Translate

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Tuba Christmas in Chicago





At least six District 99 low brass musicians attended and performed in the 2011 Tuba Christmas held at the Palmer House Hotel in Chicago. Hundreds of tuba and euphonium players gather here annually to produce some of the most unique and memorable Christmas carols you've ever heard!



Pictured from left to right: Joe Vitti, Marjorie Fera, Alexis Nystedt, and Adam Mills. Not pictured, but performing, were Martin Milan and Ben Casey.


Friday, December 16, 2011

DGN & DGS Student Musicians at 65th Annual Midwest Clinic

The 65th Midwest Clinic (formerly known as the 'Midwest-International Band & Orchestra Clinic') is being held this week in Chicago, IL.  It is the largest annual gathering of music teachers, performers. and music industry personnel in the world.  Attended by nearly 16,000 from all 50 states and 30 countries internationally, the concert features nearly 30 concerts and 90 clinic sessions.

Congratulations to DGN Orchestra student Hannah Young (Harp), DGS Orchestra student Andrew Molina (Cello), and the members of the DGS Jazz Ensemble, who all performed today at the convention.  The North High Fine Arts Department salutes all of you for your outstanding musicianship!



Friday, December 09, 2011

Chamber Choir Brings Holiday Cheer

Many thanks to the DGN Chamber Choir for their enjoyable caroling at
the Parent's Club Holiday Tea.

Arizona State University Jazz All-Stars Visit Campus

Today DGN played host to nine Jazz Performance majors from Arizona State University, who performed for both the Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble classes.  These emerging jazz performers are in Chicago this weekend opening for the famed Benny Golson Quartet at the Jazz Showcase.

Joining the Benny Golson quartet at the Jazz Showcase is internationally renown jazz pianist Michael Kocour, who also serves as an Associate Professor of Music and Director of Jazz Studies at Arizona State University.

Three members of the DGN 'Cannonball' Jazz Combo (Spencer Schillerstrom, Tenor Sax - Brett Latman, Trumpet - and Sebastian Calvino, Trombone) were afforded the opportunity to join the ASU Combo, and Michael Kocour in an impromptu blues.

Thanks to ASU Jazz All Stars, and Professor Kocour, for your inspired playing - creative original compositions - and mentoring.  We wish you the very best at the Jazz Showcase this weekend.

DGN jazz students and families interested in seeing Michael Kocour with the legendary tenor saxophonist Benny Golson, are encouraged to attend the Sunday Matinee (4 pm) at the Jazz Showcase in Chicago.  It is an 'all ages' show, and convenient parking is only $5 for Jazz Showcase patrons.


Wednesday, December 07, 2011

Images from the Holiday Mosaic Art Show (2011)

Mosaic's Visual Landscape

DGN Musicians were showcased this morning during back-to-back school assembly programs.  Like last night, the student musicians performed with great artistry.  

An important element of the Holiday Mosaic at North High is the lighting design.  This year's visual landscape was created by junior Mantas Naris.  Congratulations, Mantas, on creating an engaging and captivating environment for musicians and audience members alike.  

Click on the image above for a better look at Mantas' design work during the Jazz Ensemble's performance of 'Dance of the Sugar Rum Cherry.'

Tuesday, December 06, 2011

Images from the Holiday Mosaic Concert (2011)

Mosaic Concert Patrons Will Be First To Enjoy Updated Lobby




Patrons attending tonight's Mosaic Concerts will be among the first to enjoy a new exhibition of DGN student artwork. Large posters, paying tribute to past theatre, music and dance productions, now adorn the walls of the Clarence Johnson Auditorium Lobby at North High.

Thank you to Mr. Kasik, Mr. Kolodziej, Mr. Hiscock, Mr. McClean, Mr. Voelker, Ms. Kelly, Mr. Pappageorge, Ms. Smycz, Mr. Miller, and Ms. Fredette, all who played a role in bringing this vision forward.

Monday, December 05, 2011

Holiday Mosaic Concerts & Art Show This Week!

It's beginning to look a lot like the Holiday Mosaic at DGN!

Don't miss these seasonal gems:

Mosaic Concert (two shows):

Tuesday, December 6th @ 5:30 or 8:00 pm.


Mosaic Art Show Opening Reception & Awards:

Wednesday, December 7th from 6:00 - 7:30 pm.





A saxophone quartet practices Monday morning for their performance of the traditional holiday carol "Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella."





Two and three dimensional visual artwork will be on display this week in the Main Street Lobby of North High as a part of DGN's Holiday Mosaic.

Friday, December 02, 2011

Alumnus Nominated for Grammy

Congratulations to DGN Alumnus Matthew West for the 2011 Grammy Nomination of his song STRONG ENOUGH.  (Click here for the music video.)

Check out Matthew West's latest music, and his 'The Heart of Christmas' tour on his website.

North High Musicians Selected for IMEA All-State Honors


Seven student musicians from Downers Grove North High School were selected by competitive audition to the 2011-2012 Illinois Music Educators Association All-State Band, Choir, Orchestra, Composer Showcase, and ‘Future Music Educators Symposium’. Performance auditions were held last October at Carl Sandburg High School; musical compositions were evaluated by professional musicians and composers from across the country.

“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.”

The All-State Band, Choir, Orchestra and Jazz Band will convene for a series of rehearsals in Peoria, IL, January 26-28, 2012.  Their concerts will be held at the Peoria Civic Center on the evening of January 27, and the afternoon of January 28, 2012.

All-State Band
Anna Krainc - Clarinet (Senior)
Jonathan Sheetz - Bass Clarinet (Senior)

All-State Choir
Eareen Yambao - Tenor II (Senior)

All-State Orchestra
Meghan Lyda – Cello (Senior)
Alana Osterling – Cello (Junior)

All-State Music Composition
Spencer Schillerstrom – Jazz Improvisation/2nd place (Sophomore)

Future Music Educators Symposium
Caitlin Doak (Senior)

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Santa's Elves At Work!

North High Band, Choir and Orchestra students raised over $1,800 in
support of our school-wide "Giving Tree" program.

Thanks to all who contributed funds, shopped for presents, and wrapped gifts!

Saturday, November 26, 2011

North High Theatre Program Play Selected for State Festival


The DGN Fine Arts Department congratulates the North High Theatre program for the recent selection of “Relative Strangers” to the Illinois High School State Theatre Festival in Bloomington, IL.  

This marks the first time a play from District 99 has been selected for performance at the state festival.  Congratulations to Student Director Sam Staley, as well as all of the actors and support personnel that produced this year’s Fall One-Acts, on a job well done!

Thursday, November 24, 2011

DGN & DGS Jazzers Join Forces at Bonfield Express

An incredibly talented "mega jazz combo" made up of ten District 99 instrumentalists performed this morning at the Bonfield Express 5K in downtown Downers Grove. A record breaking field of over 5,100 runners/walkers enjoyed the fabulous sounds of North & South High musicians as they crossed the finish line.

Way to go Mustangs & Trojans!






















Tuesday, November 22, 2011

DGN Jazz Opens For Pete Ellman Big Band




Congrats to the DGN Jazz Ensemble for a fabulous performance in Naperville tonight. Opening for the Pete Ellman Big Band, the Jazz Ensemble wowed listeners with an exciting 50 minute set.




The Other Guys!


Student musicians at North High School were treated to performances today by the amazing A Cappella vocal ensemble TheOther Guys from the University of Illinois.  The ensemble is known for their musical artistry and their diverse performance repertoire.  Featured with the ensemble today was John Junk, South High School Class of 2011.  We were proud to see and host a District 99 alumnus as we enjoyed the sounds of this nationally renowned vocal group.


Saturday, November 19, 2011

IMEA Festival Concert Impressive!

The IMEA District 1 Orchestra, Choir, and Band demonstrated remarkable
musicianship and outstanding artistry in front of a capacity audience
at Downers Grove South High School this afternoon.

Congratulations to all of our North High musicians who performed so
beautifully today!

IMEA District Music Festival Underway

Select DGN student musicians are working at Downers Grove South today as members of the IMEA District I Honors Ensembles. 

More than 700 students from over 100 high schools in the Chicagoland area are rehearsing with guest conductors and will present performances at 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM.

Congratulations to our Trojan musicians who have been selected for this prestigious honor.









Friday, November 18, 2011

DGN Jazz & Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra



Today the members of the DGN Jazz Ensemble, and the Lyons Township High School Jazz Ensemble, spent an amazing afternoon and evening with members of the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra.  The clinics, sponsored by the College of DuPage, provided our students with incredible personal access to many of the most talented and sought-after jazz artists in the nation.

North High should feel proud of the way in which our student musicians represented the DGN Fine Arts Department.  The members of the SJMO were highly complimentary of the musicianship demonstrated this afternoon in our exhibition performance.

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Fall Band Concert

Congratulations to the members of the Jazz Lab Band, Concert Band, Symphonic Band and Percussion Ensemble on a great concert this evening!














Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Backstage at the DGN Fall Band Invitational

Congrats to the members of the DGN Jazz Ensemble, DGN Wind Ensemble, Jefferson Junior High Symphonic Winds, and the Westview Hills Middle School Band for amazing performances tonight! Each band offered the audience a musical performance filled with great variety and artistry.











Saturday, November 12, 2011

IMEA District Jazz Fest Today!


Select DGN jazz musicians are immersed in a terrific day of jazz music at the IMEA District 1 Jazz Festival. Our eight honored students, selected through competitive audition, are enjoying a day of learning with some of the most respected music educators in the nation.

If you are looking for a great jazz concert today, head down to Rich South High School. The bands start swingin' at 3:00 pm!





Thursday, November 10, 2011

Veterans Day Assembly




This morning students, faculty, staff, and hundreds of community members gathered to honor American servicemen and servicewomen who have served our country in the United States Armed Forces.

Congratulations and thank you to the men of our Choral Program, as well as the members of our Wind Ensemble, for providing a significant and meaningful musical contribution to this morning's program. Well done!




Tuesday, November 08, 2011

DGN Musicians Support Cancer Research

Congratulations to the DGN student musicians (and their families) that raised over $10,000 this past week for St. Baldricks and LUNGevity!! We are very proud of, and humbled by, the generosity of the DGN community. Way to go Trojans!






























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.