved one, or the Survive-OARS program. Messages can be written on (biodegradable) paper, and lofted into the river along with the petals.
Tickets are $75. Can’t be there? Purchase and dedicate rose petals, to be scattered in your name ($50 or $25). Click here for more information. Questions? Email diana@survive-oars.org.
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The last time we checked in with Max Orland — the 2006 Staples High School graduate who overcame a speech and language disability to work with the New York Mets, US Open (center court, for Federer and Serena Williams), Philadelphia Phillies, Boston Red Sox and Northeastern University — he was hired in golf operations at the prestigious Tiburón Club in Naples, Florida.
Now he’s a published writer. His piece in Tri- State Golf Magazine is an inspiring account of the challenges he’s overcome, the milestones he’s reached, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. (Click here to read.)
It focuses on his move away from all that was familiar, to South Florida. It’s very well-written, filled with strong examples, and a testament to Max’s talent, perseverance and character.
The other day, Max was in Westport. He headed to Staples — as he always does — to see Sara Levesh Prior, a teacher who was so helpful to him 20 years ago.
“I was so fortunate to go to school there,” Max says. “It really launched me to some great accomplishments. I am forever grateful for Staples and Westport.
I owe gratitude to a lot of people there, like the baseball coaches, who were rooting for me.”
PS: Max has a new (and very exciting) gig. He’ll be working in operations for the NBA’s Miami Heat. Good things happen to great people!
Max Orland
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Club203 — Westport’s social organization for adults with disabilities — celebrates Halloween early.
Their October 16 (6:30 p.m.) event at Earthplace is “a spooktacular night under the stars.” It includes music, a “trick-a-tree” trail” for treats, pumpkin painting, a fire pit, and a chance to hang out with friends.
Costumes are encouraged. Click here for more information.
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Staples’ Candlelight Concert is over 2 1/2 months away.
But the school’s music department is deep in preparations for the 85th annual gift to the town.
Ten years ago — for the 75th anniversary — a special CD included selections from many previous shows. The oldest — “The 12 Days of Christmas” — was from 1953.
This year, the department wonders: Are there older Candlelight recordings anywhere? And when was the first concert recorded by a movie camera (or camcorder)?
If you’ve got a long-ago LP, movie or video, contact Steve Zimmerman, district arts coordinator: szimmerman@westportps.org. (PS: Please let “06880” know too!)
This photo is from the 1979 Candlelight Concert. It was already nearly 40 years old. There have been over 40 Candlelights since.
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Pequot Runners — organizers of the very popular Thanksgiving Day 5-mile race and 2.6-mile walk — are sponsoring a kids-only race this Sunday (October 19, Greens Farms Academy)
There are 2 distances: 1.5 miles (4th-5th grade boys and girls, 9 a.m.) and 2 mles (5th-6th graders, 9:30 a.m.).
The entry fee is $27.50. Click here to register.
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“06880” received dozens of harvest moon photos last night. We couldn’t use all — or even a small part — of them.
But here is one, as it rose over (of course) Compo Beach:
(Photo/Nancy Lally)
And another, over Old Road:
(Photo/Ben Meyer)
The full harvest moon was framed beautifully, in this sculpture by Hans Von de Bovemkamp on Judy Point Lane, near Saugatuck Shores:
(Photo/Roger Leifer)
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The Staples boys soccer online silent auction has begun.
Items include soccer training with varsity players (for goalkeepers too!), a ball signed by the varsity team, a ski on/off weekend at Stowe, Knicks tickets, diamond earrings, writing consultations with “06880” founder Dan Woog, and much more.
Click here to see all the items, and bid. The auction closes Monday, October 13 at 10 p.m.
Staples High varsity soccer players offer special training, through their online auction. (Photo/Ryan Allen)
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Multi-instrumentalist (bass, guitar, harmonica, looper, vocals) Brian Torff stars this Thursday, at Jazz at the Post (VFW Post 399; 7:30 and 8:45 p.m. shows; dinner from 7).
He’s joined by saxophonists Wes Lewis and Josh Walker, and percussionist Elijah Atkins. Click here for tickets, and more information.
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Most of our daily “Westport … Naturally” photos show Westport at its best: the beauty and wonder we often appreciate (but not always).
Today’s shows Gray’s Creek, between Longshore and Compo Beach Road.
But while it is a town jewel, some people don’t always treat it that way. For example:
(Photo/Nathan Greenbaum)
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And finally … speaking of last night’s harvest moon:
(Another day, another Roundup chock full of news, events, photos and more. If you enjoy this daily feature — or any other — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
2021 was a difficult year. But as dark as things seem, we always have music.
Here in Westport, we’re particularly lucky. We have the Staples High School music department. Each year, they give us a gift: the Candlelight Concert.
This year — the 81st — was particularly welcome.
Despite the challenges — including Omicron and mask mandates — the concert was astonishing. It might be the best ever.
But don’t take my word for it. Watch the combined instrumental and orchestral version of Beethoven’s Fantasie for Piano, Choir and Orchestra Op. 80 for yourself.
Starting slowly, then building to a stunning crescendo, it features senior Sasha Maskoff’s remarkable piano solo.
Vocal soloists include Sophia Betit, Shanti Wimmer, Jackiei Peterson, Sydney Gusick, Emily Desser Lauranne De Vos, Samuel Betit, Peter Macris, James Dobin-Smith, Zach Berman, Jeffrey Pogue and Ryan Porio.
Seven days from the end of a terrible year, these 12 minutes will convince you that this is — still — a very beautiful world.
(Kudos to Jim Honeycutt, who taped and produced this video.)
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My bad.
I was so excited to announce yesterday that Staples High School’s Candlelight Concert will be streamed, that I gave the wrong date.
It’s not Christmas Day. The correct date for the streaming is Thursday, December 23, (8 p.m.). To access the stream that day of the concert (recorded earlier), just go to www.StaplesMusic.org.
Then sit back and enjoy.
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Speaking of holiday music:
The Unitarian Church of Westport’s Community Carol Sing is set for this Sunday (December 19, 4 to 5 p.m.).
It’s COVID safe: outdoors in the large parking lot (10 Lyons Plains Road).
A French horn will accompany songs (words provided), with everything from classic carols and fun favorites to Hanukkah songs. Hey — it’s the Unitarians!
Everyone is invited.
PS: There’s hot chocolate too.
There’s no need to dress up to join the Unitarian Church carol sing. But you can.
=======================================================There’s no better new activity for young kids than chess. It teaches a variety of skills, in a social environment.
And what better way for youngsters to learn than from others just a few years older?
Westport Continuing Education introduces a new after-school program for 1st through 5th grades. “Chess Buddies” pairs students from the Staples Chess Club with aspiring grandmasters (or anyone else who wants to learn).
The program begins next month, in all 5 elementary schools.
Stapleites will be paired with adult teachers, who assist. The cost is $169, for 8 sessions. Click here to register. For more information, email conted@westportps.org, or call 203-341-1209.
Staples Chess Club members Oscar Scher, Oliver Saitz and Jordan Chiu-Skow.
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Here’s just one of 6 turkey vultures that stopped this week at Elmwood Road.
Photographer Franco Fellah — who snapped this amazing “Westport .. Naturally” shot — says, “They are magnificent, a bit spooky, but certainly majestic.” He estimates their wingspan at about 7 feet.
(Photo/Franco Fellah)
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And finally … this week marks the 100th anniversary of the Bloody Mary.
Who knew?
Well, USA Today did. They say the never-out-of-style drink was invented at Harry’s Bar in Paris a century ago.
Fix yourself a cocktail, and read the full story here.
FUN WESTPORT FACT: Westport’s own Kelli O’Hara starred in the 2008 Broadway revival of “South Pacific.” (She was Nellie Forbush, however — not Bloody Mary.)
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Tickets went fast for this weekend’s Candlelight Concert.
But Westporters — and everyone else, around the world — can watch it online. A tape of the 81st annual event will be streamed on Thursday, December 23 (8 p.m.).
Like the concert itself, it’s free — a gift, from the Staples High School music department. The link will be available at StaplesMusic.org.
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Steve Ginsburg spent 10 great years with the ADL: 4 in Chicago, the last 6 as director of its Connecticut chapter.
His most rewarding times were helping people in crisis — CEOs, school principals, teenagers being bullied or accused of bullying — work through their issues.
Now, the Westport resident is doing that full-time.
Ginsburg is a co-founder of August. It’s a national strategic communications firm, helping people and companies in difficult circumstances tell their story with clarity and integrity.
His area of expertise is “diversity and bias.” For example, he cites a university campus roiled by accusations of racism. He can guide the many stakeholers — students, professors, administrators, trustees — as they speak to the media.
“At ADL, I loved working with media,” Ginsburg says. “I saw the importance of them doing their job well — and what can happen when they don’t.
“Our society is very polarized. When news breaks, there’s often a rush to judgment. But things are not always what they first seem. Society benefits from accurate, fair reporting.”
Steve Ginsburg
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Justin Paul has been very generous with his time. The Tony, Oscar and Grammy Award-winning co-songwriter of “Dear Evan Hansen,” “La La Land” and “The Greatest Showman” — and 2003 Staples High School graduate — has returned often to his alma mater (and Coleytown Middle School) to share insights and tricks of the trade with the next generation of talented Westporters.
For the rest of us — who aren’t still in school — there’s a new online course.
Paul and his writing partner, Benj Pasek, offer a month-long online class: “Songwriting for Musical Theater.” It’s immersive — 7 to 10 hours a week, for 4 weeks — that provides students with the foundation to write their own musical (including 2 original songs).
Click here for details. Who knows? Maybe after writing your musical, “You Will Be Found.”
At the end of an appearance in 2018 at Staples High, Justin Paul played piano as students sang the “Dear Evan Hansen” classic, “Waving Through a Window.” (Photo/Kerry Long)
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Everyone is in the gift-giving mood. Even the Westport Transit District.
As a holiday gift to residents, they offer free rides to users of the Wheels2U shuttle service. The service starts Monday (December 20), and is good through December 31.
Wheels2U Westport is the WTD’s on-demand, group ride, door-to -train platform shuttle service.
The free rides to and from the Westport and Greens Farms stations are not just for commuters. If you’re seeing a show, museum, the Rockefeller Center tree or friends: hop aboard the shuttle, and the train.
If you’re in the service area, use the Wheels2U Westport app to request a pickup between 5:45 and 9:45 a.m., and 4 and 8 p.m., 20 minutes before you’d normally leave.
For more information, click here.
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Back in the (Clam Box) days, there was an exit from that parking lot in the back, onto Long Lots Road.
Years ago, it was sealed off. The only exit and entrance was via Post Road East.
There may be another exit in the future. In a different spot: the upper parking deck.
Planning & Zoning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals permission has been granted to expand the upper deck by 18 spaces; reconstruct and extend the existing retaining wall; install a planter and landscaping — and add gated, emergency access to Long Lots. It would only be used by fire, police or EMS vehicles, as a secondary exit route.
The request for a zoning permit awaits P&Z Department approval.
A view of the 877 Post Road East upper parking deck, from Long Lots Road.
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Jolantha — Weston’s favorite pig — is all decked out for the holidays
(Photo/Hans Wilhelm)
She’s got more news, too: Her brand new website just launched. Click here to see her many glamorous outfits, through the years.
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Chris Wood spotted today’s “Westport … Naturally” bird — an Eastern towhee — at Sherwood Island State Park. It “sang like it was spring,” Chris says.
(Photo/Chris Wood)
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And finally … Steve Bronski, a co-founder member of the British synth-pop trio Bronski Beat, died Thursday, at 61. Click here for a full obituary. (Hat tip: Amy Schneider)
The weather may be cold.
But it’s the hottest ticket in town.
The 79th annual Staples High School Candlelight Concert will pack the auditorium for 3 performances next month: Friday, December 13 (8 p.m.), and Saturday, December 14 (3 p.m. and 8 p.m.).
This annual gift to the Westport community showcases the diverse talents of Staples musicians (and their teachers). There’s music from around the world, and of course the opening “Sing We Noel” processional, inspiring “Hallelujah Chorus” and creative production number.
Performers include choral and chamber groups, orchestras and bands. This year marks the Candlelight debut of band director Phil Giampietro.
Because it’s a gift from the Staples music department, tickets are free. But they go very fast. They’re available to the public starting at 9 a.m. on Monday. November 25. Click here then to get yours!
The timeless “Sing We Noel” processional. (Photo/Kerry Long)
More than a year ago, “06880” posted a request. The Staples High School music department was preparing for its 75th anniversary Candlelight Concert — 13 months away — and needed old programs and recordings for a display. They figured a few might trickle in.
The trickle became a torrent. Audio recordings — records, tapes and CDs — of every concert since that year (except 3) poured in from across the country. So did most printed programs since ’53. (It’s uncertain whether any programs or recordings were made between the very 1st Candlelight in 1940, and 1952.)
Then the fun began.
As anyone who has ever attended a Staples performance knows, the music department does things in a big way. Concertgoers tonight and tomorrow will see a lot more than a simple display.
Staples parent Jeff Hauser spent weeks processing the files. A Brooklyn company digitized the old vinyl LPs. However, they returned only 1 computer file per side. Someone had to hand-split those sides into individual songs — and consult the programs to find out the name of each one.
Staples senior Devon Murray volunteered many hours creating elegantly written software. It allows everyone to click on a particular year, then listen to whatever they want. He’ll be in the lobby, standing near laptops to help anyone (from the Class of 1953?) who needs help.
In 1979, the annual concert was already 39 years old. Some of those performers — now with their own children out of college — will return this weekend.
Staples parent David Pogue took time off from his PBS Nova/CBS Sunday Morning/Yahoo tech jobs to cut apart songs from some of the 1950s concerts. He also loaned the laptops and headphones for the kiosks.
Pogue had fun watching Candlelight evolve. He says, for example, “what we consider a lovely soloist has changed a lot over the years. In the ’50s they were usually given to girls with light, warbly voices, with very fast, fluttery vibratos.”
Pogue also noticed changes to the printed programs. In the 1960s each program says at the top: “Please do not applaud during the program, since the entire concert is being recorded.”
These days, he notes, the show is recorded ahead of time, “without any pesky audience members to ruin the effect.”
The front of the 1962 Candlelight program.
The audio and program displays are two more added attractions to this weekend’s very special 75th anniversary concert. But if you don’t have tickets, don’t bother going. They were sold out weeks ago.
On the other hand — as noted before, Staples’ music department does things in a very big way. Tomorrow’s (Saturday, December 19, 8 p.m.) performance is being aired live on WWPT-FM (90.3), and broadcast live on Cablevision Channel 78.
If you don’t live within range of radio or TV — no prob! Just click here for a livestream.
You can enjoy Candlelight anywhere in the world. All you’ll miss is the kiosk.
Posted in Arts, Looking back, People, Staples HS, technology, Teenagers
Tagged David Pogue, Jeff Hauser, Staples Candlelight Concert, WWPT-FM
Last night’s 73rd annual Candlelight Concert at Staples High School featured many things old: the haunting “Sing We Noel” processional, the orchestra’s superb “Nutcracker Suite,” a rousing “Hallelujah Chorus.”
There were a few things new too, like the choir’s world premiere of Don Rickenbach’s “Santa Claus Visits Mother Goose Land” production number.
Two performances are scheduled for today, at 2 and 8 p.m. — weather permitting. Check the Westport Public Schools’ snow line (203-341-1SNO) for updates, starting around noon.
The “Sing We Noel” processional has been part of every Candlelight Concert since 1940. (Photo/Lynn U. Miller)
Cellist Max Liben added beauty to the choral voices. (Photo/Lynn U. Miller)
The a cappella choir’s selections ranged from “Schindler’s List” and “Carol of the Bells” to “Deck the Halls.” (Photo/Lynn U. Miller)
Choral director Luke Rosenberg draws dozens of voices together. (Photo/Lynn U. Miller)
Don Rickenbach composed a new — and very clever — production number for the choir. (Photo/Lynn U. Miller)
The “Santa Claus Visits Mother Goose Land” production number included reindeer and (front, bow tie) tap dancer Jack Bowman. (Photo/Lynn U. Miller)
(Click here if your browser does not take you directly to YouTube.)
Posted in Arts, Staples HS, Teenagers
Tagged Don Rickenbach, Luke Rosenberg, Staples Candlelight Concert
If you love the Staples Candlelight Concert — and who doesn’t? — what could be better than hearing it again on radio?
How about hearing the last 11 Candelights played non-stop, beginning tomorrow (Friday) afternoon and continuing straight through early next week?
Candlelight 2011 (Photo/Lynn U. Miller)
The Candlelight Concert — the high school music department’s annual gift to the town — is a soaring, inspiring and beautiful collection of vocal, orchestral and band music. There are hymns, carols, Hanukkah and African music, and a lovably schlocky production number.
Now, thanks to the miracle of modern technology – and the good, old-fashioned hard work of media instructor Jim Honeycutt — every Candlelight from 2001 through two weeks ago will be streamed live on the internet on WWPT, 90.3 FM. (It will also run in the background as part of the school district’s stream — and will be broadcast as background music on Cablevision Channel 78.)
The Staples Media Lab began recording the concerts — actually, the final rehearsal — in 2001. The idea for the CDs — and help with the initial recordings — came from student Robert Anstett.
The program design was used for the 1st CD covers. Quickly though, the art department got involved. Now students in the Advanced Design and Technology class create the covers.
Honeycutt and his crew work hard to produce CDs in time for each year’s shows. Profits are donated to the media, music and art departments. Some of the money went to purchase a new stereo microphone preamp, making this year’s CD “the best-sounding ever,” Honeycutt says.
9 Candlelight covers. (Collage created by Jim Honeycutt)
Why does he do it?
“Maybe because of my love of music,” Honeycutt muses.
“Maybe cause I think the memory of these wonderful concerts should be preserved. Maybe because I have the most amazing job in the world. I don’t know — but I’m happy to do it.”
The reward, Honeycutt says, comes from the faces of audience members leaving each concert, who are thrilled to have CDs of the impressive performances. One mother owns every one.
Now, musicians, alumni, parents, Candlelight fans — and anyone else with an internet connection — can enjoy 11 years’ worth of wonderful concerts.
It’s the music department — and Jim Honeycutt’s — gift to the world.
(Click here to listen live to WWPT-FM. And — though this has nothing to do with the Staples Media Lab — hard-core Candlelight addicts can listen to the 1972 concert, available through Westporters.com — click here, then click on the lower left corner.)
Posted in Arts, People, Staples HS, technology
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