The “Y’s Men Classical Music Society Presents A Performance By Staples Stradivarius Chamber Orchestra On March 4th At Saugatuck Congregational Church
Members of the acclaimed Staples Stradivarius Chamber Orchestra along with Co Directors Carrie Mascaro and Jeri Brima (far left) They will perform a free concert on Tuesday, March 4 in the Saugatuck Congregational Church Sanctuary, beginning at 2:45 pm. (contributed photo).
About The Y’s Men of Westport-Weston Classical Music Society: Since 2016, the Y’s Men Classical Music Society offers educational and inspirational programs of classical music from the 17th century through contemporary times. It is one of more than 30 diversified activities offered to the group's 500 plus membership of Westport and Weston retired and semi-retired men. The Society meets monthly from September through May on the first Tuesday of the month. Members and their guests are welcome.
About The Stradivarius Chamber Orchestra: The Stradivarius Chamber Orchestra, a distinguished part of the Staples Music department, first formed over 50 years ago. This select ensemble is composed of committed and skilled string students who undergo an audition process each spring. Typically, around 45 students from grades 9-12 audition, showcasing their abilities through a chosen solo, scales, arpeggios, and sight reading. This year, 30 members have been chosen to participate in the Stradivarius Chamber Orchestra, alongside a smaller Amati Cello Ensemble comprising four members. Prior to the pandemic, the program was robust enough to sustain two separate chamber orchestras, reflecting its long-standing tradition and continued appeal among young musicians.
Students from our music program have gone on to attend prestigious institutions such as Berklee College of Music, along with notable alumni who have studied at the Cleveland Institute of Music. Many have advanced their careers by performing with esteemed ensembles like the Cleveland Orchestra and the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Additionally, their chamber orchestras participate in regular performances at off-campus venues, including the Museum of Contemporary Art (MoCA). Beyond these organized events, students also perform in smaller groups throughout the community. Recently, middle school and high school chamber orchestras collaborated for a festival concert, allowing older students to mentor younger musicians, fostering a continued interest in music as they transition into high school.
The Chamber Orchestra at Staples High School benefits from the collaborative expertise of both Carrie Mascaro and Jeri Brima, who co-teach the ensemble. With over three decades of experience in the Westport Public Schools, Mascaro brings a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record in music education, alongside her active role as a conductor for the Greater Connecticut Youth Orchestras and her commitment to chamber music. In contrast, Brima's background includes a significant nine years in the Chicagoland area, where she honed her skills before joining Staples six years ago. Her focus has recently shifted to scholarly pursuits as she works towards her doctoral degree in music education. Together, they create a rich learning environment for the students, blending performance practice with academic rigor, while fostering a love for orchestral and chamber music.
Students rehearse for two hours each week from 5:30 to 7:30 PM, demonstrating their commitment to excellence in music. In addition to these rehearsals, they are required to participate in a 30-minute sectional each week, balancing this with their other commitments. Their dedication is evident not only in their practice and performance skills but also in their organizational efforts, as they maintain a snack schedule for the rehearsals. This level of commitment and planning showcases the strong work ethic and camaraderie among these dedicated musicians.