IPL 500 Festival Parade to include the North High School Trojan Marching Band

INDIANAPOLIS (May 14, 2008) – The 500 Festival announced today the Trojan Marching Band from Downers Grove, Illinois, will take part in the 2008 IPL 500 Festival Parade on Saturday, May 24. The Parade, now a 51 year tradition, attracts more than 300,000 spectators along the two-mile route. During this celebration spectators will have the chance to catch a glimpse of the 33 starting drivers of the 92nd running of the Indianapolis 500, specialty units, nationally-known celebrities including Grand Marshall Patricia Heaton, spectacular floats, marching bands and entertainment groups, giant inflatable balloons and costumed characters.

The Trojan Marching Band has performed regularly in the Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony in Downers Grove, IL and Independence Day Parades in Darien and Downers Grove. The band has also performed in the Chicago Jingle Elf Holiday Parade and the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Dublin, Ireland.

The band will also perform on race day on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway track as part of the Annual Pre-Race Pageant of Bands.

The IPL 500 Festival Parade provides an opportunity to see all 33 drivers set to start the Indy 500 in one place the day before the race. The Parade has grown to be one of the signature events in the U.S. each year. It consistently ranks among the top three parades in the nation including the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Themed “Fuel the Dream,” this year’s parade is a true representation of the power and pageantry of the month of May - a Hoosier tradition with a television package that will bolster the Parade’s national presence. The IPL 500 Festival Parade will be televised nationally on ESPN2. Be sure to look for the band on the ESPN2 telecast starting at 4PM local time on the 24th!

University of Illinois Faculty Brass Quintet

The University of Illinois Faculty Brass Quintet performed three
concerts for instrumental music students at North High on May 13,
2008. Prof. Flores of the Percussion Department also joined the
quintet and offered a percussion clinic to North High percussionists.

Spring Art Show Opening

Congratulations to the visual art students who are currently
exhibiting their tremendous works in the annual Spring Art Show.

Music Boosters Annual Flower Sale

Thank you to all who supported the annual Flower Sale!

Western Michigan University Jazz

The Great Frame Up Creative Self-Expression Show

Congratulations to the North High visual art students who were featured in the 2008 Creative Self-Expression Show sponsored by The Great Frame Up (1999 W. 75th St., Woodridge, IL 60517).

Drawing: Kathryn Butler, Therese Byrne, Grant Hansen, Stephanie Koblich, Ellen McCammon

Jewelry: Megan Degen, Lexis Monfort, Meredith Vavra, Paulius Vertelka

Photography: Emma Andersen, Emma Bolam, Kelsey DeMarco, Sydney Hampton, Colleen Hoppestad

Digital Images: Robert Holly, Allison Novak, Michelle Pine, Joseph Rouse, Meredith Vavra

Ceramics: Erin Agnoli, Evan Bauer, Rinnu Joseph, Sydney Leja, Denise Vigilia

CSO Percussionist - James Ross

Chicago Symphony Orchestra percussionist Mr. James Ross presented a master-class on orchestral percussion techniques at North High School today, helping students prepare for their band placement auditions this spring and the IMEA District/State auditions next fall.

Born in Cincinnati and educated in the Chicago area, James Ross graduated from Northern Illinois University in 1971. His teachers have included Roy C. Knapp, G. Allan O'Connor, and Vic Firth.

Jim has been a percussionist with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra since 1979. He made his solo debut with the Orchestra in 1986 in Milhaud's Concerto for Percussion and Chamber Orchestra under Erich Leinsdorf. A member of the Grant Park Symphony from 1973 to 1978, he
returned to that orchestra in the summer of 1993 as a soloist in Toru Takemitsu's From me flows what you call Time.

Active as a chamber musician, Jim has performed and recorded with such ensembles as Chicago Pro Musica, Chamber Music Chicago, the Chicago Contemporary Chamber Players, Summit Brass, and the Vermeer Quartet. He frequently participates in the Chicago Symphony's chamber music series as well as its contemporary music programs.

Barrage Plays to SOLD OUT House

The members of the District 99 Orchestra - and the international cast of Barrage - performed to a sold-out Clarence Johnson Auditorium on Monday, April 14th. The high-energy music performance had the audience on their feet often, and the appreciative reception brought a rare second encore. (Organizers shared after the show that the perform their second encore piece approximately one in every ten shows.)

Since its creation in Calgary, Canada, Barrage has been featured many times at events worldwide having played for many Presidents, Prime Ministers and Princes. Barrage has also had their television productions aired on several international TV networks including the PBS network in the USA, the BBC in the UK and CBC in Canada and has performed live shows in New Zealand, Singapore, Taiwan, China, Canada, Finland, Sweden, Ireland, Denmark, Poland, Germany, Norway, Monaco, the USA and the UK.

Congratulations to and thanks to Ms. Mullen for her vision and energy to bring Barrage to the District 99 community. It was an evening of music we will not soon forget!

Barrage tonight!

District 99 orchestra students in rehearsal for this evening's
"Barrage" Concert.

Dana Hall - Artist In Residence

Born in Brooklyn, New York, drummer Dana Hall has been an important musician on the international music scene since 1992. After completing his education in Aerospace Engineering at Iowa State University, he received his Bachelor of Music degree from William Paterson College in Wayne, New Jersey and, in 1999, his Masters degree in Composition and Arranging from DePaul University in Chicago, Illinois. He is presently a distinguished Special Trustees Fellow pursuing his Doctorate in Ethnomusicology at the University of Chicago.

Concurrent with his national and international recording and touring projects, Mr. Hall can also be regularly seen and heard in Chicago performing and recording with his own groups and as an in demand artist with the groups of others. Mr. Hall uses and endorses Yamaha Drums, Bosphorus Cymbals, and Pro-Mark Drumsticks.

North High School's Fine Arts Department is pleased to welcome Mr. Hall to District 99 as the 2008 Jazz Artist in Residence. Mr. Hall began his residency with an evening rehearsal of the Jazz Ensemble on Monday night, April 7.

Mr. Hall will be featured at the annual "Sharing Is Caring" concert on April 8 at 7 PM in the Clarence Johnson Auditorium. Admission is free and open to the public.

District 99 Vocal Honors Recital

Congratulations to the North High musicians who were selected to
perform in this evening's District 99 Vocal Honors Recital.

Winter Guard - 2nd in State

Congratulations to coach Emily Rivera and the DGN Winter Guard on their performances this past weekend at the IDTA State Competition in Champaign. Our team placed 2nd in the State in the Lyrical Flags category, as well as 2nd in the state in the Tall Flags category. These two accomplishments are the highest state level scores/places in school history.

Way to go DGN Winter Guard:

Kelly Cantlin

Ashley Ford

Nella Granback

Annamarie Kowalewicz

Kaitlyn Kropp

Anita Pattanayak

Amanda Pigott

Jennifer Poad

Lauren Rush

Kaitlin Sheber

Carrie Strandgard

Lindsay Waszak

Lisa Witek

District 99 Orchestra Concert

Congratulations to the members of the District 99 Orchestra for a
terrific concert tonight!

Scholastic Art Awards - 95 Award Winners from DGN

Above: Scholastic Art Awards 'Gold Key' Winners from North High Fine Arts

Student artists from Downers Grove North High School received regional visual art recognition through The 2008 Scholastic Art Awards. In all, North High visual artists garnered 95 awards in the juried exhibition.

Now in its 85^th year, the Scholastic Art Awards is a national competition devoted to recognizing outstanding art and writing created by middle school and high school students.

The competition begins with regional adjudications across the country. Our 2008 regional show, sponsored by District 99, received 1133 entries from 15 local high schools, as well as 38 entries from 3 middle schools competing in a separate age category.

Downers Grove North High School was honored with another outstanding performance at this year’s regional show.

• 22 students were awarded a total of 31 Honorable Mention commendations.
• 18 students received a total of 20 Silver Key honors
• 27 students received a total of 31 individual Gold Key awards
• 13 students received Portfolio Gold Key awards

Art Portfolio Category

Megan Degen GOLD

Jessica Durkin GOLD

Lauren Palmer GOLD

Michelle Pine GOLD

Joe Rouse GOLD

Jessica Silvester GOLD

Ceramics Category

Evan Bauer HM

Rachel Campo HM

Daniel Conrad HM

Todd Duke GOLD

Katelyn Kos GOLD

Jessica Mandujano GOLD

Luke Munro SILVER

Amanda Seamans GOLD

Joe Sterr SILVER

Susan Wesolek GOLD

Crystal Yi HM

Computer Art Category

Elyssia Lee HM

Allie Novak GOLD

Padraic O’Connor GOLD

Joe Rouse GOLD

Digital Imagery Category

Kari Lindeman GOLD, SILVER, HM(3)

Drawing Category

Kathryn Butler GOLD, SILVER

Terese Byrne GOLD, HM(2)

Vicky Holland HM

Stephanie Koblich GOLD, SILVER

Colleen Malec GOLD

Allie Novak SILVER, HM(2)

Lauren Palmer GOLD, SILVER, HM

Joe Rouse GOLD(2), SILVER, HM

Nick Rudy GOLD

Paulina Zmitrowicz GOLD

Graphic Design Category

Bob Holly GOLD

Michelle Pine GOLD, SILVER(2), HM

Joe Rouse GOLD

Jewelry Category

Jessica Caputo SILVER

Samantha Czernik SILVER

Megan Degen GOLD(2)

Abigail Green GOLD

Maggie McGrath HM(2)

Rachel Melant SILVER

Lexis Monfort GOLD

Katherine Pogwizd HM

Ryann Sladek HM

Emiliusz Smorczewski SILVER, HM

Meredith Vavra GOLD

Paulius Vertelka GOLD (American Vision Award), SILVER

William Walker SILVER

Mixed Media Category

Natalie Smith HM

Painting Category

Allie Novak HM

Lauren Palmer SILVER

Jessica Silvester GOLD, HM(3)

Photography Category

Erin Agnoli SILVER

Kelsey DeMarco HM

Allie Novak HM

Cara Pagels GOLD

Ben Ruffalo GOLD

Natalie Smith GOLD, SILVER, HM(2)

Margaret Wolf HM

Photo Portfolio Category

Kari Lindeman GOLD

Sculpture Category

Megan Degen SILVER, HM

Each year the jury selects 5 American Vision Awards from over 1100 entries.

This year North High Jewelry student Paulius Vertelka received an American Vision Award for his piece entitled “Vessels of Life”.

Downers Grove North Musicians Find Solo Success!

Downers Grove North High School student musicians participated in the Illinois High School Association State Solo and Ensemble Contest on March 1, 2008.

Forty-two events from Downers Grove North High School received a Division I rating of SUPERIOR. A Division I score is categorized as “A Superior Performance – outstanding in nearly every detail.” In addition, thirty-seven events from Downers Grove North High School received a Division II rating of OUTSTANDING. A Division II score is categorized as “An excellent performance – only minor defects.”

“Preparing for a Solo and Ensemble contest is a great opportunity for our students to express their individualism as soloists and to develop team-work skills with small ensembles,” said Brayer Teague, Fine Arts Department Chair at North High. “We’re very proud of all our students who entered the state contest this year. They did a terrific job representing North High with their musicianship.”

The following North High Music Events received a “Division I—Superior” rating.

• Keith Anderson, Oboe solo
• Jesse Backes, Snare Drum solo
• Kristen Bergquist, Cello solo
• Phoebe Black, Flute solo
• Emma Bolam, Vocal solo
• Brittany Brady, Violin solo
• Nathan Cornish, Vocal solo
• Shannon Drobney, Violin solo
• Jane Duffy, Vocal solo
• Rania El-Kareh, Clarinet solo
• Kirsten Keller, Flute solo
• Katrina Garland, Viola solo
• Marika Garland, Clarinet solo
• Kendall Gretsch, Clarinet solo
• Caroline Hlohowskyj, Trumpet solo
• Jamshed Jehangir, Marimba solo
• Emily Kirkegaard, Oboe solo
• Marie Kirkegaard, Clarinet solo
• Catherine Krygeris, Vocal solo
• Andrew Kuikman, Multiple Percussion solo
• Kristen Lemke, Vocal solo
• Alyssa Love, Violin solo
• Elizabeth Meier, Vocal solo
• Kurt Meyer, Clarinet solo
• Jenna Mitchell, Vocal solo
• Lauren Niemi, Vocal solo
• John O’Hara, Clarinet solo
• Nicholas Rudy, Cello solo
• Lauren Rush, Cello solo
• Hannah Schober, Trumpet solo
• Katie Schranz, Viola solo
• Hannah Shatzer, Oboe solo
• Natalie Stawarski, Violin solo
• Isaac Stevenson, Marimba solo
• Isaac Stevenson, Snare Drum solo
• Michael Walser, Alto Sax
• Lisa Witek, Bassoon solo

• Keyboard Percussion Ensemble: Emma Sassano, Ray Knoebel, Jonathan Rush
• Membrane Percussion Ensemble: Jamshed Jehangir, Jesse Backes, Dan McLeod, Andrew Kuikman
• Mixed Wind Ensemble: Emily Kirkegaard, Marie Kirkegaard
• Mixed Wind Ensemble: Emily Kirkegaard, Rania El-Kareh, Lisa Witek
• Wind/String Ensemble: Kristen Bergquist, Lauren Rush

Visiting Artist - Andrew Spencer

Andrew Spencer, currently holds the position of professor of
percussion at Central Michigan University. An active recitalist
and clinician, he has performed as a soloist in the United States,
Poland, Japan, Canada, and Costa Rica.

Professor Spencer was a guest clinician today at North High School,
working with three percussion classes throughout the day.

DGN Graduate plays the Grammy Awards

North High graduate Rusty Jehangir (Class of 2007) performed on the opening number of the 2008 Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, California, backing Grammy award-winning vocalist Alicia Keys. (See video below.) Following the ceremony Rusty performed for the Warner Brothers post-party.

Rusty, a double major in jazz studies and mechanical engineering at the University of Southern California, was interviewed this morning by Spike O'Dell on WGN Radio's Morning Show.

Scholastic Art Awards - Opening Reception

DGN Jazz with legend Jimmy Heath

Members of the North and South High Jazz Bands participated in clinics with the world-renown Northern Illinois University Jazz Ensemble, and visiting guest artist Jimmy Heath.

Jimmy Heath originally played alto saxophone but after the influence of Charlie Parker on his work for Howard McGhee and Dizzy Gillespie in the late 1940s, he earned the nickname "Little Bird" (Parker's nickname was Bird) and he switched to tenor sax. He was out of the music scene for several years in the 1950s, returned to work with Miles Davis in 1959 and then with Kenny Dorham and Gil Evans. He also recorded extensively. During the 1960s, he frequently worked with Milt Jackson and Art Farmer. In 1975, he and his brothers formed the Heath Brothers. Tootie dropped out of the group in 1978 but Jimmy, Percy and their sidemen stayed together until 1982 . Jimmy continued to work frequently following the break-up of this band.In the 1980's, he joined he faculty of the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College in the City University of New York. With the rank of Professor, he led the creation of the Jazz Program at Queens College and attracted many outstanding musicians, such as Donald Byrd to the campus. He also served on the Board of the Louis Armstrong Archives on campus and the restoration and management of the Louis and Lucille Armstrong Residence in Corona, Queens. Mr. Heath continued his association with the College until recently. In 2004, he was awarded an honorary Doctorate in Human Letters.

All-State Honors Ensembles

The 2008 All-State Honors Jazz Ensemble, Choir, Orchestra, and Band.

They're Playing Peoria

Eighteen student musicians are headed to the Illinois Music Educators Association All-State Conference this week to participate in the All-State Bands, Choirs, Orchestras and Jazz Ensembles. North High's eighteen students places the school fourth in the state for total number of All-State musicians in 2007-2008.


Click here for a complete list of the 2007-08 All State musicians from North High.

Scholastics "Judging Day"

District 99 is playing host this year to the Chicago West Suburban
Regional Scholastics Art Competition. On January 26 visual art
adjudicators gathered to evaluate thousands of student art works from
across the region. Winning works will be displayed at North High the
week of February 10th, beginning that afternoon with a Gala opening
reception.

Jazz Cafe 2008 raises over $25,000 for New Orleans

The 2008 Jazz Cafe was a wonderful success, raising over $25,000 in
instrument donations to support the rebuilding of school music
programs in New Orleans.

North High Visual Artists takes “Best of Show” at the Elmhurst Art Museum Portfolio Exhibition

Two North High artists, Megan Degen and Allison Novak, have had their art portfolios selected for exhibition at the inaugural Elmhurst Art Museum Portfolio Exhibition.

Megan Degen’s work was selected for the coveted “Best In Show” award by the adjudicators. Megan will receive a one-year individual membership to the Elmhurst Art Museum, and a free summer session of life drawing classes at the museum.

Megan’s mentor teacher, Mrs. Barbara Hertko, stated that this is the first time a North High portfolio comprised primarily of jewelry and metalwork pieces has been selected for this kind of regional honor.

Further information regarding this special exhibition of high school student works from across the Chicago suburban region may be found at the museum’s website, ElmhurstArtMuseum.org.

Congratulations Megan and Allison!

DGN Choral Festival

Several hundred Middle School and Junior High School students joined
members of the North High Choirs this evening for the inaugural DGN
Choral Festival.

Purdue Jazz Fest '08

Congratulations to the members of the North High Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Lab Band, and Jazz Combo on their outstanding performances at the 2008 Purdue Jazz Festival, held this past Saturday, January 19, in West Lafayette, IN.

The Jazz Combo was recognized with multiple awards, including the Outstanding Ensemble Award for their competition room, as well as the Judges Award, in recognition of their creativity, musicianship and programming. Kyle Stephens (Jazz Combo, Piano) was recognized as the outstanding individual pianist and was invited to share the stage with the All-Star Jazz Combo on the Saturday evening festival-culminating concert. Jamshed Jehangir (Jazz Combo, Drums) received one of only two scholarships awarded from the competition room.

The Jazz Ensemble was awarded a "Division I" rating in the Big Band category, and the Jazz Combo was awarded a "Division I" rating in the Combo category.

Other recognitions of note included the following "Outstanding Soloist" Awards presented to North High musicians:

• Adrian Cabrera (Jazz Ensemble, Trumpet)
• Michael Benning (Jazz Ensemble, Bass)
• Mark Dortwegt (Jazz Ensemble, Alto Sax)
• David Musselman (Jazz Ensemble, Alto Sax)
• Emma Sassano (Jazz Ensemble, Piano)
• Kyle Stephens (Jazz Ensemble, Piano)
• Michael Walser (Jazz Lab Band, Alto Sax)
• Josh Williams (Jazz Lab Band, Tenor Sax)

Featured video - Senior Kyle Stephens (Piano) performs with the All-Star Jazz Combo

DGN Alumni at Symphony Center

DGN Fine Arts alumni Natalie Lorch (Oboe) and Sarah Younker (French Horn) performed with the nationally renown University of Illinois Wind Symphony on the Orchestra Hall stage of Symphony Center on Wednesday, December 19th.

The University of Illinois Wind Symphony, Prof. James Keene, conductor.

Following the concert (from left to right) Bill Miller, Sarah Younker, and Brayer Teague.

A mosaic of Mosaic

Holiday Mosaic 2007

Members of the Auditorium Crew Technicians operate the lighting and sound boards during the annual Holiday Mosaic Concert. This year's Mosaic Art Show and Concert featured music and visual artwork from more than 800 students, and was seen by nearly 5000 people.

Chamber Choir performance at Hillcrest Elementary

Mosaic Art Show 2007

Congratulations to the faculty and students of the North High Fine Arts Department for a spectacular exhibition of two and three dimensional work in the 2007 Mosaic Art Show.


















Visual artist Meredith Vavra is pictured with her grandmother, Johanna Larson (Downers Grove High School Class of 1940), who was herself an artist in school and sang in A Cappella Choir.

Sophomore Singers - Santa Breakfast 2007

IMEA All-State Musicians Announced

Eighteen student musicians from Downers Grove North High School have been tapped by the Illinois Music Educator’s Association for All-State recognition. Auditions were held last October.

“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.”

In total, thirty-two student musicians were selected for All-State from Community High School District 99, the largest representation by any two-school district in the state.

The All-State Band, Choir, Orchestra and Jazz Band will convene for a series of rehearsals in Peoria, IL, January 30 through February 2, 2008. Their concerts will be held at the Peoria Civic Center on the evening of February 1, and the afternoon of February 2, 2008.

All-State Band

Emily Kirkegaard – Oboe (Senior)

Kurt Meyer – Clarinet (Junior)

John O’Hara – Clarinet (Junior)

All-State Choir

Emma Bolam – Alto II (Senior)

Nathan Cornish – Tenor I (Senior)

Jane Duffy – Alto II (Junior)

Rania El-Kareh – Soprano (Senior)

Trevor Franger – Bass II (Senior)

Jordan Frank – Bass I (Junior)

Matthew Hall – Tenor I (Junior)

Hannah Hudson – Alto II (Senior)

All-State Orchestra

Chloe Burnham – Violin II (Sophomore)

Mark Dortwegt - Clarinet (Senior)

Jamshed Jehangir - Percussion (Senior)

Colette Mondragon – Violin II (Sophomore)

Lauren Rush – Cello (Senior)

Katie Schranz - Viola (Senior)

All-State Jazz Band

Kyle Stephens – Piano (Senior)

DGN Jazz Combo plays the North Pole

Members of the DGN Jazz Combo performed for children and parents as they disembarked from the "Polar Express" Metra Train today at the North Pole (Aurora, IL).