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.

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!

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.

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.'

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.

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.

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/2^nd place (Sophomore)

Future Music Educators Symposium

Caitlin Doak (Senior)