DGN Musicians Featured in Virtual Marching Band Performance

Congratulations to DGN Band members Carissa Blumka (Drum Major), Raegan Novak (Flute), and Owen Nystrom (Bassoon) on their involvement in the Virtual Marching Band performance "The Constant", presented by Virtual Arts, INC. These students demonstrated extra musical commitment in the fall, and the final product of their work, and the work of over 3000 members, was presented recently on YouTube. Click HERE to view the performance.

NBC-5 Spotlight: DGN's Hallelujah Chorus

CLICK HERE to be redirected to NBC-5 (WMAQ) coverage of DGN's 2020 "Virtual" Hallelujah Chorus.

WGN-Radio Spotlight: DGN's Hallelujah Chorus

CLICK HERE to be redirected to the John William's Show (WGN-Radio) and a feature about DGN's 2020 "Virtual" Hallelujah Chorus.

Holiday Audio Card from the DGN Choirs

Please enjoy THIS Holiday Audio Card from the members of our DGN Choirs Select Ensembles (Chamber Choir, Treble Ensemble & Concert Singers). 

DGN Musicians Earn 2020-21 All-State Honors

Nineteen student musicians from Downers Grove North High School have earned All-State honors through the Illinois Music Education Association.  Student were selected to the All-State Band, All-State Chorus, All-State Jazz Choir, All-State Orchestra and recognized in the All-State Future Music Educator Seminar. 

Due to COVID-19, in-person auditions were suspended in 2020. Audition videos were submitted to the ILMEA, and all videos were adjudicated by a panel of professional musicians. The highest scoring musicians have been tapped as All-State Musicians for 2020-21.

“We are truly 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, and we are excited they are now recognized alongside the very best musicians in the State of Illinois.”

The music faculty of North High School is proud to congratulate the following students who have earned ILMEA All-State Honors:

CHORUS

Bridget Callaghan (11) – Soprano II

Cole Cook (12) – Tenor II

Leah Costello (10) – Alto I

Jaclyn Duellman (12) – Alto I

Cora Lingenfelter (11) – Soprano II

Ian Stagaman (11) – Bass I 

FUTURE MUSIC EDUCATOR SEMINAR 

Carissa Blumka (12)

Raegan Novak (12) 

JAZZ

MacKenzie McGuire (12) – Vocal Jazz Soprano

ORCHESTRA STRINGS

Isaac Hsu (11) – Cello

Nicole Moravec (10) – Violin I

Noah Pardue (12) – Viola 

Melissa Parkinson (11) – Double Bass

Caitlyn Stocki (11) – Harp 

Jesse Wei (12) – Viola

WINDS and PERCUSSION

Cameron Hejny (10) – Clarinet (Band)

Francesca Korbitz (11) – Flute (Band)

Angelica Kowara (12) – Trombone (Band)

Katelynn Ohk (12) – Piccolo (Orchestra)

Mosaic Concert YouTube Premiere - Tonight @ 7PM

300+ DGN Musicians will perform in the DGN Holiday Mosaic XXIV Concert, premiering on YouTube tonight (Thursday) at 7:00 PM. Please join us HERE for the watch party, featuring a very unique continuation of a long standing community tradition: the Hallelujah Chorus. 

Want a sneak peek? HERE is a short trailer. 

Play DGN-FOFA's Holiday Movie Bracket Challenge!

 

DGN-FOFA has selected 32 movies (with many excellent ones not making the list) that we have divided into four groups and which we hope will make for a fun movie bracket experience.  

Please complete and return your bracket by Saturday, December 19th to be entered into a raffle for a small prize. Another prize will be given to the eventual winner.  Voting for your favorites will begin next week!  Students, parents, and siblings, are welcome to participate. 

Click HERE to download your bracket, and read additional instructions. 

Have fun with the bracket and have a safe and relaxing winter break. 

Happy Holidays,

DGN FOFA

Mosaic Art Show "Opening Exhibition" YouTube Premiere - Wednesday @ 6PM

Over 300 DGN Visual Artists will exhibit work from their Semester 1 courses during the 2020 Mosaic Arts Show Exhibition, premiering on YouTube at 6:00 PM, Wednesday, December 16.

Please join us HERE, for the watch party, featuring holiday music written and performed by Sam Stryke (www.samstryke.com).  

THIS LINK redirects to an exhibition website where patrons may browse artwork by course, or media area, at their leisure. (Please note the link is inactive until after the broadcast premiere.)

Congratulations to faculty Ms. Bernard, Ms. Bican, Mr. Hoering, Mr. Voelker, and all of the talented DGN student artists who have contributed to the exhibition, and who are keeping the arts alive during the COVID-19 pandemic!

Art Club: A creative outlet during remote learning

The DGN Art Club, and the work of the club during remote learning, was recently featured in the DGN Omega. 

Congratulations to Fine Arts faculty member Ms. Amy Bernard, and all of the students involved, for continuing to share your artistic gifts!

Watch Party Tonight @ 7 PM: DGN Fall Music Festival Broadcast!

The 2020 DGN Fall Music Festival premieres TONIGHT at 7 PM (CST). 

Featuring the student musicians of the DGN Bands, DGN Choirs and District 99 Orchestras. All music rehearsed, recorded, and produced in a remote teaching and learning environment, during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Click HERE to access the Premier on the DGN Fine Arts YouTube Channel. 

Click HERE to access the virtual printed program. 

The Faculty & Staff of the DGN Fine Arts Department is grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with your family, and sends wishes for a safe and happy Thanksgiving Holiday.

Thank You For Supporting the Fannie May Candy Sale!

Thank you to all of the families who participated in the annual Fannie May Candy fund-raiser! A special thank you to the Nelson Family for co-chairing the sale, and to all of the well-organized parent & Tri-M student volunteers who readied orders and maintained all safety protocols in the process! 

TAKE 5 - DGN Theatre Winter One-Acts 2020

Congratulations to the cast and crews of TAKE 5, the DGN Theatre Winter One-Act plays. The productions were filmed on Thursday, November 19 (without public audience, due to COVID-19).

TAKE 5 - WINTER ONE-ACTS 2020

Artistic Director - Mr. Demetrios Pappageorge

Lights/Sound/Set/Props Supervision - Mr. Ariel Mozes

Costume Supervision - Miss Kim Maslo

Casts:

Bullies Anonymous a play by E.M. Bell

Directed by Matthew Spencer

Asst. Director - Emery Teague

Sam- Morgan Lally

Kimmy- Ceci DeArcangelis

Guidance Counselor Jane- Lauren Pierret

Kevin- Emmit Thulin

Anonymous User- Mia Tiangco

Zed- Nathan Farrero

 

Moving Out  a play by Nolen Stevens

Directed by Patrick Jackson

Asst. Director - Harley Blanchard

Jen-Leah Costello 

Max-Jake Rambke

 

Maid Service a play by Lawrence Harbison

Directed by Miss Sara Temple

Alex Hadley- Marin Koch

A.J. Barclay- Dimitri Marinakos

Elaine Barclay- Grace Troelstrup

Laverne- Harley Blanchard

Marriage ... After Death  a play by Abbey Ferrier & Roy C. Booth

Directed by Molly Doherty

Vincent- Lex Truby 

Lenore- Kate Weiner 

Jezebel- Anna Figliomeni 

 

Backstage: The Musical written by Renee Boone & Delaney Durbin

Directed by Delaney Durban & Renee Boone

Pierre- Cole Cook

Eileen- Kate Crisp 

KT- Ashley Chavez

Karen- Alyssa Miller

Alejandro- Matthew Sirota

Stephanie- Sarah Lampsa

Chad- Patrick Jackson

Ensemble- Jaclyn Duellman &  Maggie Cummins

 

Crews:

Scenic Designers & Members of Advanced Theatre Design Class:

Connor Daemicke - Bullies Anonymous

Molly Doherty - Moving Out

Matthew Spencer - Maid Service

Carissa Blumka - Marriage...After Death

Gavin McCool - Backstage: The Musical

 

Lighting Designer: Robby Boucher

Video and Sound Technician: Rebecca Kanarski

Assistant Stage Manager: Christina Godar

T-Shirt Art: Ohana Jeron

 

Costume Crew

Alexa Hanson

Lillie Cawthorne

Lizzy Beavers

Sophia Harris

Lighting Crew

Audrey Burcham

Deyvion Mallory

Eric Sullivan

Finn Larkin

Marnie Enright 

Deyvion Mallory 

Zoe Petro

Scenery & Props

Connor Daemicke

Emily Kyroudis

Erin Tamasi

Evan Miller

Gavin McCool

Grace Cleary 

Isabel Landman

Lily Enright

Madeline Meggos

Maura MacDonald

Molly Tappmeyer

Morgan Tappmeyer

Morgen Baird

Olivia Kelley

Olivia Meggos

Rebecca Helsdon

Ryne Baird

Sara Gantz

Vee Barlin

Zoe Petro

Sound Crew

Charlie Johnson 

Christina Godar 

Daniel Sosonovky

Lex Truby

Matthew Spencer

Megan Nystrom 

Rebecca Kanarski

Run Crew

Connor Daemicke

Emily Kyroudis

Evan Miller

Gavin McCool

Grace Cleary 

Isabel Landman

Vee Barlin

Zoe Petro

"Into the Unknown" with the DGN Trojan Marching Band

2020 has provided unprecedented challenges and a mandate to adapt. Congratulations to the members of the DGN Trojan Marching Band for finding innovative ways to rehearse, perform, capture and share their music as we continue ... Into the Unknown! 

DGN Visual Artists Featured in NIU Art Exhibition

Congratulations to the following DGN Visual Arts students who have work displayed at the Northern Illinois University 2020 High School Invitational Virtual Art Exhibition:

• Elyse Adams
• Ohana Jeron
• Zack Gayton
• Gracie Gwozdz
• Nate Pautsch
• Madeline Pearson
• Olivia Shirk

Click HERE for a redirect to the NIU Olsen Gallery website. When viewing the gallery on a computer, it is best to open the page in full screen and to use either your arrow keys or mouse to navigate. Move around slowly to reduce any excess visual motion. You can click in front of an artwork to be taken closer to it and can then click on a piece of artwork to view the label information and see it larger. You can also use the up and down arrows to zoom in and out when standing in front of a piece of artwork. If you choose to view the gallery on a smartphone, you may need to download the free Artsteps app when prompted in order to view the full gallery.

DGN's Fall Music Festival Broadcast Set for November 24

DGN's 2020 Fall Music Festival will feature performances by the DGN Bands, DGN Choirs and the District 99 Orchestra. Click HERE to learn more about what to expect on November 24.

https://tinyurl.com/DGNFallMusicFestival20Trailer

DGN Musicians Earn 2020 All-District Honors

Congratulations to the student musicians from Downers Grove North High School who earned placement, by competitive audition, into the 2020 Illinois Music Education Association All-District Band, Choir, Orchestra, Jazz Band and Vocal Jazz Ensemble. Due to COVID-19, in-person auditions were suspended in 2020. Audition videos were submitted to the ILMEA, and all videos were adjudicated by a panel of professional musicians. The top placing scores were selected for participation in the District Music Festival, which will be held (virtually) on November 21, 2020.

“Selection to the ILMEA All-District ensembles is a distinct and significant honor for a high school musician,” said Brayer Teague, Fine Arts Department Chairperson. “Our faculty is excited for these students who will represent our school as the most outstanding musicians in the region.”

The music faculty, private teachers, and sender school music teachers associated with North High School are proud to congratulate the following students who have earned ILMEA All-District Honors:

SENIOR CHORUS

Renee Boone (12) – Alto II 

Bridget Callaghan (11) – Soprano II

Cole Cook (12) – Tenor II

Leah Costello (10) – Alto I

Molly Doherty (12) – Alto II

Jaclyn Duellman (12) – Alto I

Delaney Durbin (12) – Soprano II

Sean Halloran (12) – Tenor I

Cora Lingenfelter (11) – Soprano II

Alyssa Miller (12) – Alto II

Caroline Pleune (12) – Soprano II

Amanda Quealy (10) – Soprano II

Ian Stagaman (11) – Bass I

Mackenzie Werthman (11) – Soprano II

SENIOR ORCHESTRA STRINGS

Justin Berghorst (12) – Violin

Stephen Cecil (10) – Viola

Joshua Ho (10_ - Violin

Isaac Hsu (11) – Cello

Emma Lau (9) – Cello

Katherine LaVere (11) – Viola

Joseph Leckie (9) – Cello

Nicole Moravec (10) – Violin 

Amaya Munoz (11) – Violin

Noah Pardue (12) – Viola 

Melissa Parkinson (11) – Double Bass

Paige Sadler (12) – Violin 

Caitlyn Stocki (11) – Harp 

Jesse Wei (12) – Viola 

SENIOR BAND & ORCHESTRA WINDS & PERCUSSION

Alan Bellie (12) – Clarinet (Band)

Carissa Blumka (12) – Flute (Band)

Gwen Casten (11) – Trumpet (Band)

Mikayla Cichy (12) – Flute (Band)

Jessica Gruszka (10) – Trumpet (Band)

Cameron Hejny (10) – Clarinet (Orchestra)

Zachery Heppner (11) – Clarinet (Band)

Tabitha Irvin (10) – Bass Clarinet (Band)

Hannah Janka (10) – Horn (Orchestra)

Francesca Korbitz (11) – Flute (Band)

Angelica Kowara (12) – Trombone (Orchestra)

Kyra McComb (11) – Percussion (Orchestra)

Owen Nystrom (12) – Bassoon (Orchestra)

Katelynn Ohk (12) – Piccolo (Orchestra)

Aarush Palli (9) – Flute (Orchestra)

Ethan Weingust (9) – Bassoon (Band)

SENIOR INSTRUMENTAL JAZZ 

Mika Bradburn (12) – Piano (Jazz Ensemble I)

Owen Nystrom (12) – Bari Sax (Jazz Ensemble II)

SENIOR VOCAL JAZZ

Leah Costello (10) – Soprano (Vocal Jazz Ensemble I)

MacKenzie McGuire (12) – Soprano (Vocal Jazz Ensemble I)

DGN Visual Artists Honored at Annual 4x5 Exhibition

Jake Oakes - 1st Place, Computer Generated

Dubbed the "largest small show in the nation," and dedicated to the memory of Fremd High School art teacher Lew Hubbard, the Chicagoland 4x5 High School Art Exhibition showcases student and faculty artist and forges connections and provides opportunities for student artists through a myriad of corporate and collegiate sponsors. All of the work in the exhibition must be within a 4x5 inch framework. This year's 18th annual 4x5 was coordinated through digital submissions, and adjudication. 

DGN Fine Arts is pleased to announce, after competitive judging, eight DGN visual artists were tapped as award recipients:

Digital Photography
Nathan Pautsch - DGN - 2nd Place

Alexa Moy - DGN - Honorable Mention 

Christina Powell - DGN - Honorable Mention

Sarisa Chulanon - DGN - Honorable Mention

Drawing
Ohana Jereon-Ma - DGN Honorable Mention

Computer Generated
Jack Oakes - DGN - 1st Place

Madeline Pearson - DGN - Honorable Mention

Tao Harrison - DGN - Honorable Mention

The 4x5 Opening Reception & Awards will be bradcast, via Zoom, on Wednesday, November 11, 2020 at 7:30 PM.  

Alexa Moy - Honorable Mention, Digital Photography

Christina Powell - Honorable Mention, Digital Photography

Madeline Pearson - Honorable Mention, Computer Generated

Nathan Pautsch - 2nd Place, Digital Photography

Ohana Jeron-Ma - Honorable Mention, Drawing

Sarisa Chulanon - Honorable Mention, Digital Photography

TAo Harrison - Honorable Mention, Computer Generated

Visual Art from District 99 Students Featured at DG Library Exhibition

Visual artwork from Downers Grove North and South High Schools will be featured at the Downers Grove Public Library from October 31 - November 30, 2020.  A variety of 2D and 3D works will be showcased during the exhibition.

For information about the Downers Grove Public Library operating hours, please click HERE.    

Thank you in advance for supporting these student artists in this public form.  

Final Reminder: Fannie May candy ordering will close this Wednesday, October 28th!

The DGN Friends of Fine Arts 2020 Fannie May Candy Fundraiser is coming to an end – don’t miss out!  Just a couple of days left to place your orders.  The online ordering will close THIS WEDNESDAY, October 28^th!  We are re-posting DGN-FOFA's earlier announcement of the candy sale in case you missed it.

The DGN Fine Arts programs are counting on your support.  Thank you for your consideration and efforts!

RE-POSTING:

The DGN Friends of Fine Arts are happy to announce that the DGN Friends of Fine Arts 2020 Fannie May Candy Fundraiser and celebrate its 100th Anniversary! As the weather cools and the leaves begin to turn, we know the holidays are just around the corner. While many of our holiday celebrations will look different this year, there is one holiday tradition that we can still enjoy – delicious Fannie May chocolates! Let us cherish these delicious, premium, fine chocolates made since past century!

LET US CELEBRATE 100th YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF FANNIE MAY TOGETHER!

Fine Arts students and their families should have already received an email regarding the sale with links to the Fannie May Holiday Catalog and the site to place your order. You can also find them HERE and HERE.

The Fannie May Candy sales program is an important fundraising revenue stream for DGN Fine Arts (along with Spirit Wear sales and the Spring Plant Sale) and it is a vital component in reaching our annual goal of $50,000 to support our Fine Arts students and programs. If every Fine Arts student at DGN sold or purchased one box of Pixies, more than $4,000 would be earned toward that targeted number!

A few helpful selling points/ideas:

·        Candy makes a great Christmas/Holiday gift - a perfect way to celebrate the season or say "thank you" to someone.

·        Student orders will be delivered to DGN (NOT to homes) and ready for drive through pickup on the morning of Saturday, November 21st - in time for Thanksgiving.

·        Prices are the same as in store - but NO sales tax.

·        Orders will be delivered by the student seller (or proxy) to the customer- no dealing with crowds and waiting in lines.

·        Delicious Fannie May chocolate confections. 'Nuff said!

Thank you very much for your support of DGN Fine Arts. Happy Selling!

DGN Jazz featured in DGN Homecoming Assembly Broadcast

Congratulations to the DGN Jazz Band, and vocalist MacKenzie McGuire, as they were featured in the 2020 DGN Homecoming Assembly broadcast!

Click HERE, or watch the embedded video excerpt below ...

Snoopy! featured in DGN Homecoming Assembly Broadcast

Congratulations to the cast and crew of Snoopy! as they were featured in the 2020 DGN Homecoming Assembly broadcast!

Click HERE, or watch the embedded video excerpt below ...

Happy Homecoming! DGN Trojan Marching Band (with Alumni) "Virtual School Song"

Today is Homecoming Friday! We wish we cold welcome all students and faculty to campus this morning with the Trojan Marching Band's traditional "Homecoming Steps Show." Instead, we offer this year's "Virtual School Song," and invite you to sing and clap along!

Click HERE for a direct link to the DGN Fine Arts YouTube Channel, and a performance by the 2020 DGN Trojan Marching Band (with DGN Alumni Band)! [https://tinyurl.com/DGNVirtualSchoolSong2020]

Bravo, Snoopy!

Congratulations to the cast and crews of Snoopy! Your perseverance, determination, and artistry were an inspiration to your audiences this past week. Bravo!

DGN Theatre Produces Snoopy! (The Musical)

"Break A Leg!" to the cast, crew, and faculty sponsors of the DGN Fall Play, "Snoopy! The Musical." We are inspired by your can-do spirit and efforts to perform for a live audience despite highly unusual conditions. Thank you for bringing the arts to life at North High, on the new Prince Street Plaza!