Tag Archives: The Cello Camp

Roundup: Westporter Wins Miss Globe USA, Orphenians Head To Spain …

Posted on June 18, 2025 | 5 comments

Congratulations to Samantha Sarelli!

The 2019 Staples High School graduate has just been crowned Miss Globe USA. She’ll represent our country in the international Miss Globe competition.

Sam is a proud first-generation Albanian-American, with deep roots in her heritage and a strong commitment to service.

A former Miss Connecticut Teen USA, she used her platform to bring awareness to important social issues like human trafficking.

She launched a video series featuring interviews with survivors and experts, created an educational anti-trafficking program for high school students, and collaborated with nonprofits across the world as a spokesperson.

Sam is currently the president-in-training of Kaleido, a non-profit founded in 2006 with a shelter in Mexico City. She spoke at the Washington International Summit Against Trafficking, and hosted an international panel at St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

Sam also serves as executive director of the Albanian-American Association of Ulqin. She has hosted events on women’s empowerment, including one with the President of Kosovo.

She speaks English, Albanian and Spanish, and hopes to be an attorney.

Samantha Sarelli (Photo/Jessie Palumbo Photography)

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Staples Orphenians are in final preparations for their trip to Spain.

Before they go, they invite the public to a (free!) sendoff concert. It’s this Sunday (June 22, 3 p.m., Trinity Church, 651 Pequot Avenue, Southport). They’ll sing the repertoire they’ve prepared for overseas.

Their itinerary includes performances in Madrid and Barcelona: one at the Church of San Millan and San Cayetano, a festival with Rollo Dilworth at Basilica del Pi, and a mass and hour-long concert at La Sagrada Familia.

Spain-bound!

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Speaking of music: Nearly a decade after its start, The Cello Camp has earned a spot as a “first chair” summer program.

It was created by cellist, educator (and Staples High School graduate) Danielle Merlis.

She envisioned “a welcoming space where young cellists can connect with each other, discover the full range of what the cello can do, and grow as musicians. It’s not about perfection. It’s about curiosity, creativity, and building strong technique through high quality instruction.”

The camp includes bass players, and welcomes guest clarinetists, drummers, pianists and singers.

Sessions are August 18-23 at Trinity Episcopal Church in Southport, and August 11-16 in Ridgefield. For more information and to register, click here.

Having fun at The Cello Camp.

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If you’re near the Fairfield County Hunt Club now through Saturday, you’ll notice plenty of action.

The Fairfield June Horse Show began yesterday. The Heritage competition is a chance for the public to watch world-class riders — for free.

High performance show jumping includes a $5,000 Welcome Stake tomorrow (Thursday), and the $15,000 Grand Prix on Saturday (June 21, 1 p.m.).

Visitors can walk the course for the Grand Prix right before the competition, to experience the height of the fences and the technicality of the course.

Saturday is also Family Fun Day, with pony rides, face painting, crafts and more (10 a.m.).

Horse show action, at the Fairfield County Hunt Club.

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Another “Family Fun Day” takes place at Wakeman Town Farm on  July 12 (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.).

It includes farm crafts and activities for all ages, plus visits with animals, books, hair tinsel, sunflower seed planting, a bubble show, information about bees and butterflies and music from the School of Rock.

Food (pizza, mozzarella sticks, salads, Italian ices and lemonade) is included in the ticket price.

Wakeman Town Farm will collect new diapers at the Family Fun Day. Bring as many as you can!

Click here to register, and for more information.

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Also at Wakeman Town Farm: a lecture by advanced master gardener Alice Ely on milkweed growing and monarch butterfly raising (July 14, 7 p.m.). Children and adults are welcome.

Attendees will learn how to attract egg-laying monarchs to gardens, how to raise the eggs into caterpillars and healthy adult monarchs, and tips on growing milkweed species to help them thrive.

Monarch butterfly (Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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After years on CBS News, Emmy Award-winning journalist — and 1988 Staples High School graduate — Jeff Pegues joins the podcast world.

“Person of Interest” debuts June 19th on the Alive Podcast network. The Juneteenth date is intentional: Alive is a Black woman-owned company.

Pegues’ podcast will be streamed on Apple TV, Roku and Fire TV. He says, “This show isn’t about sensationalism. It’s about substance.”

He will have “freedom to follow the real story, and examine the people and perspectives too often ignored by traditional media.”

ALIVE Podcast Network

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Yesterday, Westport firefighters took advantage of a special training opportunity.

At a home slated for demolition near Compo Beach, crews practiced stretching hose lines into the structure, reinforcing essential tactics in a real-world setting.

Westport Avenue training. (Photo courtesy of Westport Fire Department)

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Saugatuck Rowing Club’s juniors performed superbly, at the recent USRowing Youth National Championships in Sarasota, Florida. The event drew more than 4,000 athletes, from 230 clubs and schools.

The women’s second varsity 8+ earned a national championship. Westport athletes included coxswain Sora Yu, plus rowers Kate Weitz, Caroline Zajak, Sophie Cochran, Carolina Proctor and Mina Leon.

The men’s U17 4+ A boat also claimed gold. Westporters included Elena Nasar (coxswain), Cameron Jaffe and Otis Gotlieb. Daniel Sobel lives in Weston.

Up next: Saugatuck’s junior women head to the Henley Royal Regatta in London.

National champs! From left: Sora Yu, Mackenzie Fosdick, Kate Weitz, Grace Baker, Caroline Zajak, Phoebe Bryan, Sophie Cochran, Carolina Proctor and Mina Leon. (Photo copyright Row2K.com)

Celebrating on land. The rowers are the same as above, except coxswain Sora Yu is 5th from left.

Also champs! From left: Cameron Jaffe, Otis Gottlieb, Daniel Sobel, Samuel Turok, Elena Nasar. (Photo/Lisa Worthy)

From left: Samuel Turok, Daniel Sobel, Elena Nasar, Otis Gottlieb and Cameron Jaffe.

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Rock star/soul singer/multi-intstrumentalist Eliot Lewis — a longtime member of the Average White Band (1989-2002) and Hall & Oates’ band (2003-23) brings his many talents as a solo performer to VFW Post 399 on June 27 (7 p.m.).

Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Click here to purchase.‘

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Speaking of the VFW: Trumpeter Frank London is a master of old and new jazz, swing, bop, klezmer, gympic, Baltic, Cuban, West African — and many other — music genres.

Diagnosed with myelofibrosis, a rare blood cancer, Lonson recently released “Spirit Stronger Than Blood,” as a celebration of life. He has gained the upper hand, and is once again touring the world.

Tomorrow (Thursday), he’ll headline Jazz at the Post (VFW Post 399; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner at 7; $20 music charge, $15 for veterans and students).

London will be joined by Roberta Piket (piano), Hilliard Greene (bass), Avram Feffer (saxophone) and Greg Borrows (drums). Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo — and nature lesson — come from Lou Weinberg.

(Photo/Lou Weinberg)

He writes: “Adult catbirds feed their young a diet of spiders and insects, primarily. As young catbirds get older, adults introduce berries to their diet.

“Catbirds are related to mockingbirds, and are well versed at the art of mimicry.  Their most famous call sounds like a cat’s meow.

“This is the season when many native and migrant birds care for their fledglings.

“Green open spaces are essentially ‘all you can eat buffets’ for birds raising their young, as they harbor large populations of insects, spiders, worms and other invertebrates.

“Westport continues to see a decline in tree cover and green open space, unfortunately. The most recent example is the town’s decision to clear cut and bulldoze 4 acres (the Long Lots Preserve around the Westport Community Gardens) that is a model of biodiversity.

“Increasingly, and sadly, nature loses.”

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Finally … in honor of The Cello Camp (story above):

(From a pageant queen and a horse show, to rowers and a podcaster, “06880” is today — and every day — where Westport meets the world. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Roundup: Old School Music, Kids’ Fun, Mystery Plane …

Posted on August 19, 2024 | 14 comments

When it comes to musical performances, the Westport Library consistently sets the bar (ho ho) high.

Yesterday afternoon, they exceeded even their own stellar standards.

Roger Kaufman’s “Speaking of Music” series focused on the 5 M’s — Memphis, Macon, Muscle Shoals, Motown and Miami — that influenced so much musical history.

The mesmerized, hand-clapping (and occasionally dancing) crowd was wowed by the vocal talents of Dennis Collins (Roberta Flack/Donny Hathaway), backed by Sharon Collins, Billy Genuario, Stephanie Harrison and T’Zelle Wilson.

Also on stage: the Old School All-Stars band (Bob Cooper, Tim DeHuff, Dave Edwards and Tyger MacNeal), and the Saugatuck Horns (Bob Carlson, Fred Scerbo, and former Rolling Stones sideman Crispin Cioe).

Special guest — author, bassist and musicologist Brian Torff — provided important back stories to the 5 historic towns.

We often say our Library rocks. Yesterday, it showed its soul.

The Old School All-Stars. (Photo/Ted Horowitz)

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Who says kids today can’t make their own fun?

These 2 took advantage of yesterday’s torrential rain. They taped themselves (well, someone else did) into garbage bags, then rolled down the hill at Staples High School’s Loeffler Field.

Looks even better than Fortnite!

(Photo/Richard Fogel)

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Also making their own fun: Westport’s Wiffle ball team.

Last week, “06880” featured Grant Theisinger. The rising Staples freshman and friends have created a competitive league, which plays on a full field in Grant’s back yard.

It’s a great concept, executed brilliantly by the boys.

This past weekend, they went on a road trip. Three players — Grant, Kyle Marcucio and  Finn Edwards — represented Westport at the Major League Wiffle Ball Tournament at Lasorda Legacy Park in Yaphank.

Competing in the 13-15 age division — with 29 teams from 7 states — “High Heat
won both pool play games Saturday against teams from New York City and Pennsylvania, gaining the #6 seed.

They won their first playoff game yesterday in exciting fashion 11-10, but then lost to the eventual tournament champs.

Most importantly, the boys had a blast. They also met Kyle Schultz, the founder of MLW.

Congratulations, guys. You’ll get ’em next year!

From left: Kyle Marcucio, Finn Edwards, Kyle Schultz, Grant Theisinger. (Photo/Marc Theisinger)

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Jeff Laska writes:

“I hope your readers can help solve a mystery.

“I live on Quentin Road down by the beach. I have the good fortune of being able to work from home many days of the week. Often, I work on my laptop on my back deck.

“Ever day since we moved into this house in 2021 (at least from May through October, when the weather cooperates), a small airplane flies over Compo Beach making loop after loop, at least 10-15 times a day. It’s crazy!

“It happens so often, and I’ve gotten to know the sound of the engine so well, that I’m able to tell if it’s a different plane just by the sound, even when off in the distance!

“I’ve tried to figure out where it comes from, whether it’s a tour guide or a flight training school, if it’s from Sikorsky or Danbury, etc., but to no avail!

“Any info? Any knowledge?”

I sure don’t know (though I’d sure like to figure out the deal with the helicopter that often flies over my condo at 10:30 many nights.)

If you can solve Jeff’s Compo Beach small plane mystery, click “Comments” below.

This is not the plane Jeff Laska often hears from his deck. In fact, it’s probably been “Photoshopped” in (or whatever technology was used over 100 years ago). If it was a real plane, at least some of the (very formally dressed) beachgoers would be looking up.

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In its 8 years, the Cello Camp has become an established part of Westport’s musical summer.

Nearly 3 dozen campers — mainly cellists, with a few bass players — spend a week learning new repertoire, and warming up their fingers for the school year ahead. Danielle Merlis and Lucas DeValdivia — Staples graduates, who played together since Long Lots Elementary School — lead the sessions.

The camp culminates in a free concert. The public is invited this Saturday (August 24, 5 p.m., Saugatuck Congregational Church).

The program ranges from Bizet, Dvorák and Vivaldi to “The Greatest Showman,” “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor, and “Hedwig’s Theme from Harry Potter.”

Happy (cello) campers.

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Thanks to William Weiss for our new header: a wide-angle view of the Saugatuck River, and its west and Levitt Pavilion banks.

For those who don’t receive “06880” with a link to our home page (and for those who do, actually), here it is:

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Last week, the Staples football team did the “Murph” workout.

It was a fundraiser for both the Catch A Lift Fund, and the football program. Retired Army sergeant Jason Smith — who lost both legs, and suffered extensive damage to his right hand, when he stepped on an IED in Afghanistan, then recovered to win 8 medals at the Invictus Games — addressed the players and spectators. (Hat tip: Adam Vengrow)

Staples football staff, Gridiron Club members, town and police officials and Catch a Lift representatives, with the “Murph” participants. (Photo/JC Martin)

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Every day, our “Westport … Naturally” feature highlights some aspect of nature, somewhere in town.

Usually it’s an animal. Occasionally it’s a flower, bush or tree.

But weather is also part of Westport’s nature. Today’s Compo Beach image is one more example of the power — and surprising beauty — of Mother Nature.

(Photo/Rashmi Vyas)

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And finally … one more salute to Grant Theisinger, and Westport’s Wiffle Ball wonders:

(Weather or not you had a great weekend, “06880” is here to chronicle it. We serve Westport in many ways. But we can’t do it without reader support. Please click here to help. Thank you!)

 

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

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Roundup: Superman, Madame Web, Richard Scarry …

Posted on August 4, 2022 | 2 comments

It’s taken a while.

But last night, the Board of Finance unanimously approved funds for a traffic study of Cross Highway, North Avenue and Bayberry Lane.

The project will look at intersection safety, as well as adding a sidewalk on Cross Highway and a crosswalk near The Porch @ Christie’s.

Next stop: an appropriation request to the RTM.

The North Avenue/Cross Highway intersection may be the most dangerous one in Westport without a traffic light. Another contender: Cross Highway and Bayberry Lane.

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Superman came to the Westport Library last night.

The Man of Steel arrived on the Trefz Forum big screen. Westporter Arlen Schumer presented an in-depth lecture on Curt Swan — the longtime local illustrator who for 29 years was DC Comics’ primary Superman artist.

it’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s Arlen Schumer and Curt Swan at the Westport Library! (Photo/Dave Matlow)

Swan’s 3 children were all in the audience. Chris lives in Westport;  Karen Brooks is in Wilton, and Ceal Swift is in Westbrook.. (Hat tip: Dave Matlow)

Chris Swan and his sisters Ceal and Karen, in the Westport Library audience. (Photo/Dave Matlow)

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Camp A Cappella CT — the innovative program teaching vocal technique, beatboxing, ensemble skills and choreography to area youngsters —  returns this summer with an in-person program.

And another star on its faculty.

Michelle Pauker — the 2013 Staples High School graduate/Broadway performer who wowed a recent SRO MoCA crowd with an evening of song — will work her considerable magic.

Michelle earned a BA in music from Baldwin Wallace Conservatory, concentrating in musical theater. Many Westporters already know her through her private lessons.

Michelle joins music educator Amanda Violone, in the upbeat, fun camp program.

Camp A Cappella CT was created by Danielle Merlis, following the success of her Cello Camp. The award-winning musician was initially inspired at Long Lots Elementary School, earned first chair honors in the Staples High orchestra, and went on to perform with Chris Brubeck and the Eagles, at venues like Lincoln Center.

Camp A Cappella CT welcomes singers in grades 1 to 12. It runs August 22 to 27  at Christ & Holy Trinity Church, alongside The Cello Camp, now in its 7th year.

For information and registration for Camp A Cappella CT. click here.

PS: You don’t have to attend (or have a kid who does) to enjoy the camps’ final concerts (August 27, 5 p.m. cellists, 7 p.m. singers, Christ & Holy Trinity Church). Everyone is welcome.

One day at Cello Camp …

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Next up on the big screen: Westporter Kathy-Ann Hart.

She’s the latest addition to the cast of “Madame Web.” The Marvel comics-based film’s cast includes Dakota Johnson, Mike Epps, Adam Scott and Sydney Sweeney.

Though she began performing as a child in her native Trinidad, Hart is a newcomer to film. After graduating from Harvard Law School in 2003, she worked for many years as a corporate attorney and non-profit executive. She moved to Westport in 2017.

Kathy-Ann Hart

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Gas prices have dropped for over 50 straight days. They’re now nearly $1 less than this spring’s (very high) highs.

Today — and today only — you can get $1 off each gallon, at the Shell station across from Westport Country Playhouse.

They’ve renovated their interior, so it’s a brighter and better-stocked (if not particularly healthy) convenience story mart than before. They’re celebrating today, with the special $1 off offer. (Hat tip: Ifeseyi Gayle)

The Shell station opposite Westport Country Playhouse. (Photo/Ifeseyi Gayle)

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Like many places of worship, the Unitarian Church in Westport welcomes guest speakers.

But this Sunday (August 7, 10 a.m.) is special. Darcy Hicks will also make art with the congregation.

As “06880” reported last week, Darcy is part of Wings4Peace. The grassroots gun safety coalition, formed in the wake of the Uvalde shooting, creates “wings” artwork all across the nation.

The UU church invites artists, non-artists, students, builders, artisans and activists to join them, and Darcy, on Sunday.

Darcy Hicks, with her “Wings4Prace.”

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The Weston Flea is Saturday, September 10 (9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Weston High School). This month, organizers invite anyone looking to sell home goods, tag sale items, crafts, art, new business ideas and more, to reserve space.

Popular items include toys, garage and garden items, tools, rugs, candles, soap and jewelry. The cost is $25 for 2 parking spaces ($20 for seniors).

To reserve a spot, call 203-222-2608 or email wpetty@westonct.gov.

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This fall, Fairfield Museum presents an immersive exhibit on the life and work of Richard Scarry.

The children’s book author and illustrator — known for the book “Busytown,” and characters like Huckle the Cat, Lowly Worm, Miss Honey and Mr. Frumble — lived in Westport. He began illustrating in 1948, but his work remains popular today. The Fairfield Museum show will introduce him to the next generation.

It will include original artwork, unpublished drawings, rare books, large-scale reproductions of his illustrations, a reading nook, and a museum-wide scavenger hunt.

Click here for more information. Click here and click here for 2 “06880” stories on Richard Scarry’s connections to Westport.

 

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Yale New Haven Health cut the ribbon on its new Digestive Health Center yesterday.

The facility, at 325 Riverside Avenue, provides care for medical and surgical patients, including bariatric, colorectal and hernia surgery and gastroenterology.

Yale New Haven Health, at 325 Riverside Avenue.

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Lauri Weiser writes: “I have no idea why this iris wanted to bloom again now, in my back yard. Maybe it just wanted to be a “Westport … Naturally” photo!”

(Photo/Lauri Weiser)

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And finally … getting ready for next month’s Weston Flea (see story above):

 (“06880” relies on contributions from readers like you. Please click here to support this blog.)

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One Day At A Cappella Camp…

Posted on May 9, 2018 | Comments Off on One Day At A Cappella Camp…

In 2016, Danielle Merlis created Westport’s first cello camp.

Danielle Merlis

The award-winning musician — who was initially inspired at Long Lots Elementary School, earned first chair honors in the Staples High orchestra, and went on to perform with Chris Brubeck and the Eagles, at venues like Lincoln Center — wanted to give back to the community that gave her so much.

It was an instant success.

She tells everyone she knows about the summer experience for youngsters. One of those friends is Andrew John Kim.

His a cappella group — Backtrack — recently performed at Carnegie Hall, the Beacon Theater and on Broadway. They won TV’s Steve Harvey “Sing Off” competition.

Despite a busy tour schedule he takes his ensemble across the US, conducting workshops for students from elementary school through college.

With the popularity of the Pitch Perfect movies, a cappella is hot. (Of course, it’s been around for quite awhile…)

As Danielle thought about her enthusiastic cellists, and Andrew’s experiences with singers, they realized the time is right for another camp.

When she told him about the strength of Westport’s music program — including stars like Staples graduates Justin Paul and Mia Gentile — he knew this town would be the perfect place for an a cappella summer experience.

The camp they’ve designed includes vocal technique, beatboxing, ensemble skills and choreography. There’s a final performance — with a professional a cappella group.

Danielle and Andrew — himself a Connecticut native — would have loved to had summer camps like these growing up.

Now Westport’s got ’em both.

Camp A Cappella CT: August 13-18 (10 a.m. to 3 p.m. ), for singers of all levels ages 9 to 18, at Westport’s Unitarian Church; click here for information. The Cello Camp: August 20-26 (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.), for beginning and intermediate cellists entering grades 4 through 10, at Fairfield’s Greenfield Hill Congregational Church; click here for information.

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This One Time At Cello Camp…

Posted on June 18, 2016 | 4 comments

At 5  years old — an age when many Westport youngsters are fascinated by whatever Disney movie is being marketed to their impressionable brains — Danielle Merlis got hooked on Yo-Yo Ma.

But not just any piece by the master cellist. Over and over, she listened to “Butterfly’s Day Out.” To this day, the Westport native returns to the track for inspiration.

Now though, she can actually play the piece.

Danielle Merlis in action.

Danielle Merlis in action.

In elementary school, when she had to pick an instrument for orchestra, Danielle asked her mother — a musician herself — for advice. Joan talked about the cello in a special, almost magical way.

Long Lots music teacher Betsy Tucker was an important influence. She instilled enthusiasm and excitement, while teaching fundamentals so thoroughly that students felt confident at the outset.

Starting a string instrument can be daunting, Danielle says. Tucker made sure she enjoyed the cello, no matter how awkward she felt.

Danielle studied with local cello legend Lois Errante. She worked her way to first chair in the Staples orchestra and Norwalk Youth Symphony, winning awards throughout the state. She played in Tanglewood’s Young Artists Orchestra.

While a Staples High senior, Danielle attended Manhattan School of Music Precollege. She then studied for 2 years with the renowned Matt Haimovitz, at McGill University.

New York drew her back. At NYU Danielle discovered a new passion: composition. She earned her master’s at NYU’s prestigious film scoring program.

Danielle Merlis

Danielle Merlis

She plays and composes in a range of styles, using the cello for tragedies, romantic stories and nostalgic moments. A trip to Mongolia last year led her to compose an original score for a documentary about that distant land. She scored “The Kidnapping of a Fish,” which was accepted in to the Cannes Film Festival.  Right now, she’s writing genre tracks for ABC-TV.

Danielle has performed with Chris Brubeck, Glenn Frey and the entire Eagles band, and in venues like Lincoln Center, the Ozawa Concert Hall, Joe’s Pub and the Provincetown Playhouse.

While performing, Danielle says, “I completely let go of all boundaries, expectations and rules. I truly live in the moment of the sound and story I express within the music. Playing cello allows me to access my most natural instincts.”

She loves the instrument because of its “warmth, and its ability to speak and connect with people in an intimate, personal, non-aggressive yet potent and powerful way.”

All her experiences — particularly the importance of a strong, positive early introduction to music — come together in Danielle’s next venture. She’s started a Cello Camp (“a cellobration”) for aspiring young musicians.

Cello Camp logo

“I want to give back to a community that gave me so much,” she says. “And summer is the best time to combine fun and growth.”

Danielle hopes that “cool” musical experiences — through repertoire and collaborations with musicians they might not have access to in school — can expand youngsters’ vision of the cello.

“I want to give them what Betsy Tucker gave me, when I first started: tools and excitement,” Danielle explains.

Who knows? Perhaps one of them — or their teacher — is the next Yo-Yo Ma.

(Danielle is collaborating on the Cello Camp with Staples graduate Lucas DeValdivia. The program runs from August 22-28, and is geared to students entering grades 5-9 with at least 1 year of experience. For more information, click here. For Danielle Merlis’ website, click here. )

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