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Wednesday, January 30, 2019

Scholarship Alert (Freshmen/Sophomores/Juniors): Summer Study Grant in the Fine Arts! (DGN FOFA)

If you are interested in continuing your Fine Arts studies this summer at a music, theatre, or visual art camp/workshop, and would benefit from financial assistance to attend, please consider applying for a scholarship from the DGN Friends of Fine Arts, which annually supports $8,000 - $10,000 in Summer Study Grants to student musicians, thespians and visual artists.

To be considered, your application must be submitted by Sunday, April 14, 2019. The Summer Study Grant application is on a Google form, completely paperless. You may complete the form here:



Scholarship Awards will be announced in early May.  Questions about the application process? Please ask Mr. Teague, Downers Grove North Fine Arts Department Chairperson.

Scholarship Alert (Seniors): New FOFA $1,000 Scholarships for Fine Arts Seniors

The Downers Grove North Friends of Fine Arts (FOFA) have announced a new scholarship award program for 2018-19!

DGN-FOFA will award $1,000 scholarships to two seniors who are planning to continue their education the fall after their high school graduation.

Current DGN seniors who are planning to continue both involvement in the fine arts and their education in the fall of 2019 may apply for a scholarship. The student must be enrolled in Fine Arts curriculum during their Senior year and have completed 6 semesters of Fine Arts courses upon graduation from Downers Grove North High School.

  • One scholarship will be awarded to a senior attending a college in the fall where they will be pursuing a degree involving Fine Arts.
  • One scholarship will be awarded to a senior who is pursuing an area of study outside of the Fine Arts but plans to continue a Fine Arts activity in college during their freshman year.
Complete information may be found HERE, on the DGN Friends of Fine Arts website.

Scholarship Alert (Seniors): DG Music Club College Music Award

In the spring of 2019, the Downers Grove Music Club will present a $1,000 College Music Award to at least one student enrolled in Band, Choir or Orchestra in District 99.   Award recipients will be selected based on the merit of their musical accomplishments, as described on the application form, and the quality of the musical performance provided on the video recording portion of the application.  The goal of these awards is to recognize and reward those students who have worked very hard in their musical pursuits and have achieved a high level of accomplishment as a musician.

Seniors may apply for one of the two possible College Music Awards ($1,000 each).  The link to this award page on the Downers Grove Music Club website is DGMC College Music Award.
Who Is Eligible?
Any District 99 high school band, choir or orchestra senior, who will be graduating during the 2018-2019 academic year and who will be attending college in the fall of 2019, is eligible to apply.

How Can I Apply?
The application must be completed and submitted, along with a performance video recording, as directed on the submission website, by April 1, 2019.  Award recipients will be chosen only from among the applications received by the deadline date.
All entries must be DATE/TIME STAMPED by the deadline date of April 1, 2019 to be eligible for review.
Questions should be sent to:  musiced@downersgrovemusicclub.org.

Scholarship Alert (Juniors): Downers Grove Music Club Rising Stars Music Awards

$400 Awards for Juniors in Music
The Downers Grove Music Club will present multiple $400 Rising Stars Music Awards.  Awards are given to students enrolled in the District 99 high schools in the areas of Band, Choir or Orchestra.  Award recipients are selected based on the merit of their musical accomplishments, as described on the application form and the quality of the musical performance provided on the recording portion of the application. The goal of these awards is to recognize and reward those students who have worked very hard in their musical pursuits and have achieved a high level of accomplishment as a musician.
Juniors may apply for one of the 6 possible Rising Stars Awards ($400 each).  The link to this award page on the Downers Grove Music Club website is DGMC Rising Stars Music Award.
Who Is Eligible?
Any  District 99 high school band, choir or orchestra student, currently in his/her junior year, pursuing a musical educational experience during the summer in which tuition is charged, is eligible to apply for a Rising Stars Award. Pianists may apply in the musical category with which they are affiliated.
 

Award recipients are required to perform the following year at the DGMC Rising Stars program, usually scheduled on a Tuesday evening in April.

How Can I Apply?
The application, and submission of performance video, must be completed online.
All entries must be DATE/TIME STAMPED by the deadline date of April 1, 2019 to be eligible for review.
Questions should be sent to:  musiced@downersgrovemusicclub.org.

Tuesday, January 29, 2019

D99 Jazz in Clinic and Concert with NIU Jazz Orchestra


The student musicians of the DGN and DGS Jazz Bands participated in an educational clinic and concert with the internationally acclaimed Northern Illinois University Jazz Orchestra. Led by Professor Reggie Thomas, and featuring guest artist Ernie Adams (drums), the NIU Jazz Orchestra performed an exciting set that warmed even the coldest of winter nights. 

Congratulations to the members of the DGN and DGN Jazz programs for their outstanding performances tonight at the Tivoli theater in Downers Grove. It was a pleasure and honor for our students to open for the great Northern Illinois University Jazz Orchestra!




DGS Jazz Workshop

DGS Jazz Lab Band

DGN Jazz Lab Band

DGS Jazz Ensemble

DGN Jazz Ensemble

NIU Jazz Orchestra




Saturday, January 26, 2019

DGN Musicians at the 2019 IMEC All-State


Congratulations to the student musicians who participated in the 2019 Illinois Music Education Conference as All-State Musicians in at the Civic Center in Peoria, Illinois. Students worked with inspirational conductors and teachers for several days to prepare and present a concert of challenging repertoire. With two days of limited rehearsal time, each ensemble presented a stunning performance of challenging music to a capacity crowd at the Arena in the Peoria Civic Center. 

Our students and staff extend a heartfelt "thank you" to the staff and volunteers of ILMEA who contributed to creating this experience for our student musicians.   

CHORUS
William Berberich (11) - Tenor I - All State Choir

ORCHESTRA STRINGS
Lucie Boyd (12) - Viola - All State Honors Orchestra
Rebecca Edmundson (11) - Violin 1 - All State Orchestra
Amelia Korbitz (12) - Violin 1 - All State Honors Orchestra *Concert Master*
Parker McGuire (11) - Violin 2 - All State Orchestra
Braden Moore (11) - Cello - All State Orchestra
Jesse Wei (10) - Viola - All State Honors Orchestra


VOCAL JAZZ ENSEMBLE
Ellie Banke (12) - Soprano - All State Honors Vocal Jazz Ensemble

WINDS and PERCUSSION
Daniel Atwater (12) - Trumpet - All State Band
Emilija Irvin (11) – Bassoon - All State Honors Orchestra
Brian Perillo (12) – Euphonium - All State Honors Band
Miles Teague (11) – French Horn - All State Honors Orchestra
              

Thursday, January 24, 2019

DGN All State Musicians Arrive In Peoria


Our DGN All State Musicians have arrived in Peoria, IL for the 2019 Illinois Music Education Conference.

Thank you to the DGN Friends of Fine Arts for supporting our students and providing this evening's celebration dinner.






Wednesday, January 23, 2019

DGN Visual Artists Honored - 2019 Scholastic Art Awards

"Serendipity" by Angela Wong - American Vision Nominee (Best of Show)

The Fine Arts Department at Downers Grove North High School is proud to announce the results of the judging from the 2019 Scholastic Art Awards held at Downers Grove North High School and hosted by the Community High School District 99 Fine Arts Departments.  1,209 student artists representing 149 arts educators submitted 2,826 works of art for adjudication. North High artists won 93 awards, including two American Vision (Best of Show), 32 Gold Key Awards, 26 Silver Key Awards, and 33 Honorable Mention Awards.

“We are very excited to host the regional exhibition at North High,” said Brayer Teague, Fine Arts Department Chairman. “This show is always an amazing display of student creativity and a testament to the wonderful art teaching that is happening in District 99.”  According to Teague, the art teachers from both North and South High School play an important role in putting the exhibition together.  “Our District 99 art teachers are the engine behind this regional affiliate of the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards.  Their dedication and tireless commitment enables student artists from all over the suburban region to have their work evaluated by professional artists.”

Community High School District 99 will host the Scholastic Art Show Regional Exhibition from February 3-8, at the North High School campus Main Street Lobby (4436 Main Street, Downers Grove, IL 60515).  The public is cordially invited to attend the Exhibition Opening and Artists Reception on Sunday, February 3, from 1:00 – 4:00 pm. 



AMERICAN VISION NOMINEES - BEST OF SHOW (2)
Angela Wong, Ceramics and Glass (Image above)
Kate Sosnovsky, Comic Art (Images below)


GOLD KEY AWARDS (32)

CLICK HERE to view a portfolio of all DGN Gold Key Awards.

Kaitlyn Almazan, Art Portfolio (1), Drawing and Illustration (3)
Ethan Bell, Photography
Belle Blanchard, Jewelry
Amelia Chavez, Photography
Phoebe Covey, Painting
Gavin Crowson, Photography
Suzanna Erickson, Painting
Lily Grebel, Photography
Elisenda Lee-Palou, Photography
Nikita Lukhanin, Ceramics and Glass
Mary Kate Mathy, Mixed Media
Fiona Myers, Ceramics and Glass
Jack Papesh, Photography
Vivek Patel, Photography
Nicole Payne, Photography
Lucy Quinn, Art Portfolio (1), Ceramics and Glass (1), Digital Art (1), Jewelry (1), Painting (1)
Kate Sosnovsky, Art Portfolio
Emilia Swierzb, Photography
Jade Taylor, Jewelry
Cosette Thomspon, Drawing and Illustration (2)
Emma van de Wetering, Drawing and Illustration
Angela Wong, Ceramics and Glass (2)
Bella Zamora, Photography

SILVER KEY AWARDS (26)
Kaitlyn Almazan, Drawing and Illustration
Ana Barnett, Photography
Sofia Beasley, Jewelry
Charlie Belcastro, Jewelry
Eric Bican, Drawing and Illustration
Gavin Crowson, Photography
Kaitlyn Ford, Design (1), Painting (1)
Giselle French, Art Portfolio (1), Ceramics and Glass (1)
Carlos Hernandez Jr., Jewelry (1), Mixed Media (1), Sculpture (1)
Jared Imperial, Photography
Mia Knutson, Drawing and Illustration
Ema Maizesius, Jewelry
Eliot Michaels, Drawing and Illustration
Zach Mulvey, Ceramics and Glass
Jack Papesh, Jewelry
Lucy Quinn, Ceramics and Glass (1), Digital Art (1), Jewelry (1), Mixed Media (1), Painting (1)
Jess Schmidt, Digital Art
Allison Tenorio, Comic Art

HONORABLE MENTION (33)
Ethan Bell, Photography
Andrew Bochar, Sculpture
Alexandra Bojkovski, Photography
Phoebe Covey, Drawing and Illustration
Emily Hernandez, Photography
Carlos Hernandez Jr., Ceramics and Glass
Jared Imperial, Photography
Julia Isoniemi, Drawing and Illustration
Mia Knutson Digital Art (2)
Abby Kuczkowski, Jewelry
Eleanor Maher, Jewelry (2)
Claire Mathews, Photography
Wallys Moreno, Photography
Shaurice Orange, Jewelry
Ariana Osorio, Jewelry
Madeline Pearson, Drawing and Illustration
Gema Perez, Photography
Lindsay Pluister, Ceramics and Glass
Lucy Quinn, Jewelry
Jess Schmidt, Digital Art
Zachary Skubiszewski, Photography
Kate Sosnovsky, Comic Art (1), Design (1), Digital Art (1)
Quinn Stephens, Drawing and Illustration
Allison Tenorio, Design
Bailey Thiele, Digital Art (1), Photography (1)
Angela Wong, Art Portfolio (1), Ceramics and Glass (2)

"Cosmic Bend" 1 of 7 by Kate Sosnovsky - American Vision Nominee (Best of Show)

"Cosmic Bend" 2 of 7 by Kate Sosnovsky - American Vision Nominee (Best of Show)

"Cosmic Bend" 3 of 7 by Kate Sosnovsky - American Vision Nominee (Best of Show)

"Cosmic Bend" 4 of 7 by Kate Sosnovsky - American Vision Nominee (Best of Show)

"Cosmic Bend" 5 of 7 by Kate Sosnovsky - American Vision Nominee (Best of Show)

"Cosmic Bend" 6 of 7 by Kate Sosnovsky - American Vision Nominee (Best of Show)

"Cosmic Bend" 7 of 7 by Kate Sosnovsky - American Vision Nominee (Best of Show)


Tuesday, January 22, 2019

Scholarship Alert (Seniors): Rotary Club of DG - Charles Dickerman Music Scholarship

The Rotary Club of Downers Grove is now accepting applications for their annual Charles Dickerman Music Scholarship.  Each year the Rotary Club of Downers Grove presents a $2,000 scholarship check to a deserving high school senior who resides in Downers Grove or in the District 99 attendance area.  Charles Dickerman was a founding member of the Rotary Club of Downers Grove.  He was a nuclear physicist at Argonne National Laboratory who had undergraduate degrees in both physics and music.  Charles stayed involved in music throughout his life and was an avid bagpiper.

A scholarship application can be downloaded at www.dgrotary.com 

Applicants must have their forms emailed or postmarked by Wednesday, March 13, 2019. If selected as a finalist, candidates must be available for an interview and audition on the evening of Monday, April 8, 2019.
The qualifications to apply for this scholarship are:
  • Be a graduating senior attending a public, private, parochial or home school, and reside in Downers Grove or the High School District 99 attendance area. 
  • Plan to pursue a post-secondary education program.
  • Have participated in high school curricular music activities and/or extracurricular music activities. 
  • Composers and/or arrangers qualify for this scholarship. 
  • Pursuit of an undergraduate music major or minor is not required.
  • Financial need is not a criterion for selection.

Information: 
Dave Humphreys
Rotary Club of Downers Grove
musicscholarship@rotarygrovefest.com
630-968-5526 

Saturday, January 19, 2019

D99 Jazz Swings Despite Winter Storms


Mother Nature's Winter Storm, which caused the cancellation of the 2019 Purdue University Jazz Festival, was no match for the musicians of the DGN and DGS jazz bands, who gathered today to share the music they had prepared for this weekend's festival and receive feedback from a panel of respected jazz educators. 


District 99 extends thanks to Mr. Tim Coffman (DePaul University), Ms. Patty Sampson (West Aurora High School) and Ms. Stacey Williams-Jackson (Lincoln-Way Central High School) for their tremendous insight and inspirational teaching this afternoon. 

Congratulations to all five D99 jazz bands for spirited performances that showcased their excellent preparation for the 2019 Purdue Jazz Festival. 












Thursday, January 17, 2019

2019 DGN Choral Festival


A great afternoon and evening in the Clarence Johnson Auditorium for the 12th Annual DGN Choral Festival! Thanks to the Jefferson Junior High and Herrick Middle School Choirs for joining DGN ensemble members today - we made great music together!





Monday, January 14, 2019

Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp - DGN Campus Auditions - February 20

The Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp (in Michigan) is one of the nation’s leading arts immersion camps.  BLFAC is a non-profit summer school of the arts specializing in two-week arts programs for intermediate and high school students. 

Because there is a strong tradition of highly qualified District 99 students attending Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, the institution actively recruits in our schools.  Additionally, BLFAC sends a representative to our building each February to hear interested students play and sing.  From those ‘mini auditions’ BLFAC frequently awards merit-based scholarships to attend the camp.  This year’s BLFAC scholarship auditions will be held on Wednesday, February 20th, 4th - 8th periods and for a short time after school.  If you are interested in playing or singing a short audition for the BLFAC rep, please express your interest on a sign-up sheet in the Fine Arts Office (room 131). Please see Ms. Moran or your music teacher to sign up for a time

What should you be prepared to play or sing in your audition?  Plan to perform 2-3 min of music that you have been working on with a private music teacher, or in class.  This could be an etude, a solo, or a piece of literature that you have really enjoyed studying.  Pick something that shows off your abilities!

The Blue Lake representative will share some basic information with the student to take home to parents.  In the meantime, you are encouraged to check out Blue Lake’s website at www.bluelake.org.  

Many DGN musicians have received significant scholarships to attend Blue Lake as a result of these mini-auditions. Please consider this fabulous opportunity!

Saturday, January 12, 2019

It's A Family Affair: Parents Sit-In with Trojan Pep Band!



It was great to have parents sitting in with the Trojan Pep Band today! Thanks for coming out and joining us!











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.