J.C. Martin J.C. Martin

Staples High School Candlelight Concert Again Delights Sellout Crowds

One of Westport's most cherished holiday traditions, the Staples High Music program's Candlelight Concert took place on Friday and Saturday to the usual sell-out crowd for all three shows.

Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com  Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.

The annual Staples Candlelight concerts, a tradition spanning 82 years, showcased the exceptional musical talent of Westport's high school students, led by conductors Luke Rosenberg, Carrie Mascaro, Jeri Hockensmith, and Philip Giampietro pictured above.

The performances began with the recitation of the "Winter Song," a newly composed piece by Westport's Poet Laureate, Jessica Noyes McEntee. The Staples Symphonic Orchestra, Symphonic Band, and Choral Ensembles then took to the stage to perform a variety of Candlelight favorites, including the opening "Sing We Noel" and the grand finale, Handel's "Hallelujah Chorus," which featured the participation of over 50 music department alumni. The program also included Leroy Anderson's "Sleigh Ride," Tchaikovsky's "Nutcracker Suite" ("Trepak" and "Waltz of the Flowers"), music from the film "Home Alone" by John Williams, and the showcase piece "Jubilate Deo" by Dan Forrest. In addition, the chorus sang the unaccompanied "Shalom!," junior and senior choral members presented a comedic production directed by Don Rickenback, and small student ensembles performed self-arranged holiday hits, including a jazz sextet and a vocal duet accompanied by guitar on "Winter Wonderland."

Stephen Zimmerman, Music and Visual Arts Coordinator for the Westport Public Schools system said, "Following last year's concert, which introduced a new element of collaboration, this year's performance was carefully planned by the teachers over the course of nearly a year, showcasing their extraordinary effort, exemplary musicianship, and creativity. The collaboration brought together students from different musical groups and ensembles to create a cohesive show, adding an exciting new dimension to the already highly anticipated annual event. As a witness to the hard work and talent of the students and teachers, I am extremely proud of their efforts and have received an amazing response from parents and community members."

Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com  Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.

Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com  Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.

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J.C. Martin J.C. Martin

C'mon In, The Water Is…. COLD!

This pair of canine buddies were undeterred by cold temps and even colder water and enjoyed a romp at Compo beach on Saturday. One appears to be a Red Golden Retriever which is a natural variation of the Golden Retriever. Both are very similar in temperament, friendliness, socialness, health, and looks. They differ most in coat color, size, and energy. They are typically the smallest puppies of the litter and are more athletic meaning more energy to burn! His buddy is likely a Parti Labradoodle. Labradoodles are a cross between a Poodle and a Labrador Retriever. They were initially bred in Australia in the 1980s in an effort to create a hypoallergenic guide dog. The combination results in an intelligent, friendly, and low-shedding dog.

Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com

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James Bairaktaris James Bairaktaris

Morning Weather Report

Today

Sunny, with a high near 40. Wind chill values between 20 and 30. Northwest wind 8 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph.

Tonight

Mostly clear, with a low around 26. Wind chill values between 20 and 25. Northwest wind around 9 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.

Tomorrow

Sunny, with a high near 40. Wind chill values between 20 and 30. Northwest wind 6 to 9 mph.

Tomorrow Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 23. Light north wind.

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James Bairaktaris James Bairaktaris

Sirens: One Sent to Hospital after Riverside Ave Rollover

Westport volunteer EMTs and a Norwalk Hospital Paramedic bring the person to the awaiting ambulance. WestportLocal.com photo

One person was sent to the hospital tonight after they struck a parked car on Riverside Avenue, which then resulted in their car rolling onto the driver’s side before it came to a rest in front of the Saugatuck Rowing Club. A small crowd of onlookers from the local restaurants and bars gathered to watch as first responders assisted the person in climbing out through their sunroof and into the care of awaiting Westport EMS personnel. The road was opened a short time later. No information has been released. WestportLocal.com photo

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