Music: Orchestral, Band, and Vocal

 

 

 
 
Calendar of Events Performance Dress Code Instrumental Supplies
Instrumental & Orchestral Eval. Sheets Grading Criteria All-State Procedure
Individual Instrumental Lessons Attendance Policy Learning Outcomes

Welcome to the Staples High School Music Education Department, celebrating its 69th year of excellence in Music Education! John Ohanian, the founder of the Westport Public Schools' Music Program, served as its Music Supervisor from 1940 – 1972 and began many of the fine traditions enjoyed today. He knew that great music programs do not happen by accident – they require hard work, dedicated teachers, and a supportive community – Staples High School’s exceptional Music Education Program is living evidence of that support.

Music Department Faculty

David Winer Music Supervisor, K-12 341-1308
Candi Innaco Woodwind and Brass Lessons 341-1314
Alice Lipson Chorus, Chorale, Choir, Orphenians 341-1309
Nicholas Mariconda Freshman, Sophomore, Symphonic and Jazz Bands 341-1314
Carrie Mascaro Freshman Orchestra and String Lessons 341-1328
Adele Valovich Sophomore, Symphonic, Chamber Orchestras & String Lessons 341-5128
Gregg Winters Piano and Music Tech Education 341-1570
Dianne Clark Music Secretary, 10:30 AM - 2:00 PM 341-1307


 

2009 - 20010   MUSIC DEPARTMENT CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Sat Nov 21 Western Region High School Auditions – Danbury HS
     
Wed Dec 2 SHS 9/10 Fall Concert, 7:30 PM, SHS Aud. – Band 9 and Orchestra 9 & 10
Fri Dec 18 Candlelight Concert, 7:00 PM, SHS Auditorium
Sat Dec 19 Candlelight Concerts, 7:00 & 9:30 PM, SHS Auditorium
     
Fri/Sat Jan 15 & 16 Western Region Music Festival – New Canaan HS
Thu Jan 28 SHS Fine Arts Night, 7 PM Art, 7:30 PM Music, SHS Bands, 9/10 Orch Concert, Auditorium
Sat Jan 30 All-State Auditions – North Haven HS
     
Wed Feb 3 All-City Concert, 7:00 PM, at BMS, CMS, w/SHS Chamber Orchestra
Tue/Thu Feb 2 & 4 Youth Concerts (Orchestra) Tues gr. 5 & 6; Thurs gr. 3 & 4 9:30 – 10:15 AM
(Feb 5 Snow Date), SHS Auditorium
     
Fri/Sat March 19/20 Fairfield County String Festival – WCSU
Tue/Wed March 23/24 Tuesday after-school rehearsals 2:30-6:30 PM; Wed school-day rehearsals 7:30 am-1 pm; 6:30 PM and 8:15 PM concerts
Wed March 24 Westport Orchestra Festival Concert, 6:30 PM, SHS Gym
Wed March 24 Westport Orchestra Festival Concert, 8:15 PM, SHS Gym
Fri-Sat March 26-27 Fairfield County String Festival – WCSU
     
Thu-Sat April 8-10 All-State Music Festival at Hartford
     
Thu May 6 Spring Concert – Bands, A Cappela Choir 7:30 PM, SHS Auditorium
Wed May 19 SHS Combined Concert, 7:30 PM, SHS Auditorium,
SHS orchestras, 9th & 10th grade choral groups
Wed May 26 Chamber Orchestra Concert, rehearsal 2:30-4:30 PM, concert 7:30 PM,
SHS, CMS & BMS Chamber Orchestras,
     
Wed June 2 Jazz Concert, 7:30 PM, SHS Aud., SHS w/BMS & CMS Jazz Bands
Sat June 6 Orphenians 50th Anniversary Concert – 7:30 PM, SHS Auditorium

 

Uniform Dress Code for Performances

Symphonic, Sophomore, and Freshman Bands

Men 
Black sport jacket
Long sleeve white dress shirt
Black dress pants
Dress black shoes and socks
Solid black tie

 
Women
Long black skirt or dress or
Black dress pants
Black blouse
Black shoes and stockings


 

Chorus, Chorale, and Freshman Chorus

Men 
Sport jacket
Long sleeve white dress shirt
Dress pants
Dress shoes and socks
Tie
Women
Long black skirt with black blouse or
Long black dress
Black shoes and stockings
   

Symphonic, Sophomore, Freshman and Chamber Orchestras

Men 
Black sport jacket
Long sleeve white dress shirt
Black dress pants
Dress black shoes and socks
Solid black tie
Women
Long black skirt or dress or
Black dress pants
Black blouse
Black shoes and stockings

 

Choir

Men 
Robes
Women
Robes

 

 

Attendance Policy

Performances and rehearsals are an integral part of the music program. Attendance is required, as stated in the Staples Student Handbook. Every rehearsal and performance is considered a class meeting.

Absence from a performance without a prior acceptable excuse may result in a letter grade deduction for the quarter. Absences from rehearsals or performances, regardless of excuse, will be counted in the total number of allowable absences for the quarter as stated in the Staples High School’s attendance policy.

As every musician performing in an ensemble is important to the whole, we ask that the director be notified in writing of any absence as soon as possible in advance of the performance. Changes from the prepared calendar will be announced well in advance of their occurrence.

Individual Instrumental Lessons

Students who participate in the instrumental program at Staples High School are required to have a weekly lesson. It is important that every student progress on his or her instrument to achieve the greatest level of advancement possible. Individual musical growth results in group excellence.

Students may satisfy the lesson requirement through private lessons or school lessons which are taught once a week during a free period, before or after school, or during a lunch period.

School lessons receive ¼ credit, on an independent study basis, as well as a report card grade. A grading policy for school lessons is included in this handbook. Attendance at school lessons will be recorded by the Dean’s office at the end of every week and absences reported to the home. Make-up lessons will be offered at the rate of only one lesson per week. Note:   Since this is a ¼ credit class, 5 absences for the year will constitute a loss of credit.   Therefore, if you make up a missed lesson, you are responsible for clearing the absence with the Dean’s office.

Private students also receive ¼ credit and their progress will be monitored via a reporting form which is to be completed once each quarter by the private teacher. The Staples band or orchestra director has the option of listening to these private students once each quarter.

The Music Department strongly endorses the instrumental lesson program and expects students to attend private or school lessons consistently. Regular practice is expected.

List of Private Music Teachers

 

Orchestra Supplies

Keeping these supplies on hand will insure that every student is prepared for every rehearsal and that every rehearsal is productive:

1.       Instrument in good repair (bridge at correct height, no open cracks)
2.       Bow in good repair (hair is plentiful and clean)
3.       Extra set of strings (most frequently broken strings are: A,E for violin; A,D for
         viola, A,D for cello and G for bass).  If you use one string out of the set, please
         replace it immediately so that a full set is always on hand.
4.       Rosin (bow before rehearsal begins)
5.       Pencil (at every rehearsal)
6.       Shoulder rest (violins, violas)
7.       Identification on instrument case - EXTREMELY IMPORTANT!
8.       Combination lock on case (if possible)
9.       Stick bag and snare and mallet sticks (percussionists only)

Band Supplies

1.       Instrument in good repair (check loose pads, sticky valves, dents, etc.)
2.       Woodwinds: Extra reeds (keep at least 2 extra at all times), cork grease, feathers
          for oboes, swabs for bassoons and saxophones
3.       Brass: Valve oil
4.       Pencil (at every rehearsal)
5.       Identification on instrument case - EXTREMELY IMPORTANT!
6.       Combination lock on case (if possible)
7.       Stick bag and snare and mallet sticks (percussionists only)

 

 

 

 

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Last Updated: 03/09/2010