Music Clinic via Skype

Today the DGN band worked for 50 minutes in a "virtual music clinic" with Dr. Matthew Mailman, Director of Bands at Oklahoma City University.  Using an HD camera, a stereo microphone, projector and the Internet, students and faculty collaborated with Dr. Mailman via Skype as he worked from his office in Oklahoma.

Students in the Wind Ensemble class are currently studying Liturgical Music for Band by Dr. Mailman's late father, Dr. Martin Mailman.

It was very exciting for our students and faculty to get Dr. Mailman's feedback, and to glean his perspective on his father's compositional output. Dr. Mailman is traveling to Downers Grove in March to guest conduct all of the DGN bands in person; this "virtual clinic" was an amazing way to introduce our students to him before he arrives.

DGMC partners with District 99 Fine Arts

The Downers Grove Music Club, in partnership with the District 99 Fine Arts Department, provided a music-education enrichment opportunity this morning for DGN student musicians.  Ms. Marilyn Wilgocki, Director of Vocal Music and Handbell Choir at the Presbyterian Church of Western Springs, and the President of the Downers Grove Music Club, led a 60-min. 'before school' Master Class on conducting techniques.

District 99 is appreciative of the DGMC's outreach efforts, and their dedication to music education in our community.

Virtuoso Julian Bliss Visits DGN

World renown clarinet virtuoso, twenty-year old Julian Bliss (www.julianbliss.com) appeared this afternoon at DGN for a Master-Class sponsored by BandSource.  North High instrumentalists, along with many other students from around the Chicago area, turned out to hear Mr. Bliss play his new line of clarinets and hear him speak about his experiences with major orchestras all over the world.