It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like #dgnmosaic2013!

Don't miss the 2013 Holiday Mosaic, presented by the Downers Grove North High School Fine Arts Department!

5:30 & 8:00 PM

Free & Open to the Public. 

#dgnmosaic2013

 

 

The Microphones Were Hung By The Stage With Care ...

... in hopes a Mosaic audience would soon be there!

Mosaic Preview 2013 - #dgnmosaic2013

You will not want to miss the 2013 DGN Holiday Mosaic Concert!  Tuesday, December 10th at 5:30 and 8:00 PM.  Admission is free and open to the public, but get there early to get a seat!  500 student musicians from Downers Grove North High School will fill your soul with the spirit of the season.  4436 Main Street, Downers Grove, IL.  #dgnmosaic2013

Woodridge Tree Lighting

Congratulations to the Concert Singers on a great performance at the Woodridge Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony!

DGN Jazz @ Mullens

Congratulations to the members of the DGN Jazz Ensemble on a terrific performance tonight at Mullen's in Lisle!  The band played an exciting and musical 45 minute opening set for the Pete Ellman Big Band.  

 

 

 

 

DGN Alumnus Kristin (King) Bowers - Jesu Joy!

DGN alumnus Kristin (King) Bowers is the Principal Clarinetist for the renown United States Air Force Band of Washington, D.C.  Recently the band performed in a 'Flash Mob' at the National Air and Space Museum.  Enjoy the wonderful holiday spirit of this performance; it's fun to think that Kristin got her start with "Jesu" at the DGN Mosaic Concert years ago!

Eighteen DGN Musicians Tapped for All State Honors

Eighteen student musicians from Downers Grove North High School have earned All-State Honors in the 2013-2014 Illinois Music Education Association All-State Band, Choir, Orchestra, Jazz Band, and ‘Future Music Educators Symposium’.  (Results for the All State Music Composition Contest have been delayed until late December, and will be announced at that time.)  

“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 22-25, 2014.  Their concerts will be held at the Peoria Civic Center on the evening of January 24, and the afternoon of January 25, 2014. Composers will be honored at an awards ceremony on the morning of January 25, 2014. 

ALL STATE CHOIR

Anna Burton (12) Alto II

Emmy Cook (12) Soprano II

Alison LeBeda (11) Alto II

Zach Ligmanowski (12) Tenor I

Martin Whitmore (11) Tenor II 

ALL STATE ORCHESTRA STRINGS

Timothy Edwards (10) Cello
Liam Morgan (10) Cello

Katherine Portman (12) Violin

Amelia Smerz (10) Cello

Samantha Young (11) Cello

ALL STATE WINDS & PERCUSSION (CLASSICAL)

Kevin Atwater (11) Clarinet (Band)

Ben Casey (12) Tuba (Band)

Tommy Donnelly (12) Trumpet (Orchestra)
Katherine Goldsmith (12) Clarinet (Band)

Katherine Severt (11) Oboe (Orchestra)

ALL STATE WINDS & PERCUSSION (JAZZ)

Rob Kulik (12) Drum Set

Spencer Schillerstrom (12) Tenor Sax

ALL STATE FUTURE MUSIC EDUCATORS SYMPOSIUM

Allison Kirkegaard (11) 

Seasonal Sonic preparation continues

The morning began with luscious string sounds emanating from the gymnasium at South High School as the District 99 Orchestra continues to prepare for the North High Mosaic and the South High Holiday Concert.  Unique to this rehearsal, strings, winds and percussionists from both campuses collaborate during rehearsal to prepare for the week that lies ahead.  The DGN Mosaic Concerts are on Tuesday, December 10, 2013 at 5:30 PM and 8:00 PM.  The DGS Holiday Concert is Thursday, December 12, 2013 at 7:00 PM.  The public is cordially invited to attend both events.

Marching Band @ DG Gingerbread Festival & Tree Lighting

Thank you to the members of the Trojan Marching Band that performed today in the Downtown Downers Grove Gingerbread Festival and Tree Lighting ceremony. The band's performance brought smiles to many faces and helped ring in the holiday season with great fanfare.

A special thanks is extended to all of our student leaders who helped with the movement of equipment both to and from the performance tonight. Great job everyone!

Bonfield Express Celebrates 10 Years

Over 6,200 runners and community members gathered in downtown Downers Grove this morning to participate in the 10th Annual Bonfield Express 5K.  This wonderful community event - named in honor of former District 99 teacher & coach James Bonfield - has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarship support for DGN and DGS graduates.

This morning's National Anthem was performed beautifully by a duet of DGN Choir students Elizabeth Brunell and Anna Burton.  Congratulations to both on their inspiring performance on a very cold Thanksgiving morning!

IMEC Preparation with Stacy Williams-Jackson

Last spring the DGN Jazz Ensemble was honored with an invitation to perform this coming January (2014) at the Illinois Music Education Conference in Peoria.  Students continue their work in preparing music for that important performance, and tonight the band welcomed Lincoln-Way Central High School Music Department Chairperson, Orchestra and Jazz Director Stacy Williams-Jackson, as guest jazz mentor.  Ms. Williams-Jackson is the fourth of seven guest conductors who have agreed to serve as mentors to the band leading up to the January 23rd performance.  

Heading into the Thanksgiving holiday, it is not a stretch to say that the members of the band were very "thankful" for the opportunity to learn from Ms. Williams-Jackson, and to hear her input and suggestions for future musical growth and improvement.  Thank you, Ms. Williams-Jackson, for being with us at DGN!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thankful for World Class Guest Artists

Today the DGN Fine Arts Department is pleased to welcome international
trumpet virtuoso Carlos Zabala (carlosmzabala.com), and professional
Chicago-based trombonist Catie Hickey, foe a series of master classes
with our band students.

Mr. Zabala, the first ever citizen of Uruguay to earn a Bachelors
Degree in Trumpet Performance, shared many inspiring stories about his
musical upbringing in South America, as well as his beautifully rich
and vibrant brass sound. It has been a distinct pleasure to have Mr.
Zabala and Ms. Hickey on campus today as guest artists.

The Other Guys

DGN Fine Arts was pleased to welcome "The Other Guys" vocal ensemble from the University of Illinois this morning!

Known for their impeccable musicality and unique brand of humor, The Other Guys are the University of Illinois' premiere men's a cappella group.  Since their inception during the 1968-69 school year, The Other Guys have evolved from an amusing diversion to a popular, high profile, international traveling group of goodwill ambassadors.  The Other Guys perform at over 100 different venues a year, as well as every Varsity Men's Glee Club concert.  

http://otherguys.org/wp/

 

 

Music Celebrated at District Festival

Congratulations to our District 99 honored musicians for their outstanding and inspiring performances this afternoon at the ILMEA District 1 Music Festival.

Appreciation and thanks are also extended to our District 99 Fine Arts Faculty, many of whom volunteer countless hours of service each year to the ILMEA. Faculty currently serving in ILMEA leadership roles include:

Bill Miller - District 1 Audition Recording Engineer

Jennifer Mullen - District 1 Orchestra Co-Chair

Beth O'Riordan - District 1 Choral Co-Chair

Craig Roselieb - State Vice-President, Jazz Division

Glenn Williams - District 1 Jazz Division Chair

ILMEA District Festival Underway

District 99 is represented in impressive fashion at the Illinois Music Education Association District 1 Music Festival. Through competitive auditions held last month, dozens of DGN and DGS student musicians earned the honor and distinction of performing with the All-District Band, Choir and Orchestra this weekend. Congratulations to all our Trojan and Mustang stand-outs!

Fall Band Concert a Sonic Success!

Congratulations to the members of the Symphonic Band, Concert Band and Jazz Lab Band for their wonderful performances this evening. Each ensemble performed challenging literature with a high degree of musicianship and poise.

We also extend thanks to all the families who assisted in the coordination of the post concert reception.

Well done DGN Bands and families!

The Stage Is Set ...

... for a wonderful evening of music at tonight's DGN Band Fall Concert. Join us at 7 PM for performances by the Symphonic Band, Concert Band, and Jazz Lab Band!

DGN Bands Invitational Concert

Congratulations to the members of the DGN Jazz Ensemble and DGN Wind Ensemble for their display of outstanding musicianship at this evening's Fall Band Concert.

A special thanks and congratulations is extended to the Jefferson Junior High Band and the Westview Hills Middle School Band for their performances tonight and participation in our annual "invitational." We look forward to welcoming many of these fine musicians to the ranks of the DGN Band in the years to come!

Two Band Concerts = Two Live Webcasts

The Fine Arts Department is pleased to present two DGN Band concerts this week.

The first, on Tuesday, November 19, will feature the Wind Ensemble and Jazz Ensemble, as well as special guest performances by the Jefferson Junior High School Band and the Westview Hills Middle School Band.

The second, on Thursday, November 21, will feature the Symphonic Band, Concert Band and Jazz Lab Band.

Both concerts will be webcast on High School Cube.  Family and friends who are unable to be with us in Downers Grove may view and listen to these concerts from remote locations using the following links:

Tuesday, November 19 - 7:00 PM

Thursday, November 21 - 7:00 PM

Congratulations On A Great Season

Congratulations and Thank You to the Trojan Band who gave their all this afternoon in all facets of their performance at the Elite 8 Playoff matchup against Mt. Carmel High School.  Despite the rain, wind, and missing several fellow band members to the ILMEA Jazz Festival and DGN Snowball events, the band represented our school in their typical first-class fashion by playing and cheering with energy and enthusiasm.

A big thank you also to Mt. Carmel Band Director Bob Keeley.  It was an honor to have him conduct the Trojan Band during Pre-Game and to have the Mt. Carmel band at the game.

Finally, Congratulations to our Trojan Football Team for an exciting football season.  Thank you, as always, for your support of the band.  We look forward to another exciting and successful season next year.  (But first we're going to dry off a bit!)