Be Inspired: World Class Music Ensembles in D99 Sunday! #99Learns @DGNBands @DGSBands

Two of the world's most famous and prestigious music ensembles, The Cavalier's Drum and Bugle Corps, and The Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps, will be in residence on the North and South campuses of District 99 this Sunday, June 21.  Both ensembles will be in town preparing for the "Cavalcade of Brass" drum and bugle corps show to be held at Benedictine University in Lisle, IL this coming Sunday night.  Tickets for the show may be purchased here.

The Cadets will be rehearsing on the Sough High campus Sunday late morning, and afternoon.  The Cavaliers will be rehearsing on the North High campus during this same time period.  Precise rehearsal schedules have not yet been announced, but drum and bugle corps typically focus on small group practice in the mornings (drum line, brass line, color guard), and then combine for full ensemble work in the afternoon following a lunch break.

The rehearsals of both corps are open to students from our District 99 band programs, as well as community members at large, to observe.  There is a lot to learn from watching these precision music ensembles focus on collective group goals in their quest for artistic excellence.  We strongly encourage all D99 music lovers to make time on Sunday to visit both campuses and be inspired through observation and listening.

DGN Marching Band Preps for Independence Day Parade #99Learns

Members of the DGN Marching Band were hard at work Wednesday evening preparing for the Downes Grove Independence Day Parade.

DGN Band Members: July 4th Parade Practice Wednesday Night!

This Wednesday night (June 17) is the first of only two practices to get ready for the Downers Grove Fourth of July Parade.  DGN Band members will work together from 6:30 - 8:30 PM.  Please meet in the band room by 6:25 PM, ready for instructions.

Students may enter the band room through Main Street, or through the back door in the south-east corner of the football stadium (door 22).

Please make sure you wear closed-toe tennis/gym shoes (no sandals or flip flops!).  A water bottle is recommended.

If you have not yet printed out your music for the parade, you have two choices:  1) ask for a copy at Wednesday night's practice, or 2) print one out yourself to look over this week before coming!

Sheet music, and a practice audio file may be found here:

http://tinyurl.com/D99MarchingBandJuly4

A flyer with all the performance details, may be found by clicking here, or viewing the embedded document below ...

Band Leaders Prep for 2015-16 #99Learns

Summer Vacation? Nah. Not quite yet. We're already getting ready for 2015-16!

Thanks are extended to our Band Student Leadership Team, as well as Dr. Thomas Bough of Northern Illinois University, for a great workshop today!

@DGNFineArts @D99Orchestra Musicians Rocking Out with Ben Folds! #99Learns

Great videos surfacing on YouTube of our three outstanding @DGNFineArts @D99Orchestra cellists (from L-R) Tim Edwards, Amelia Smerz and Liam Morgan rocking out with Ben Folds at the Chicago Theatre!

@D99Orchestra @DGNFineArts musicians perform with Ben Folds @ChicagoTheatre with @ChiYSO #99Learns

Congratulations to DGN students Tim Edwards, Liam Morgan, and Amelia Smerz, who performed on Saturday night - as a part of the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra - in a marquee concert at the Chicago Theatre with legendary music artist Ben Folds.  Amelia, Liam, and Tim - each accomplished cellists and classically trained musicians - made up nearly 40% of the cello section for this program.  

Kudos to our @D99Orchestra and @DGNFineArts students for their incredible professionalism and artistry!

@DGNFineArts Congratulates the #DGNClassOf2015 #99Learns

The DGN Fine Arts Department extends a heartfelt congratulations and bids a fond farewell to the North High School Class of 2015.  Specifically, we acknowledge the artists in sight and in sound who set high standards throughout their academic journey and leave behind a legacy of high achievement and artistic excellence.  

We wish you each great success in your future endeavors, and encourage you to return to your Alma Mater and visit frequently!  

If you are unable to celebrate locally with the graduating class, you may view the ceremony on the High School Cube by clicking the link below:

North High Commencement 2015

@DGNFineArts Congratulates the 2014-15 Chamber Choir #99Learns

Congratulations to the members of the 2014-15 DGN Chamber Choir for a tremendous year and a truly enjoyable "Farewell Concert" this evening in the Clarence Johnson Auditorium!

 

 

 

 

Chamber Choir Farewell Concert Tonight

Come join us in celebrating the successes of the 2014-2015 DGN Chamber Choir at 7 pm in the Clarence Johnson Auditorium! The group is excited to present highlights from their year, as well as some fun new pieces for our audience tonight!

AP Art History Students Create New Mural for DGN #FinalExam #99Learns @Dist_99

Students from the @DGNFineArts AP Art History course recently transitioned their learning from history and theory to the practical environment of the art studio. Following the AP Art History exam offered in early May, students began work on a Final Exam project to recreate a portion of the famous Georges Seurat work, 'Sunday Afternoon on the Island of Grand Jatte.'  This tile-mural will be installed this summer in the Main Street stairwell on the north end of the building, between the second and third floors.

Congratulations to the students in AP Art History for their contributions to the mural, and to Mrs. Bernard for creating a Final Exam project that allowed AP Art History students to experience an authentic studio environment while synthesizing the theoretical and historical knowledge gained in the course.

District 99 Orchestra Spring Concert #99Learns

Congratulations to the student musicians in the District 99 Orchestra, and their conductor Ms. Jennifer Mullen, for presenting a fabulous Spring Concert.

Concert Orchestra's Scenes from Swan Lake, and the four-movement American Folk Symphony were an impressive start to the concert.  Student Tim Edwards arranged the Gabriel Faure's  Elegie into an elegant cello ensemble that featured his colleague, senior Samantha Young.  The Haydn Cello Concerto in C Major was performed masterfully by senior soloist Allison Williams, and the Symphonic Orchestra premiered a new work commissioned in memory of Bob Lapen. Harpists Kristyn Krajewski and Caitlyn Renowden were also featured prominently on the program.

The combined finale, designed as a tribute to the Class of 2015, included orchestra alumni returning and performing "The Final Countdown."

Congratulations, one and all, for an inspiring evening of music!

@DGNFineArts Congratulates Mr. Voelker - IAEA Art Educator of the Year Nominee

Congratulations to Mr. Marty Voelker of the DGN Fine Arts Department who was recently nominated for the Illinois Art Education Association "Art Educator of the Year" Award!

Jazz In The Park 2015 #99Learns

Congratulations to the musicians of the DGS Jazz Workshop, DGN Jazz Lab Band, DGS Jazz Lab Band, DGN Jazz Ensemble, DGS Jazz Ensemble, and the D99 All Star Band for their terrific performances at the 2015 "Jazz In The Park."  The inclement weather outside had no impact on the spirited and energetic performances of these fine ensembles.  Each band delighted the audience with a diverse set of repertoire that highlighted the depth and breath of musical learning this academic year.  Well done DGN and DGS musicians!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jazz In The Park Change of Venue

Due to saturated ground conditions at Fishel Park, and the uncertainty of future storms this evening, the Downers Grove Park District and District 99 have relocated this evening’s “Jazz In The Park” to the Clarence Johnson Auditorium of North High School (4436 Main Street). 

District 99 Orchestra Spring Concert

The District 99 Orchestra is making final preparations for the 2015 Spring Orchestra Concert which will take place on Wednesday, May 27, 2015 at 7:00 PM in the auditorium at South High School.  Music by Sibelius and Haydn will be featured in addition to a world premiere of a piece commissioned by and for the District 99 Orchestra titled "Discovery" by composer Kirt Mosier.

If you are unable to join us live in the auditorium at South on Wednesday evening, please join us virtually by following the live broadcast on the High School Cube.  You can access the broadcast by CLICKING HERE.

Honoring The Fallen - Memorial Day 2015 #99Learns

A very genuine thank you is extended to the members of the DGN Trojan Marching Band for their musical service to the communities of Downers Grove and Woodridge today. Moreover, the sound and visuals of the band honored those we remember on this Memorial Day in a respectful and meaningful manner.

Congratulations DGN Band on a "job well done" today, and for serving your community with dignity on Memorial Day 2015.

2015 Graduation Concert #99Learns @dgnbands @dgnchoirs

Congratulations to the musicians of the DGN A Cappella Choir and the DGN Wind Ensemble for a tremendous Graduation Concert this evening!

Special kudos are extended to Senior Soloists Kevin Atwater and Jennifer Vetrone for their inspiring performances and exemplary musicianship.