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Wednesday, March 25, 2015

2015-16 DGN Color Guard Clinic & Auditions Announced!


Please click here for detailed information about the 2015-16 DGN Color Guard Auditions.

We are holding an informational meeting and clinic help-session on Saturday, April 25, 2015.  Auditions will take place on Thursday, May 14, 2015.

The DGN Color Guard is an award-winning section of the Downers Grove North High School Trojan Marching Band. While many of our Color Guard students are enrolled concurrently in the band program, membership in the DGN Bands is not a prerequisite for membership in the Color Guard.

Monday, March 23, 2015

2015 District 99 Vocal Honors Recital

Congratulations to the student musicians from the North High and South High Choral programs for their wonderful performances in this evening's District 99 Vocal Honors Recital.

Initiated over 20 years ago, the District 99 Honors Vocal Recital showcases the finest vocal musicians in District 99 in an annual collaborative performance. This event symbolizes what is best in District 99 - it is collaborative, it is predicated on excellence, and it is all about students.

Leading up to this recital, both South and North High Schools hold independent vocal festivals. These festivals, held during the school day, are adjudicated by professional musicians and teachers from outside of District 99. The expert panel of adjudicators provide each student performing event with immediate formative feedback, and, with a score based on the quality of their performance. Each school then holds a run-off competition, where the best events are selected by the panel of adjudicators to perform on the District 99 Honors Vocal Recital. In total, more than 100 chamber music events are adjudicated during the Vocal Festivals at North and South High Schools.

In addition to the District 99 team of teachers working with the student musicians, a superior staff of private voice teachers coach and accompany the student singers through the performance preparation process at both South and North High Schools. These teachers are integral to the student success manifested during this recital.

Special thanks to District 99 music faculty and staff - Pattie Barnes, Joy Belt-Roselieb, Laura Coster, Gina Meehan, Beth O'Riordan, Ricardo Pedroza and Frank Piekarz for their work in coordinating this evenings recital.  In addition, we extend our appreciation to Private Voice Instructors who have served as mentors to our students: Kathrin Danzmayr, Todd Diehl, Colleen Lingenfelter, Ann McMann, Holley McKee, Gretel Mink Hansen, Jann Mochelle, Ingrid Mueller, Angela Presutti-Korbitz, and Stephanie Singer.  







Winter Guard @ Carl Sandburg

Congratulations to the DGN Winter Guard for another outstanding performance at the Carl Sandburg High School Winter Guard Festival.  The Winter Guard continues to impress judges, taking 5th place and improved their routine score by 4 points as they head towards the end of their season.   Great work, ladies, and best of luck in the upcoming Championships!


Friday, March 20, 2015

11th Annual Children's Outreach Concert

Congratulations to the members of the DGN Bands who performed this afternoon in the 11th Annual Children's Outreach Concert.  Over 1,000 Elementary school students were in attendance!


 

 



 

 



 

 



 

 


Thursday, March 19, 2015

March Band Concert - Musical Homecoming

Congratulations to the members of the DGN Bands for their performance this evening in the March Band Concert.  Following their successful New York Tour, the members of the  Concert Band, Symphonic Band, and Wind Ensemble each played with strong musicianship and artistry.  

A special thanks is extended to Evan Culligan & Hannah Thompson (narrators) as well as guest conductor and soloist Dr. Thomas Bough from Northern Illinois University.  



 

 



 

 



 

 



 

 


Tonight's Band Concert to feature Dr. Thomas Bough


Dr. Thomas Bough, Professor of Music from Northern Illinois University, will be featured as tuba soloist and guest conductor at this evening's March Band Concert.  Professor Bough has been on campus today working with Concert Band, Symphonic Band, and Wind Ensemble in preparation for tonight's concert.

Out of town family and friends, who would like to attend the concert virtually, the concert will be webcast here on High School Cube.


Wednesday, March 18, 2015

2015 North High School National Scholastic Art and Writing Awards Recipients

The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards have been the premiere showcase for creative teens since their inception in 1923. This year’s Regional Competitions received over 300,000 entries. Regional Gold Key recipients then moved on to the National Adjudication in New York City.

On Monday, March 16th,  the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards announced this year’s National Medal Winners.

Downers Grove North students garnered three awards:

Addiction - Briana Gastaldello
Junior Briana Gastaldello received a Silver Medal for her photograph “Addiction." Her teacher is Mrs. Megan Kelly.

Senior Taylor Laughlin received a Silver Medal for her painting “Facing Your Fears." Her teacher is Mr. Marty Voelker.

Senior Julia Rush received a Gold Medal for her poem “Steps to Take Before You Are Truly Awake."  Her teacher is Ms. Lauren Schlesinger.


Facing Your Fears - Taylor Laughlin
We are incredibly proud of these students, and their teachers," said Fine Arts Department Chairperson Brayer Teague.  "We salute their dedication to the arts, and their commitment to sharing their passion with our community, and the nation."

Student work will be in exhibition at Carnegie Hall in New York, New York starting with an opening gala in June of 2015.



Tuesday, March 17, 2015

Happy St. Patrick's Day from the D99 Orchestra





Congratulations to the members of the District 99 Concert Orchestra and Symphonic Orchestra for presenting a tremendous concert this evening.  Special kudos to Shatien Jordan and Monica Lim for their solo performance on the first movement of Bach's Concerto for Two Violins in D Minor.  The evening concluded musically with a combined rendition of Grainger's Molly on the Shore as a celebratory sonic greeting card for St. Patrick's Day.

Monday, March 16, 2015

District 99 Orchestra Prepares for Tuesday Night Concert



Members of the District 99 Concert and Symphonic Orchestras were in stage rehearsals today in preparation for tomorrow night's March Orchestra Concert.


Don't miss the concert, held tomorrow night, March 17, at 7:00 pm, in the Clarence Johnson Auditorium of North High School.

Out-of-town family and friends who are unable to hear the concert live may view the live stream, on the web HERE, or by clicking the High School Cube logo below.





Winter Guard Takes 4th at Cavaliers / Batavia Competition


Congratulations to the members of the DGN Winter Guard for their 4th place finish at this weekend's competition held at Batavia High School and sponsored by The Cavaliers Drum & Bugle Corps.

The Winter Guard continues to improve scores each week, and is showing tremendous growth as a performing unit.  With championships just two weeks away, the competitive season is quickly drawing to a close.

We extend best wishes to the Winter Guard in their final two weeks of the competition season!




Friday, March 13, 2015

Summer Study in Fine Arts (Music & Visual Art)



Living in the Midwest, we are fortunate to have close proximity to a myriad of summer student opportunities in both visual art and music.  Students can intently focus on their passions and expand their horizons by participating in these experiences.

The DGN Fine Arts Boosters provides a process to apply for summer study as do many other community and civic organizations.  A list of summer study experiences has been created in an effort to centrally locate this information for students and families.  As always, please consult with your teacher when seeking to find the summer study experience best suited for you.

Information about summer study experiences can be accessed by clicking on the link below:

2015 Summer Study Experiences 

Wednesday, March 11, 2015

#NYNouveau In Sound & Images

Fine Arts Flower & Plant Sale Kick Off Today!

It's time to wish the winter of 2015 a fond farewell, and set our sights squarely on Spring!

We have kicked-off the annual DGN Fine Arts Boosters Flower Sale, and music / visual art families are encouraged to start dreaming of spring planting!

Students received preliminary information today in classes, and were given the opportunity to pick up order forms.  

Click here for all the info - and additional order forms!

Tuesday, March 10, 2015

"How To Succeed ..." Production Week

Dozens of DGN students are busy putting the finishing touches on this year's School Musical - How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying - which opens Friday, March 13.

Monday, March 09, 2015

Downers Grove North Musicians Find Solo & Ensemble Success at State Contest!


Downers Grove North High School student musicians participated in the Illinois High School Association State Solo and Ensemble Contest on March 7, 2015.

59 students from Downers Grove North High School earned 72 Division I ratings of SUPERIOR.  A Division I score is categorized as “A Superior Performance – outstanding in nearly every detail.”  In addition, 20 students from Downers Grove North High School earned 21 Division II ratings of OUTSTANDING.  A Division II score is categorized as “An excellent performance – only minor defects.”

“Preparing for a Solo and Ensemble contest is a great opportunity for our students to express their individualism as soloists and to develop team-work skills with small ensembles,” said Brayer Teague, Fine Arts Department Chair at North High.  “We’re very proud of all our students who entered the state contest this year.  They did a terrific job representing North High with their musicianship.”

Seven North High student musicians received perfect scores at the State Contest.
Lauren Birkmeier, Daniel Brethauer, Jen Casey, Tim Edwards, Todd Griffin, Hannah Kutchek, and Kadance Taba earned perfect marks from the judges. 

Five North High events (encompassing seven musicians) received a “Best of Day Award” for garnering the highest achievement score in their event room.  Vocal soloist Keara Corbett, Clarinet soloist Kevin Atwater, Cello Soloist Tim Edwards, Euphonium soloist Jen Casey, and a String Quartet of Seth Collins, Bryan Monk, Matt Monk, and Abby Pfeiffer were all recognized by judges to be the most outstanding performers of the day in their performance venues. 

The following North High Music Events received a “Division I—Superior” rating:

Kevin Atwater – Clarinet – BEST OF DAY
Belle Banke – Percussion Ensemble
Jack Barkei – String Ensemble (2)
Lauren Birkmeier – Euphonium – Perfect score
Alyse Bondarowicz – Flute (1) & Saxophone Ensemble (1)
Daniel Brethauer – Trombone – Perfect score
Allie Casey – Flute
Jen Casey – Euphonium – Perfect score / BEST OF DAY
Elise Cismesia – Female Voice
Seth Collins – String Ensemble – BEST OF DAY
Patrick Connery – Tuba Ensemble
Keara Corbett – Female Voice – BEST OF DAY
Ben Cortez – Trumpet
Evan Culligan – Alto Saxophone (1) & Saxophone Ensemble (1)
Maria D’Ambrose – Oboe
Katie Donnelly – Alto Saxophone
Tim Edwards – Cello – Perfect score / BEST OF DAY (1) & String Ensemble (1)
Alison Elgass – Bass Clarinet
Jamie Gamonez – Female Voice
Robert Gartlan – Male Voice
Ben Goedert – Male Voice
Kevin Griffin - Trombone 
Todd Griffin – Tuba – Perfect score (1) & Tuba Ensemble (1)
Emily Heppner – Violin
Elizabeth Heyler – Flute
Megan Hung – Clarinet
Tatiana Jordan – Violin (1) & String Ensemble (2)
Allison Kirkegaard – Female Voice (1) & Treble Ensemble (1)
Ryan Knezevich – Trombone
Eirene Kowal – Marimba
Cecilia Kowara – Female Voice
Hannah Kutchek – Flute – Perfect score
Jack Langan – Male Voice
Julija Lemenaite – Violin
Marissa Leo – Treble Ensemble
Monica Lim – String Ensemble (2)
Emily Little – Trombone
Kaylee McCarthy – Trombone
Matt McCoy – Saxophone Ensemble
Anthony McMahon – Saxophone Ensemble
Adam Mills – Trombone
Bryan Monk – Violin (1) & String Ensemble (1) – BEST OF DAY
Matt Monk – Cello (1) & String Ensemble (2) – BEST OF DAY
Liam Morgan – Cello
Lauren O’Neil – Violin
Nick Pantazopoulos – String Ensemble
Jeremy Pike – French Horn
Abby Pfeiffer – String Ensemble – BEST OF DAY
Kaleb Pfotenhauer – String Ensemble
Brendan Quealy – Male Voice
Nate Rapach – Trumpet
Caleb Schmurr – Trombone
Allie Sheetz – Flute
Amelia Smerz – Cello
Kadance Taba – Tuba (1) – Perfect score & Tuba Ensemble (1)
Jennifer Vetrone – Trumpet
Emily Wilson – Percussion Ensemble
Bre Yano – Flute
Fred Zimmerman – Male Voice

The following North High Music Events received a “Division II—Excellent” rating:

David Atwater - Horn Ensemble
Jack Barkei – Viola
Cassandra Broholm – Horn Ensemble
Arianna Calleja – Trumpet
Fiona Cismesia – Violin
Becky Donnelly – Flute
Georgia Gregory – Horn Ensemble
Gavin Harker – Trumpet
Beth Jensen – String Ensemble
Tatiana Jordan – Female Voice
Fiona Kelly – Violin
Gina Kowalewicz – Flute
Marissa Leo – Female Voice
Madi Lynch – Violin (1) & String Ensemble (1)
Elizabeth McNamara – Female Voice
Maggie Nevrly – Viola
Nick Pantazopoulos – Violin
Kaleb Pfotenhauer – Violin
Chandana Sooranahalli – String Ensemble
Samantha Young – Cello


Friday, March 06, 2015

2015 North High Vocal Festival Results



2015 North High Vocal Festival Results


Thank you and congratulations to all for an outstanding day of learning.  Each of our clinicians complimented your work, both in terms of preparation and artistic impact.  You have so much to be proud of!

 The following events were given Honorable Mention recognition by our clinicians:


Elena Cervantes
Keara Corbett
Farley/Fotos/Link Trio
Jaimie Gamonez
Megan Geraghty & Keara Corbett
Michael Hellman
Elizabeth Heyler
Isabelle LaBianco
Jack Langan
Lindsey LeBeda
Megan MacArtney
Brendan Quealy
Lucas Sheppard
Sharon Stagaman
Madi Wahlgren
Freddy Zimmerman

As you already know, the following events were selected to perform at Thursday afternoon’s runoff, an honors recital in its own right:


Tim Berberich
Elise Cismesia
Rachel Davis
Esther Farley
Kevin Flavin
Gamonez Quartet
Robbie Gartlan
Megan Geraghty
Abby Huskisson
Shannon Kennedy
Allison Kirkegaard
Cecilia Kowara
Alison LeBeda
Grace Reberg
Claire Schneider
Annie Vitti



Finally, the clinicians selected the following events to perform at the 2015 District 99 Vocal Honors Recital, to be held on Monday evening (March 23rd) at 7:00 PM at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church.  Congratulations to the following performers:



Elise Cismesia
Rachel Davis
Robbie Gartlan
Abby Huskisson
Cecilia Kowara
Alison LeBeda
Grace Reberg

Claire Schneider

Wednesday, March 04, 2015

Monday in Manhattan - DGN Band Tour Day 4 (Carnegie Hall)

Sometimes words are simply insufficient and inadequate.  Monday at Carnegie Hall was such a day. 



 

 



 

 



 

 



 

 



 

 



 

 



 

 



 

 



 

 



 

 



 

 



 

 



 

 



 

 



 

 




 

 



 

 



 

 



 

 



 


 


 
 


 

 



 

 



 

 



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.