Wind Ensemble performs at 2006 Midwest Clinic

Congratulations to the members of the North High Wind Ensemble who participated in the 2006 Midwest Clinic as a Rehearsal Lab Ensemble. The Midwest Clinic is the largest gathering of instrumental music teachers, conductors, composers, bands, orchestras, professional musicians and music industry representatives in the world. Held every December in Chicago, the Midwest Clinic annually draws in excess of 12,000 conference attendees from all 50 states and more than 30 foreign countries. 2006 is the 60th Annual Midwest Clinic, and the conference features over 30 concerts and 50 instructional clinics.

Thank you to Dr. Stephen Peterson, Director of Bands at Ithaca College, for working with our Wind Ensemble this week, and for including us in his clinic. It was a great honor for our students and the North High Band program.

Mosaic Concert - An Acclaimed Success!

Congratulations to the nearly 400+ student musicians who performed beautifully in four separate Mosaic Concerts on December 19 and 20. Over 4,500 people gathered in the Clarence Johnson Auditorium for the 2006 Mosaic programs.

Thank you Pat Roth!

The Fine Arts Department honored CMG staff member Pat Roth for his service and dedication to North High School. Mr. Roth has been a tremendous contributor to the arts at North High, crafting beautiful wood display cases for two-dimensional art, building storage devices for music equipment, creating rolling carts for percussion equimpment, designing special commemorative plaques, and countless other projects.

Mr. Roth will, beginning January 8, 2007, assume a staff position at Downers Grove South High School, where he will be able to put newly aquired skills in HVAC systems to use.

The Fine Arts Department presented Mr. Roth with commemorative art work by teacher Marty Voelker (pictured above). The rendering of North High School commemorates Mr. Roth's nearly ten years of service to our school.

We will certainly miss Mr. Roth, his friendly smile, warm personality, and willingness to contribute in so many meaningful ways. Best wishes Pat!

Ceramic Tile Mural Unveiled

The North High Library recently unveiled a new piece of art, created by dozens of North High visual artists and coordinated by Mrs. Amy Bernard of the Fine Arts faculty. Special thanks to the CMG Department for their work in hanging these beautiful pieces, and to the Library staff for their encouragement and collaboration.

Sam Stryke

Composer and recording artist Sam Stryke works with the students of the Downers Grove North High School Symphonic Orchestra in preparation for the December 19th Holiday Mosaic Concert. Mr. Stryke's newest CD - Christmas - has just been released world-wide.