Images from the 2008 Mosaic Art Show

Images from the 2008 Holiday Mosaic

DGN gears up for 12th annual Holiday Mosaic

Students and faculty have been working tirelessly to prepare for the 2008 Holiday Mosaic, the 12th annual combination of music and visual art during the holidays.

Concerts are tonight at 5:30 and 8:00 PM. Our Art Show reception is Wednesday evening at 6:00 PM.

Concert Singers Perform for Santa

Members of the North High Concert Singers treated many to beautiful sounds of the holidays at the 2008 "Breakfast with Santa," hosted by Good Samaritan Hospital. Thank you to our singers for getting up early on a cold & snowy December morning to bring joy to the hearts of many young children.

Congratulations All-State Musicians!

Fifteen student musicians from Downers Grove North High School have been tapped by the Illinois Music Educator’s Association for All-State recognition. Auditions were held last October.

“We are really thrilled for these students and their families,” said Brayer Teague, Fine Arts Department Chair at North High. “Many people helped these students achieve this success, beginning with their very first elementary school music teachers and extending to their private-lessons teachers today. North High is very proud to have these incredible musicians representing District 99 at the All-State level.”

In total, twenty-six student musicians were selected for All-State from Community High School District 99.

The All-State Band, Choir, Orchestra and Jazz Band will convene for a series of rehearsals in Peoria, IL, January 28-31, 2009. Their concerts will be held at the Peoria Civic Center on the evening of January 30, and the afternoon of January 31, 2009.

All-State Band

Jesse Backes – Orchestral Percussion (Senior)

Emily Daugherty – Flute (Junior)

Kurt Meyer – Clarinet (Senior)

John O’Hara – Clarinet (Senior)

Jennifer Poad – Bass Clarinet (Junior)

All-State Choir

Tom Cannan – Tenor (Junior)

Jane Duffy – Alto (Senior)

Matthew Hall – Tenor (Senior)

All-State Orchestra

Chloe Burnham – Violin (Junior)

Faith Enenbach – Violin (Junior)

Alyssa Love – Violin (Senior)

Colette Mondragon – Violin (Junior)

Rudy Rendek – Violin (Senior)

Nick Rudy – Cello (Senior)

All-State Music Composition

Kyle Stephens – Jazz Composition (Graduate)

Muriel Anderson is back in town!

International recording artist and North High alumnus, Muriel Anderson, performed for students today in a series of three school assemblies.  Ms. Anderson will perform in her annual Thanksgiving Homecoming Concert this coming Saturday, November 29, in the Johnson Auditorium.

 

November Band Concerts

Congratulations to the North High Bands for two terrific concerts this week. The Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Lab Band, Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Concert Band, and Percussion Ensemble all performed this week for appreciative audiences.

1,298 Scrumptious Cheesecakes!

Thank you to our North High Music Boosters, led by Cheesecake Sale Coordinators Tana Williams and Andria Barry, for their incredible work! An army of dedicated volunteers sorted through 1,298 cheesecakes this past Saturday, and in doing so wrapped up a sale that brought in over $6,400 in profits for our music students who are raising funds for a February 2009 tour. The students and staff of North High are very appreciative!

Final Playoff Performance

Congratulations to the members of the Trojan Marching Band for their fine performances and steadfast support of the North High Football Team during the 2008 IHSA State Playoffs.

North's loss to conference rival Glenbard West in the Quarter-Finals marked the end of the season for the team and the band. "We Love Our Team!" ... and have been proud to support our players this season.

Guest artist Tony Kidonakis works with Jazz Ensemble

Music teacher Tony Kidonakis (Downers Grove District 58) works with the North High Jazz Ensemble on November 13th. Mr. Kidonakis will return to North High for the annual Jazz Cafe concert (Friday, January 9) as the featured artists and soloist.

Into The Woods

Congratulations to the dozens of students, faculty and staff involved in the 2008-09 North High All-School Musical: Into The Woods. Directed by Mr. Pappageorge and Mrs. O'Riordan, this year's production was a success on a multitude of levels.

Legendary Music Professor Ron Modell visits District 99

Ron Modell, legendary Professor of Music (retired) from Northern Illinois University, spent time on Thursday, October 23, visiting music classes at both Downers Grove North and South High Schools. He listened to the bands at both schools and offered musical feedback for students and faculty.

Professor Modell is known around the world as one of the most successful music educators of all time, having developed the N.I.U. jazz program into an internationally acclaimed band. Prior to his appointment at N.I.U., Mr. Modell played trumpet in the Dallas Symphony Orchestra.

IMEA All-District Results Announced

59 student musicians from Downers Grove North High School were selected, by competitive audition, to the 2008 Illinois Music Educator’s Association District Band, Choir, Orchestra and Jazz Band. Auditions were held on Tuesday, October 14, at Carl Sandburg High School. The top placing scores were selected for participation in the District Music Festivals, to be held during the month of November.

“To my knowledge, this is the largest number of North High students recognized by the IMEA in our school’s history,” said Brayer Teague, Fine Arts Department Chairperson. “All of our students who auditioned worked very hard and competed against stiff competition. Selection to these ensembles is a real honor for both them, and our school. We are looking forward to hearing great performances at the District Music Festival next month.”

North High School Band Students

Jesse Backes – Percussion (Orchestra)

Laura Ball – Clarinet (Band)

Brandon Broholm – Tuba (Band)

Emily Daugherty – Flute (Orchestra)

Kendall Gretsch – Clarinet (Orchestra)

Caroline Hlohowskyj – Trumpet (Orchestra)

Kirsten Keller – Flute (Orchestra)

Marie Kirkegaard – Clarinet (Orchestra)

Kurt Meyer – Clarinet (Band)

John O’Hara – Clarinet (Band)

Jennifer Poad – Bass Clarinet (Band)

Emma Sassano – Percussion (Band)

Hannah Shatzer – Oboe (Band)

Bryn Sitkiewicz – Trombone (Band)

Andrew Stawarz – Tenor Sax (Band)

Isaac Stevenson – Percussion (Orchestra)

Michael Walser – Alto Sax (Band)

Jennifer Webeler – Baritone Sax (Band)

North High School Choir Students

Heidi Buyck – Alto I

Thomas Cannan – Tenor II

Erica Crosswhite – Soprano II

Jane Duffy – Alto II

Corina Emmanouilidis – Alto II

Jordan Frank – Bass I

Abby Gardner – Alto I

Anne Green – Alto I

Ally Haley – Alto II

Matthew Hall – Tenor I

Liz Havenga – Soprano II

Alexander Karge – Bass I

Catie Krygeris – Alto I

Kristen Lemke – Alto II

Colin Ludlow – Bass II

Quinton Murphy – Tenor II

Kirsten Rush – Soprano II

Caroline Sterr – Soprano II

Allison Williams – Alto II

North High School Jazz Ensemble Students

Jonathan Box – Baritone Sax

Brandon Broholm – Bass Trombone

Joseph DePeder – Tenor Saxophone

Caroline Hlohowskyj – Trumpet

Michael Pool – Guitar

Rudy Rendek – Guitar

Bryn Sitkiewicz – Trombone

Michael Walser – Alto Sax

North High School Orchestra Students

Kayla Bondi – Cello

Chloe Burnham – Violin

Kelsey Draeger – Violin

Faith Enenbach – Violin

Kelly Kedzior – Double Bass

Lauren Kovanko – Viola

Alyssa Love – Violin

Meghan Lyda – Cello

Colette Mondragon – Violin

Victoria Nogle – Viola

Rudy Rendek – Violin

Nicholas Rudy – Cello

James Tandaric – Violin
Hannah Young – Harp

Homecoming 2008

Homecoming '08 was a major success for the North High Bands. Friday was a very busy day for students, including a performance at the Homecoming Assembly, the Parade, and of course the Homecoming Football Game.

Approximately 60 band alumni returned to participate in pre-game, half-time and to perform in the stands with our current students. We had representatives ranging from the Class of '44 all the way to the Class of '08. It was great to have everyone back!

Hey Baby! It's Homecoming!!

miniBand Marches with Curious George!

The Trojan miniBand was THRILLED to participate in the Downers Grove Friends of the Library Storybook Parade. The weather forced the parade into the 1st and 2nd floors of the library, but everyone seemed to have a great time. Congratulations to all the young marchers that joined the miniBand in their GREAT costumes. And thanks to Curious George for this photo op!

Cross Town Classic

Last night, at the North vs. South football game, over 400 student musicians joined forces to present a stirring rendition of the National Anthem as a part of the "National Anthem Project." Thank you to Mr. Miller for his terrific work organizing the event, as well as the entire District 99 Music Faculty for the extra energy entailed.

Congratulations to the student musicians involved last night, and a special thank you to our colleagues from South High. It was a pleasure to host the Marching Mustangs!

Images from DGN vs. Prospect

Congratulations to the members of the 2008 Trojan Marching Band for a terrific season-opening performance this past Friday night. Nearly 60 band members were marching for the first time in uniform, officially moving from "Newcomer" to "Former" status by end of the evening.

Americans for the Arts .org

Marching Band Rehearsal Time Clarification 8/21/08

Dear Band Families-

First of all, thank you for your attendance at last night's meeting. We're excited about another great year with your students.

If you are not a parent/guardian of a Marching Band participant, please disregard the remainder of this message.

If you ARE a Marching Band family, we would like to remind you that tomorrow's rehearsal is scheduled for 5-9PM, not 4-9PM as indicated in the Band Handbook.

Sorry for this confusion! Please let me know if you have any questions.

Best wishes for a great school year!

Band Camp 2008

Mrs. Kelly to study at Chicago Art Institute

The Fine Arts Department congratulates visual art teacher Megan Kelly on her invitation to participate in the Art Institute of Chicago’s Teacher Institute in Contemporary Art from July 13 – 18, 2008.

Mrs. Kelly was also accepted to the Institute’s Studio Extension. The Studio Extension allows teachers to continue their studio practice uninterrupted for an additional week.

Mrs. Kelly will engage in an intensive week of study, with day-long classes followed by evening presentations. Additionally, participants will be asked to complete a series of evaluation tools at the conclusion of the Institute experience, and then after the following school year, providing examples of the Institute’s effort on their teaching and curricula.

Only twenty-six teachers from across the United States are invited to participate.

Indy 500 Festival Parade

IPL 500 Festival Parade to include the North High School Trojan Marching Band

INDIANAPOLIS (May 14, 2008) – The 500 Festival announced today the Trojan Marching Band from Downers Grove, Illinois, will take part in the 2008 IPL 500 Festival Parade on Saturday, May 24. The Parade, now a 51 year tradition, attracts more than 300,000 spectators along the two-mile route. During this celebration spectators will have the chance to catch a glimpse of the 33 starting drivers of the 92nd running of the Indianapolis 500, specialty units, nationally-known celebrities including Grand Marshall Patricia Heaton, spectacular floats, marching bands and entertainment groups, giant inflatable balloons and costumed characters.

The Trojan Marching Band has performed regularly in the Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony in Downers Grove, IL and Independence Day Parades in Darien and Downers Grove. The band has also performed in the Chicago Jingle Elf Holiday Parade and the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Dublin, Ireland.

The band will also perform on race day on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway track as part of the Annual Pre-Race Pageant of Bands.

The IPL 500 Festival Parade provides an opportunity to see all 33 drivers set to start the Indy 500 in one place the day before the race. The Parade has grown to be one of the signature events in the U.S. each year. It consistently ranks among the top three parades in the nation including the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Themed “Fuel the Dream,” this year’s parade is a true representation of the power and pageantry of the month of May - a Hoosier tradition with a television package that will bolster the Parade’s national presence. The IPL 500 Festival Parade will be televised nationally on ESPN2. Be sure to look for the band on the ESPN2 telecast starting at 4PM local time on the 24th!

University of Illinois Faculty Brass Quintet

The University of Illinois Faculty Brass Quintet performed three
concerts for instrumental music students at North High on May 13,
2008. Prof. Flores of the Percussion Department also joined the
quintet and offered a percussion clinic to North High percussionists.

Spring Art Show Opening

Congratulations to the visual art students who are currently
exhibiting their tremendous works in the annual Spring Art Show.

Music Boosters Annual Flower Sale

Thank you to all who supported the annual Flower Sale!

Western Michigan University Jazz

The Great Frame Up Creative Self-Expression Show

Congratulations to the North High visual art students who were featured in the 2008 Creative Self-Expression Show sponsored by The Great Frame Up (1999 W. 75th St., Woodridge, IL 60517).

Drawing: Kathryn Butler, Therese Byrne, Grant Hansen, Stephanie Koblich, Ellen McCammon

Jewelry: Megan Degen, Lexis Monfort, Meredith Vavra, Paulius Vertelka

Photography: Emma Andersen, Emma Bolam, Kelsey DeMarco, Sydney Hampton, Colleen Hoppestad

Digital Images: Robert Holly, Allison Novak, Michelle Pine, Joseph Rouse, Meredith Vavra

Ceramics: Erin Agnoli, Evan Bauer, Rinnu Joseph, Sydney Leja, Denise Vigilia