Tag Archives: Staples High School music department

Roundup: Staples Lacrosse & Pops, Wynston Browne, RTM Agenda …

Posted on May 25, 2024 | 2 comments

The Staples High School boys lacrosse team is 2-time defending state champions.

But until Thursday night, they’d never won an FCIAC (league) championship.

They did it dramatically, in Wilton. Adam Udell scored 3 goals in just 4 minutes, 20 seconds, rallying his 5th-seeded squad from a 6-3 deficit late in the 4th quarter, to a 6-6 draw.

Just 8 seconds into sudden-death overtime, Udell fired a shot. His 4th — and most dramatic goal — gave the Wreckers the win, over #2 Darien.

This was not the first clutch score for Udell. A year ago, as a sophomore, he stole an inbounds pass in the basketball state semifinal, then calmly scored a layup, to lead Staples past Fairfield Warde, and into the finals.

The lacrosse title — keyed also by goalie Josh Marcus — capped a very satisfying 5 days for Staples. During the FCIAC tournament they thrashed Wilton (9-1) and New Canaan (11-5), avenging regular season losses.

Darien also beat the Westporters, in the regular season.

The goal now is to be the first Staples boys lax team to win both an FCIAC and state title.

The road to the Connecticut crown is not easy. It begins Wednesday at home (5:30 p.m.) vs. Trumbull. Tough teams like Ridgefield, Fairfield Prep and New Canaan lie ahead.

But — with Udell, Marcus, coach Will Koshansky and a host of talented players — the Wreckers are ready.

Click here to see the full FCIAC final. Click below for Udell’s 4 goals (including his game winner), and the wild celebration that followed, courtesy of The Ruden Report.

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Speaking of Staples, a reminder: Free tickets are available at 9 a.m. this Wednesday (May 29), for the annual Pops Concert at the Levitt Pavilion.

This year’s show is Friday, June 7 (lawn opens at 6 p.m.; concert at 7; BYO chair; food trucks on site). The always sold-out event features the Staples Symphonic Orchestra and Band, Jazz Ensemble, Orphenians, Choralaires and other small group ensembles.

Once again, media personality David Pogue will serve as the warm, welcoming emcee.

Click this link — staplesmusic.org — beginning Wednesday at 9 a.m. Tickets are free, but a $15 contribution is suggested to help offset production costs.

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Speaking of the Levitt Pavilion: They’re part of today’s big Westport day.

In addition to the Fine Arts Festival downtown, and the Parks & Recreation Department Summer Kick-off at Compo, there’s a 3-band festival at our favorite outdoor entertainment venue.

Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Andy Frasco & The UN and Dogs in a Pile — those are all band names — take the stage, beginning at 4:30 p.m. The gate opens at 4.

Food trucks on site include the Blind Rhino, Melt Mobile, Little Pub Lobster Roll and the Dough Girls Wood-Fired Pizza.

Limited tickets ($55; $125 premium) remain. Click here to purchase, and for more information.

More Levitt news: Super Sonic Shorties has just been signed. They’ll be there June 14, en route to the Northlands Festival.

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Among the items on the agenda for the next Representative Town Meeting (Tuesday, June 4, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium):

A $265,000 appropriation from American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, to develop a Parks Master Plan.

A $990,000 appropriation for Phase I of the Cross Highway School Zone Corridor Improvements.

A petition from Westporters “to review, discuss and reject the new Parks & Recreation regulation, or modify it in order to preserve the gardening hours at the Westport Community Garden to their prior hours during school days (i.e. no gardening between 8-9 a.m. and 3-4 p.m.).”

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Congratulations to News 12 Connecticut — and to Wynston Browne.

Our local cable station was named an Edward R. Murrow Award New England regional winner, in the annual Radio Television Digital News competition.

News 12 won in the “Excellence in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion” category, in the Television/Large Market division, for their broadcast of “My Name is Wynston Browne.”

The segment featured Wynston, a Staples High School junior who — despite being a non-speaking autistic young man — has learned to communicate using a typing device. In 2 years, he has shared his remarkable mind and keen insights with the world.

It’s a very inspiring story, told with care and compassion by News 12.

Regional winners advance to the national competition. Winners will be announced in August. Click here for a list of all New England awards.

Wynston Browne (Photo/Dan Woog)

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As Memorial Day nears, American flags are sprouting around town.

Lauri Weiser was heartened to see these, lining the Lansdowne condominium driveway:

(Photo/Lauri Weiser)

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An inspiring photo of a different kind is Andrew Colabella’s image of Long Island Sound.

(Photo/Andrew Colabella)

It’s a nice reminder too that — though the sign says otherwise — lifeguard coverage starts Monday, at Compo and Burying Hill Beaches, and the Longshore pool.

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But Westporters got an early start yesterday on the holiday weekend. This was the Friday late-afternoon scene at Compo Beach:

(Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)

Unfortunately, another tradition continues: Hook’d’s closed doors.

Despite the crowds — and their supposed closing time of 7:30 p.m. — the doors were locked before then.

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The sold-out crowd at Thursday’s Westport Library conversation with James Comey was surprised.

Most attendees figured the former FBI director, former Bridgewater Associates counsel and former Westporter would talk about his new book “Westport” — the plot involves the fictional world’s biggest hedge fund, Saugatuck Associates — and avoid or deflect questions about the most controversial aspect of his career: his decision in late October 2016 to announce that the FBI had reopened an investigation into presidential candidate Hillary Clinton’s emails.

But under pointed and persistent questioning from Westport’s Dave Briggs — a well-established TV personality — Comey was honest, self-reflective, forthcoming, and quite opinionated.

If you missed the event, no problem. The Library’s recorded it. Click below, for an insightful, insider’s view of Washington and the world:

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This sign was just posted near the “blue house” at 233 Hillspoint Road, diagonally across from Old Mill Grocery & Deli.

(Photo/Michael Friedland)

It’s big.

There are substantial cement footings.

And since when has Westport been a “city”?!

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Brian Lewis — chef ad owner of The Cottage and OKO — adds a new dining twist this summer.

BANA is a “seasonal and elevated pop-up dining experience. Each menu draws inspiration from global gastronomic traditions and cultural richness, promising an exhilarating exploration of flavors” in Fairfield and Westchester Counties.

That first BANA is Saturday, July 20 (7 p.m., Wakeman Town Farm). The event celebrates “the treasures and techniques of both the New England and Japanese coastlines.” Lewis’ tasting menu will showcase fish, shellfish, and vegetables sourced from the New England coastline and local farms.

Tickets are $200 per person, or $275 per person with a special sake and wine pairing (including sales tax and a 22% service fee).

25% of all proceeds support Brian Lewis’ Family Meal Foundation. It provides comfort and support through delicious meals, brought to the homes of people in need when they are healing from the loss of a loved one, or face medical and emotional challenges.

For tickets and more information, click here.

Chef Brian Lewis

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Westport is looking particularly beautiful these days.

Among the spots to admire: Lynda Ialeggio’s patio, on Old Mill Beach. It’s a perfect “Westport … Naturally” scene this Memorial Day weekend.

(Photo/Lynda Ialeggio)

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And finally … on this date in 1878, Gilbert and Sullivan’s “H.M.S. Pinafore” opened in London.

(It’s a holiday weekend. But “06880” never takes a break. We’re here for you 24/7/365 — 366, this leap year. If you enjoy our work, please click here to support us. Thank you!

 

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Roundup: Long Lots Update, Jimmy Pitaro, Piercings & Puppies …

Posted on May 1, 2024 | 4 comments

The Long Lots School Building Committee posted this update yesterday:

“On April 16, after a series of interviews over several weeks to assess qualifications (in particular, qualifications for the sustainability aspects of the project) and reviewing cost proposals, the Building Committee selected Newfield Construction to provide construction management services for the new Long Lots Elementary School, and Svigals & Partners to lead the architectural and engineering team, who will design the new school.

“These 2 firms, along with their consultants, will be recommended to the Board of Selectwomen for their approval.

“The next phase of this exciting project will occur over the next several months. It will be a 3-step process: schematic design, design development and, finally, Construction documents. This will lead to a set of documents that will be used to bid and then build the new school.

“The process will start with additional site testing (e.g., updating the survey, borings for geothermal testing, geotechnical and ground water information, etc.) and refining the site criteria with the design team, construction manager, town departments and the committee.

“Early on in the schematic design phase, a tentative schedule will be developed, allowing each of the town approval bodies and departments to know when information or decisions will be required. The schedule and cost estimates will be updated as we progress through this process.

“Each of these increasingly detailed steps in the design process will be shared with the public during the Building Committee’s meetings. Beyond our working public meetings, we expect to hold public informational meetings where the Building Committee and the architect will present progress drawings.

“We look forward to getting the consultants under contract, moving forward with the design process and keeping everyone updated on our progress.”

Plans for a new Long Lots Elementary School are moving forward. (Drone photo/Brandon Malin)

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Sports fans and entrepreneurs — and sports fans who are entrepreneurs — filled the Westport Library’s Trefz Forum last night, as Startup Westport honored Jimmy Pitaro with its first-ever Innovator of the Year Award.

Startup Westport is our town’s public-private tech entrepreneur partnership. Pitaro is ESPN’s creative, visionary CEO — and a Westporter.

He was interviewed onstage by ESPN host Mike Greenberg — a former Westporter.

The 2 bantered easily, and told stories of their careers. But Pitaro also delivered insights into the sports and media business with depth, breadth and humor.

Both also gave great shout-outs to Westport, as communities to raise families  and inspire them with its beauty, its active residents and its vibe.

The perfect ending came from a Bedford Middle School 6th grade student, who represents the future of sports broadcasting. It was an unexpected — but very innovative — finale, for the first of what will become an annual Startup Westport signature event.

Mike Greenberg (left) and Jimmy Pitaro. (Photo/Charlie Scott)

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Among the many important fundraisers this spring, there is no better venue than Harbor Watch’s “Cocktails & Clams” event (June 1, 5 to 7 p.m.).

It’s at Copps Island Oysters in Norwalk. Attendees get exclusive use of the fishing dock, with great views of Long Island Sound.

They’ll enjoy an unlimited raw bar (fresh off the boat), hors d’oeuvres from Seaside Sliders, drinks from an open bar and music from a jazz band.

Harbor Watch — which researches, monitors and improve water quality and ecosystem health in Connecticut — is affiliated with Earthplace.

Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Fetch Rescue and Rebel & Rose Tattoo join in a “Puppies & Piercing” event this Saturday (May 4, noon to 4 p.m., 155 Post Road East, 2nd floor).

There’s a special $70 price for ear piercing (plus jewelry and after-care) — along with rescue puppies, to give cuddles and find homes.

 

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Real Estate Outlook — an annual Fairfield County event co-sponsored by FLB Law, the Greater Norwalk Chamber and the Westport-Weston Chamber of Commerce — takes place May 22, 2024, at M& T Bank in The SoNo Collection.

This year’s theme is “Housing Matters: Challenges, Solutions and Impacts on Commercial Real Estate.” Networking begins at 8:30 a.m. A panel discussion follows at 9.

Eric Bernheim, head of FLB’s real estate and land use practice, will moderate. Among the panelists: David Waldman of David Adam Realty, developer of Westport’s Bedford Square.

Click here to register, and for more information.

Bedford Square developer David Waldman will discuss housing as it relates to commercial real estate on May 22. (Drone photo/John Videler for Videler Photography)

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The Greens Farms Academy Dragonoids Middle School robotics team has been in existence for only 3 months.

Yet they’ve already qualified for the Vex Robotics World Championships.

The team’s 7 students flew to Dallas recently, to compete in the 3-day competition. The 494 middle schools, from over 30 countries, qualified out of 20,000 teams.

After a very strong first-time showing, GFA won the sportsmanship award in their 80-team division.

Congratulations to the Dragonoids — Ben Kiev, Cooper Mleczko, Dylan Karpf, Liam Haverstick, Lucas Robinson, Mackenzie Bloom and Spencer Shiff — and coaches Nicholas Iacobelli and Berni Lally!

The Greens Farms Academy Dragonoids.

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Staples High School’s annual Pops Concert at the Levitt Pavilion is June 7.

Tickets are not yet available. But the Music Department is reaching out to local business owners for support, by purchasing ads in the program book.

Ad sales help cover concert expenses, and support the 400-plus students involved in Staples’ award-winning music program.

For details, email staples.music.parents.assn+ads@gmail.com.

Part of the large crowd at the Staples Pops Concert.

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“Seeking Home” — an original cantata for 2 guitars, drums, Native American flute and full choir, with music and score by Rev. Dr. Ed Thompson — will be presented on Sunday (May 5, 10 a.m., the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport).

Thompson is the UU’s minister of music. His cantata honors the over 5,000 missing and murdered indigenous women, children and their families in North America, on National Awareness of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Day.

The public is welcome.

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Speaking of church music: the United Methodist Church of Westport & Weston hosts a jazz vespers service this Sunday (May 5, 4 p.m.).

Featured musicians include Anthony Pellegrini (saxophone), John Hoddinott (guitar), Eneji Alungbe (bass) and Larry Davis (drums).

Non-perishable food donations will be gratefully accepted.

(Photo/Dan Woog)

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Today is the deadline for high school seniors to confirm college acceptances.

But not every graduate will — or should — go to a 4-year school.

A special event — “Finding Your Path: Exploring Post High School Options” — is set for May 14 (6:30 p.m., Westport Library).

Vince Benevento — dounder and sirector of Causeway Collaborative — will discuss how high school students can plan for the future.

Representatives from the military, community college, vocational schools and apprenticeships will be on hand too

The US military is one option for high school graduates.

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Longtime Weston resident and volunteer Richard Amill died peacefully on April 19 in Norwalk, surrounded by his family. He was 91.

The New York City native graduated from Brown University in 1954. It was there that he met his wife Nancy Jayne. They married in 1955.

Rick spent his career in educational textbook publishing, with leadership positions at Time Inc., Silver-Burdett, Cowles Communications, Macmillan Publishers, Random House and McGraw-Hill. He launched Learning Supplements, a pioneer in K-12 digital learning.

Rick was an avid reader, from current events and history (especially anything about World War II) to novels by John Grisham.

He was a 25-plus year member, and past president, of the Kiwanis Club of Weston, where he established multiple lifelong friendships.

Rick passionately believed in children and the mission of helping others. He taught reading skills to students in Bridgeport, and mentored elementary, middle and high school students in Norwalk into his late 80s.

He volunteered at Norwalk Hospital’s Outpatient Surgical Center, emergency room and Whittingham Cancer Center into his 90s.

He also volunteered at the Connecticut Food Bank, Read Aloud Program, Norwalk Reads, Homes With Hope, Gillespie Center and Open Doors Shelter.

Rick was a lifelong New York Yankee fan. He attended hundreds of Yankee games, including spring training with his family. He passed his love of the sport and his enduring optimism to all who  knew him. He was a devoted father, grandfather and friend.

Rick was predeceased by his wife of 46 years, who died in 2001. He is survived by his sons Andrew (Susan) and Alexander (Jesstyne), daughter Sally, and grandchildren Ryan, Garrett, Sean, Kennison and Callie.

His family thanks the many caregivers who provided support, including the Whittingham Cancer Center, Norwalk Hospital, Waveny Care Center, Maplewood at Strawberry Hill and Constellation Health Services.

Services will be private. The family requests that donations in Rick’s memory be directed to Open Doors Shelter of Norwalk (www.opendoorsct.org).

Rick Amill

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We’ve featured plenty of flowers in our “Westport … Naturally” series.

But none have been shown as beautifully close-up as today’s image, on Manitou Road.

Thanks to photographer JD Dworkow, for a spectacular spring shot.

(Photo/JD Dworkow)

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And finally … Happy May!

(How to celebrate May Day? What about a contribution to “06880”! Please click here. We will thank you every day of the year.)

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“I Found The Light”: Commissioned Piece Premiers At Candlelight

Posted on December 13, 2023 | 9 comments

The Candlelight Concert is one of Westport’s most beloved traditions.

From the haunting “Sing We Noel” processional to the majestic “Hallelujah Chorus” — with choirs, orchestras, bands and a special production number in between — the Staples High School Music Department’s gift to the town is a centerpiece of the holiday season.

It’s hard to imagine anything more special. But this weekend’s 83rd annual concert promises an astonishing addition.

Two Class of 2013 graduates — composer Jake Landau and poet Emily Garber — have collaborated on a piece commissioned solely for this year’s Candlelight.

“I Found the Light” is the Music Department’s first commissioned work in 40 years. The world premiere marks a new chapter in the school’s rich musical heritage.

A video that will play before each concert this weekend offers background into the artistic process, from the composer, the librettist, and Staples’ orchestra, band and choral directors.

The video provides an intimate look into the creative process and the significant impact this commission has had on students and faculty. It underscores the vital role of new art and contemporary artists in our world, and shows how Staples students have a unique chance to contribute to the creation of new music.

The story behind the commission is so compelling, and the video so insightful, that it deserves the widest possible audience.

So here it is. Click below or — if your browser does not support embedding — click here.

 

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Posted in Arts, Staples HS, Teenagers

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Ethan Walmark: Westport’s Music Man

Posted on November 24, 2023 | 27 comments

When Ethan Walmark was 18 months old, he was placed on the autism spectrum. He began receiving services, like speech and occupational therapy.

At 3 years old, his Stepping Stones teacher told his parents: “Take away Ethan’s music. When he listens to it, he goes into his own world. You want him to be in our world.”

They were stunned. Allison Ziering Walmark’s father was a professional musician. When she was pregnant with Ethan, she and her husband Michael sang to him every night.

“From the day he was born, even though he was always happy, whenever he heard music, you could almost see a magical transformation,” Allison recalls.

“He became one with the music. At Music Together classes, we got a sense he was trying to figure out the melodies and rhythms.”

She and Michael thought it would be cruel to take away something he loved so much, and showed so much talent for.

They not only ignored the advice — they added the amount of music in his life.

Young Ethan Walmark.

“Music is the universal language,” Allison says. “It brought him immeasurable happiness.”

Ethan began music therapy with the Connecticut School of Music, plus private piano and keyboard lessons.

The next year, Bobbi Burns — another Stepping Stones teacher– excitedly called Allison.

Bobbi said that when she played Little Richard’s “Itsy Bitsy Spiker,” Ethan sang the melody — then chimed in on the harmony too.

“That’s never happened before!” the teacher said. “He’s something special!”

At Kings Highway Elementary School, Ethan learned the upright bass. He performed in musicals, and sang with the chorus.

But that’s just part of Ethan’s story.

When he was 6 years old, a YouTube video of you playing “Piano Man” went viral.

He performed live on the “Today Show.”

He became one of only 14 people worldwide — and the youngest — to receive a “Genius of Autism” award. Then he won it again.

The Huffington Post named him 1 of 20 “Child Prodigies.”

He helped Yoko Ono flip the switch to light the Empire State Building blue for World Autism Awareness Day.

Meeting Ethan before a concert, John Mayer said, “Hey, I know you! You’re the internet sensation!”

Ethan’s performance of “Eminence Front” rocked a Who show.

He appeared on NBC’s “Today Show” and CBS’s “Early Show.” He sang the national anthem in front of 25,000 fans at Red Bull Arena.

As a 12-year-old Coleytown Middle School student, Ethan followed Emerson, Lake and Palmer, Billy Joel and Elton John at the 1st-ever Autism Awareness Gala Fundraiser at the Kennedy Center in Washington. 

He brought down the house. He performed 4 songs, closing with “You are the Sunshine of My Life.” Ethan dedicated it to his sister Eliza, who was in the audience.

When CMS was remote during COVID, he taught himself to play guitar. (He can really shred.)

He joined School of Rock. He formed a band — and great friendships — with other musicians there.

Ethan Walmark, on the keytar.

The Walmarks looked forward to Staples High School, where Ethan could join the outstanding music program.

It did not disappoint. Now, as a senior, Ethan has truly found his niche. He has been embraced by the Music Department staff and students.

He is a member of the Tri-M National Music Honor Society. From freshman year on, he has sung with the elite Orphenians group. He’s a Choralaire, a charter member of the A Cappella Club, and pianist for the Jazz Ensemble.

Ethan Walmark (center) with (from left) Rohan Wadhwani, Curtis Sullivan, Max Ardrey and Ben Herrera. They performed Billy Joel’s “The Longest Time” at last spring’s Staples Pops Concert.

Ethan was selected for the Connecticut Music Educators Association All-State Treble Chorus, and is a 2-time CMEA Western Region Mixed Choir honoree.

He’s won 5 straight School of Rock All-Star competitions, as a keyboardist and vocalist. He plays in 3 bands, all over the tri-state area.

You can see Ethan in one of them — Strictly Business — tomorrow (Saturday). They play from 7 to 11 p.m. at 314 Beer Garden, in South Norwalk.

And in the classroom, Ethan is a consistent Honor Roll student.

Ethan Walmark shreds it.

Ethan has auditioned at several top contemporary music colleges.

“Ethan’s story should inspire — and be a lesson for — any parent with a child, whether neuro-divergent or neuro-typical,” Allison says.

“Advocate for your child. Do what your gut tells you. Advice is nice. But only you know your child.”

(To see a collection of Ethan Walmark’s music videos, click here.) 

(“06880” often highlights outstanding young Westporters. If you enjoy these stories, please support our work. Just click here — and thank you!)

Ethan Walmark, on vocals.

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Posted in Entertainment, Staples HS, Teenagers

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Pops! Goes The Concert

Posted on June 10, 2023 | 6 comments

The threat of rain and poor air quality drove the 7th annual Staples High Pops Concert indoors yesterday.

The move from the Levitt Pavilion to the school auditorium was unfortunate.

But the show must go on. And it did — in the traditional spectacular, wow-’em-with-talent-and-creativity fashion.

Pre-concert music featured groups like this. Colin Morgeson (piano — and “06880” intern), Josh Deitch (drums), Tegh Singh (guitar, rear), Jeffrey Pogue (vocals) and Whitman Teplica (guitar) rocked out “While My Guitar Gently Weeps.”

Small vocal and instrumental groups, the Jazz Ensemble, Choralaires and Symphonic Orchestra played eclectic sets. Individual talents were showcased; so was the tight, well-honed work of larger groups.

Ben Herrera offered a stunning “You’ll Be Back” from “Hamilton.” “Now you don’t have to pay $1,500 for a ticket,” MC David Pogue said.

MC David Pogue — the proud father of 2 Staples music graduates, and one more next week — kept the show moving with his trademark humor and educational asides. As he noted often, it was almost as if the audience was under the stars.

Shanti Wimmer, backed by the Jazz Ensemble, sang a sultry version of Al Jolson’s “Avalon.”

Well, they were. The stars of the night were scores of Staples students, doing what they love, for a town that appreciates them and their wonderful teachers.

(From left): Rohan Wadhwani, Curtis Sullivan, Ethan Walmark, Max Ardrey and Ben Herrera, performed Billy Joel’s “The Longest Time.”

James Dobin-Smith, accompanied by Andrew Maskoff on piano, offered Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling in Love.”

Host David Pogue brought the magic of the Levitt Pavilion into the Staples auditorium.

The Staples music educators who make magic happen. From left: Phil Giampietro, Caitlin Serpliss, Jeri Hockensmith, Luke Rosenberg. Missing: Carrie Mascaro. (All photos/Dan Woog)

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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!)

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Pops Goes The Concert

Posted on June 11, 2022 | 2 comments

All the stars aligned for last night’s Westport Pops — the annual end-of-school- year/kick-off-the-summer spectacular at the Levitt Pavilion.

The weather was superb. COVID has eased. The crowd of parents, siblings, classmates, and folks with kids long out of school was ready for a great show.

They got it.

Staples High School’s Symphonic Band and Orchestra, Choralaires, Orphenians, Jazz Ensemble and small groups — plus the Middle School Percussion Ensemble — put on a professional-worthy show.

Westport has been named a “Best Community for Music Education” by the NAMM Foundation — for 9 years in a row.

Last night’s concert was proof — not that any was needed — that this is a town that supports, nurtures and embraces its young musicians.

To the more than 130 musicians on stage last night: Bravo!

Stafford Thomas calls himself “the proud Pops principal” of Staples High School.

The Middle School Percussion Ensemble warms up the crowd.

Emcee David Pogue (“CBS Sunday Morning”) entertains the crowd with his trademark easy wit. The father of 3 current or former Staples musicians, he graduated from Yale with a music degree — and spent 10 years as a Broadway conductor and arranger.

Luke Rosenberg leads the Orphenians in a stirring version of the national anthem.

The Jazz Ensemble’s numbers range from traditional to Afro-pop.

Orchestra members listen as their classmates perform.

Ryan Porio channels his inner Frank Sinatra on “Come Fly With Me.”

A small portion of the crowd — the largest since COVID first struck.

Vibraphonist Amy Ginzburg solos on “The Nearness of You.”

The view from the sound booth. (Photo/Brandon Malin)

Symphonic Orchestra, Symphonic Band and Choralaiares’ join in selections ranging from “Bridge Over Troubled Water” and “This is Me” to a “West Side Story” medley.

Music instructors (from left) Jeri Hockensmith, Luke Rosenberg, Carrie Mascaro, Phil Giampietro, Mary Gardner and Caitlin Serpliss acknowledge applause before the finale.

Staples graduates Christian Melhuish and Samantha Chachra close the show with “Make Our Garden Grow” from “Candide.” (All photos/Dan Woog unless otherwise noted.)

(Last night’s Pops Concert was free. But donations are always welcome, to defray ongoing costs. Click here to contribute.)

(“06880” relies on support from readers like you. Click here to help.)

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Posted in Arts, Entertainment, Staples HS, Teenagers

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Pops Concert Will Rock The Levitt

Posted on June 1, 2022 | 4 comments

Last December, the Staples High School music department kicked the already-spectacular Candlelight Concert up a few notches.

Rather than each group — choral, orchestral, band — performing separately, nearly every piece was a collaboration. Audiences loved it.

It worked so well, the Staples music staff is reprising the idea for this year’s Pops Concert.

The show — only a few years old, but already one of Westport’s favorite traditions — is Friday, June 10.

A full house at Levitt Pavilion will enjoy a stunning show. The Symphonic Band, Symphonic Orchestra and Choraliers combine on a wide range of numbers: “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” “This is Me” (from “The Greatest Showman,” co-written by Staples grad Justin Paul); Conga Del Fuego Nuevo,” a “West Side Story” medley, and “Make Our Garden Grow” from Leonard Bernstein’s “Candide,” with alumni soloists Christian Melhuish and Samantha Chachra.

They’ll be preceded by give pieces from the award-winning Jazz Ensemble, and several small choral groups, including a duet, trio and barbershop quartet.

Part of the large crowd at the 2017 Staples Pops Concert.

The music staff — led by directors Luke Rosenberg, Carrie Mascaro, Phil Giampietro and Jeri Hockensmith — is energized, working with all 3 groups.

And, notes Giampietro, “This is not a shuffle on, shuffle off concert. The Levitt stage is really versatile. The staging is really unique.”

The Pops Concert has one more unique feature: The MC. David Pogue — nationally known “explainer” (“CBS Sunday Morning,” PBS’ “Nova,” Scientific American, New York Times and more), and (most importantly for this show) the father of 3 present or former Staples performers — does the honors.

Pops Concert tickets will be available to the public at 9 a.m. on June 2 at www.StaplesMusic.org. It’s free — but donations to the Staples Music Department are gratefully accepted (and encouraged).

Money helps fund concerts throughout the year, and commissions for new music — allowing students to work closely with professional composers.

Hmmm …. sounds like the conductors have something in mind for next year …

(Levitt Pavilion gates open at 5:30 p.m. on June 10. The concert begins at 7 p.m. Guests should bring their own lawn chairs and blankets. Food trucks will be on site.)

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Roundup: Pete Wolgast, Scholarships, Kowalsky Property …

Posted on May 21, 2022 | 6 comments

Westport’s 2 Rotary Clubs honored Pete Wolgast yesterday morning. with a prestigious District Governor’s Citation. The ceremony was held at the Sunrise Rotary meeting at Greens Farms Church. In addition to top Rotary officials, attendees included 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, her predecessor Jim Marpe, RTM moderator Jeff Wieser and Westport Weston Family YMCA CEO Anjali McCormick.

Wolgast’s service to Sunrise Rotary (he’s a former president) — and the entire town — is legendary. The University of Michigan and Harvard MBA graduate:

  • Was elected to the Representative Town Meeting, and chaired its Finance and Parks & Recreation Committees
  • Was executive assistant to 1st selectman Doug Wood; been a member of the Westport Republican Town Committee (2 terms as chair)
  • Twice chaired the Y’s board of trustees (2007-11 and 2013-20); chaired its Endowment Committee (2000-06); Volunteer of the Year honoree 2020
  • As president of the Westport Historical Society, chaired the committee that supervised the writing of the town’s definitive history
  • Been part of Westport’s Charter Revision Committee
  • Chaired Christ & Holy Trinity Church’s board, and volunteered on its Finance Committee
  • Joined the Y’s Men of Westport/Weston in 1987, and been its president
  • Served as a Boy Scout troop leader and board chair
  • Coached youth baseball and basketball for nearly 20 years, in Westport and London.

Wolgast and his wife Janet have been married for over 65 years. They have 4 children, 7 grandchildren and a great-grandson.

Congratulations, Pete, for this well-deserved honor. And thank you for all you have done, for all of us.

Pete Wolgast, at yesterday’s ceremony. (Photo/Ted Horowitz)

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Staples Tuition Grants’ annual awards evening is one of the feel-good highlights of the year.

The 2022 event — set for Tuesday, May 31 (6 p.m., Staples auditorium) — will be particularly special. The $400,000 in scholarships will be the most ever — a whopping 14% higher than last year.

The average award will be $3,700. That too is a record — about $1,000 more than STG’s 10-year average.

The average help is 19% of net need. They can’t fill the aggregate net need of $2.4 million, but STG provides more assistance the even the federal government ($370,000 in Pell grants).

Help is provided to 8.4% of the graduating class of 2022. About 10% of the class needs help paying for college. The cost of tuition, room and board has reached $85,000 at some schools. Meanwhile, the funding gap widens — up 50% from 2 years ago.

Grants will help 108 students attend 76 colleges.

Nearly 700 Westporters and friends donated to STG’s general fund, named or endowed awards. Click here for more information, and to help Staples Tuition Grants.

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Speaking of scholarships: Westport PAL awarded its scholarships on Monday night.

Awardees included Charlie Howard, Jaden Mueller (Chief Luciano Athletic); Alex Harrington, Kyle Harrington (Chief Luciano Good Citizenship); Brian Fullenbaum (PJ Romano Scholarship); Colin Konstanty (Greg LaValla Scholarship); Nick Augeri (Buck Iannacone Scholarship); Jack Oakley (Bernstein Family); Matthew Spada (Deputy Chief John Anastasia Scholarship).

Westport PAL scholarship awardees and officials.

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If you missed the Staples Spring Choral Concert earlier this month — what a shame. It was a wonderful show. All the music was selected by students. They performed difficult pieces, in a wide range of genres and styles, at their usual spectacularly high level.

Thanks to the wonders of modern technology (and of videographer Jim Honeycutt), you can watch the whole concert now. Just click here — and enjoy.

Screenshot from the Staples High School Spring Choral Concert.

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An application to subdivide the 12-acre Kowalsky property on Morningside Drive South, bordered by Clapboard Hill Road and Turkey Hill Road South, has been withdrawn. It will be resubmitted at a future date.

The Planning & Zoning Commission meeting scheduled for Monday to discuss it — and the Westport PAL clubhouse at PJ Romano Field — has been canceled. (Hat tips; Dick Lowenstein, Art Schoeller)

109 Morningside Drive South

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When Suzanne Tanner lived in Los Angeles, she met a Holocaust survivor named Rachel Goldman Miller.

After writing a multimedia musical documenting Miller’s life, Tanner is dedicating this Memorial Day weekend to her.

“Resonant music, lyrics and modern art can help us understand that history is only as strong as memory, a poignant reminder for today’s mounting war atrocities,” Tanner says.

Miller narrates her life story from a background movie that peppers the show with impactful visuals and testimony, while Tanner plays her role live — from her childhood in pre-war Paris to her elder years as a valuable Shoah participant and loving mother of a son who died of AIDS.

“Beyond Me: A Song Cycle in the Key of Survival” will be performed next  Saturday (May 28, JCC, Sherman, CT). Tickets are $25 and $20, available at the door, but reservations recommended. Click here for details.

Suzanne Tanner

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The Westport Weston Family YMCA Livestrong program –a  free, 12-week program of physical, educational and social activities for adults living with, through and beyond cancer — filled up fast. There were 25 applications, for 8 spots.

The good news: The Wilton Y is starting the same program the first week in June. Five spots are open; Wilton residency is not required. Email magenuario@riverbrookymca.org for more information. (Hat tip: Amy Weiss)

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The Westport Book Shop‘s almost-summer celebration is set for Saturday, June 4 (11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Jesup Green). There’s a DJ, safety tips from Stewie the Duck, crafts and snacks.

The almost-summer celebration takes place across from the Westport Book Shop.

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No one is a fan of Canada geese — especially at Compo Beach.

But you gotta admit, these goslings in today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo look kinda cute.

(Photo/Pam Washburn)

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And finally … this weekend’s Westport Woman’s Club art show includes a treat not often associated with art shows or woman’s clubs: live music by Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Mark Naftalin.

He’s best known as a Paul Butterfield Blues Band keyboardist. But the Westport resident played on many other famous recordings — including this one, sent to “06880” by Dave Lowrie.

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Candlelight And Beethoven: Merry Christmas!

Posted on December 25, 2021 | 15 comments

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.

https://vimeo.com/659934897

(Kudos to Jim Honeycutt, who taped and produced this video.)

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