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Orphs Honor Dr K
The tributes have begun for beloved Staples English teacher Gerry Kuroghlian. Near the end of tonight’s Orphenians concert, Alice Lipson — director of the elite choral group — dedicated a song to the...
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‘Tis The Season…
…for “Messiah.” Handel’s soaring oratorio is as much a part of the holiday season as “Feliz Navidad,” fruitcake and fantasies of winter wonderlands. Sometimes it seems as if everyone except the...
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Calling All Orphs!
This year, the Staples Orphenians celebrate 50 years as an elite singing group. Director Alice Lipson is planning a special event for June 6. Highlights will include the traditional invitation to all...
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Play It Again, Staples
After years of use, Staples’ grand piano is kaput. There are big cracks in the soundboard, and experts say it’s not worth fixing. So — with Board of Ed funding about as plausible as Billy Joel...
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The Baton Passes From Lipson To Miller
For 21 years — always seen from behind — Alice Lipson’s flowing, braided hair has been the “face” of Staples choral music. Next fall, the director’s hair will be much shorter. And male. Justin Miller...
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50 Years Of Orphs
For 22 years, Alice Lipson has said “It’s all about the music.” With all due respect to the veteran Staples choral director, she’s wrong. It’s all about the music — and the people. Alice Lipson, always...
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Scenes From A Graduation
Staples held its 123rd commencement this afternoon. The only thing warmer than the good feeling of watching an outstanding class graduate was the fieldhouse. The Class of 2010 is now history — but...
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Tickling New Ivories
You may not notice the piano at Staples’ Candlelight Concerts next weekend — but the singers and musicians sure will. A fund drive to raise $30,000 for a new Yamaha C3 grand piano — in honor of...
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Luke Rosenberg: Staples’ Masterful New Maestro
In some towns, filling the position of choral teacher is a “meh” task. Westport is not “some towns.” When Justin Miller suddenly resigned as Staples’ instructor in August — after 2 years on the job —...
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“It’s All About The Music”
There were many highlights at this weekend’s 75th anniversary Candlelight Concert Scores of alumni traveled from across the country to honor the music that meant so much to them, so many years ago....
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Candlelight 2015: A Concert For The Ages
Hundreds of alumni — from as far away as California, and as long ago as the 1950s — poured in to the Staples High School auditorium, for last night’s 75th anniversary Candlelight Concert. At the end of...
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Justin Paul Wins An Oscar — And Hails School Arts Programs
Justin Paul and his songwriting partner, Benj Pasek, won Oscars tonight for “City of Stars,” the signature song from “La La Land.” The lyricists were honored for another song — “Audition (The Fools Who...
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Pic Of The Day #147
Two of Westport’s favorite musicians — former Staples High School choral director Alice Lipson and drummer Drew McKeon — share a moment (and hair) at last night’s “Voices: A Concert for Unity.” The...
View Article“Let There Be Peace On Earth”
Though their buildings are in Norwalk, Temple Shalom and St. Matthew Church include many parishioners from Westport. Plenty of choral members too. Last month — for the institutions’ Interfaith...
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Lauren Pine Raises Staples’ Baton
In many towns, the selection of the next high school choral director would be about as newsworthy as the purchase of new choir robes. In Westport, it is Big News. Since George Weigle moved from Bedford...
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