3 Staples High School Vocalists Selected For Prestigious Music Festival

WESTPORT, CT — Three Staples High School students were selected to perform last week in the American Choral Directors Association Eastern Region Honor Choirs.

Demeil Betfarhad, Josie Caricato, and Lyla McEntee earned this recognition following a rigorous audition process that included singers from across 11 states.

Selection for these ensembles is considered a high honor for choral singers in the region. The students traveled to Providence, Rhode Island, from Feb. 25 through 28 for the ACDA Eastern Region conference, titled "ENVISION 2026," which featured an intensive schedule of rehearsals and masterclasses.

The conference culminated in performances at venues in downtown Providence. The students rehearsed under the direction of conductors Cindy Ellis and Marques L. A. Garrett. They performed newly commissioned works as part of the festival programming, engaging with peers from across the Eastern Region.

Lauren Pine, the choral director at Staples High School, accompanied the students to the conference, supporting them throughout the rehearsal and performance process.

"We were incredibly proud of Demeil, Josie, and Lyla for this achievement, which reflected their
commitment, depth of musicianship, and vocal artistry," said Stephen Zimmerman, Coordinator
of Music and Visual Arts for the Westport Public Schools. "Their selection reflected the
consistent high standards and expert instruction of the Staples choral program in cultivating
confident, joyful, and expressive musicians."

The ACDA Eastern Region conferences provide a platform for creative expression and intellectual growth for student voices. These students continued Westport's tradition of excellence in the performing arts within the Westport Public Schools by representing the town at this regional level.