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Friday, February 22, 2008

Visiting Artist - Andrew Spencer

Andrew Spencer, currently holds the position of professor of
percussion at Central Michigan University. An active recitalist
and clinician, he has performed as a soloist in the United States,
Poland, Japan, Canada, and Costa Rica.


Professor Spencer was a guest clinician today at North High School,
working with three percussion classes throughout the day.

Monday, February 11, 2008

DGN Graduate plays the Grammy Awards















North High graduate Rusty Jehangir (Class of 2007) performed on the opening number of the 2008 Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, California, backing Grammy award-winning vocalist Alicia Keys. (See video below.) Following the ceremony Rusty performed for the Warner Brothers post-party.

Rusty, a double major in jazz studies and mechanical engineering at the University of Southern California, was interviewed this morning by Spike O'Dell on WGN Radio's Morning Show.


Sunday, February 10, 2008

Saturday, February 09, 2008

DGN Jazz with legend Jimmy Heath



























Members of the North and South High Jazz Bands participated in clinics with the world-renown Northern Illinois University Jazz Ensemble, and visiting guest artist Jimmy Heath.

Jimmy Heath originally played alto saxophone but after the influence of Charlie Parker on his work for Howard McGhee and Dizzy Gillespie in the late 1940s, he earned the nickname "Little Bird" (Parker's nickname was Bird) and he switched to tenor sax. He was out of the music scene for several years in the 1950s, returned to work with Miles Davis in 1959 and then with Kenny Dorham and Gil Evans. He also recorded extensively. During the 1960s, he frequently worked with Milt Jackson and Art Farmer. In 1975, he and his brothers formed the Heath Brothers. Tootie dropped out of the group in 1978 but Jimmy, Percy and their sidemen stayed together until 1982 . Jimmy continued to work frequently following the break-up of this band.In the 1980's, he joined he faculty of the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College in the City University of New York. With the rank of Professor, he led the creation of the Jazz Program at Queens College and attracted many outstanding musicians, such as Donald Byrd to the campus. He also served on the Board of the Louis Armstrong Archives on campus and the restoration and management of the Louis and Lucille Armstrong Residence in Corona, Queens. Mr. Heath continued his association with the College until recently. In 2004, he was awarded an honorary Doctorate in Human Letters.

Tuesday, February 05, 2008

All-State Honors Ensembles

The 2008 All-State Honors Jazz Ensemble, Choir, Orchestra, and Band.

Fine Arts @ DGN Mission

North High School endeavors to provide an enriching, vibrant, multidisciplinary environment for the study, creation, and presentation of the Fine Arts.