Guest Conductor in Residence: Dr. Peter Griffin

North High is pleased to welcome Dr. Peter Griffin to campus for a two day residency in the Fine Arts Department. Dr. Griffin, who serves as the Department Chair of Music at Elmhurst College, will serve as a guest conductor on tomorrow night's March Band Concert.

Join us in the Clarence Johnson Auditorium at 7 pm, March 15th, to hear the Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Percussion Ensemble, and Wind Ensemble in what promises to be a fantastic evening of music!

Start Spreading the Word...

Members of the North High Choirs depart for their New York City Tour a week from Thursday!  The choir rehearsed this afternoon in preparation for their upcoming clinic with well-known choral conductor Craig Arnold and their performance at St. John the Divine Cathedral.

D99 Orchestra Contemporary Music Concert

Congratulations to the District 99 Orchestra, conducted by Jennifer Mullen, for a fabulous concert this evening featuring the contemporary music of award winning composer Michael Schelle. 

Both the Concert Orchestra and the Symphonic Orchestra performed Shelle's compositions, one of which featured guest piano artist Miho Sasaki. Performers and audience members alike walked away abuzz from the performance tonight, fully enriched by experiencing contemporary orchestral music performed with a high degree of excellence. 

Congratulations and kudos to Ms. Mullen and the members of the D99 Orchestra for presenting a fabulous performance this evening.  A special thank you to Mr. Schelle, and Ms. Sasaki, for sharing their talents with the District 99 community.  

Aura Evans displays her original art work that was the cover of the concert program, and, a gift for the guest artists for the evening.

2012 District 99 Vocal Honors Recital

More than 75 students from North and South gathered together on the evening of March 6, 2012. When the opening bell sounded, there was no athletic competition to be found. Instead, when the opening tone resonated, there was artistic collaboration - in abundance.

Initiated over 20 years ago, the District 99 Honors Vocal Recital showcases the finest vocal musicians in District 99 in an annual collaborative performance. "This event symbolizes what is best in District 99." said South High School Fine Arts Department Chairman Glenn Williams. "It is collaborative, it is predicated on excellence, and it is all about students."

Leading up to this recital, both South and North High Schools hold independent vocal festivals. These festivals, held during the school day, are adjudicated by professional musicians and teachers from outside of District 99. The expert panel of adjudicators provide each student performing event with immediate formative feedback, and, with a score based on the quality of their performance. Each school then holds a run-off competition, where the best events are selected by the panel of adjudicators to perform on the District 99 Honors Vocal Recital. In total, more than 150 chamber music events are adjudicated during the Vocal Festivals at North and South High Schools.

In addition to the District 99 team of teachers working with the student musicians, a superior staff of private voice teachers coach and accompany the student singers through the performance preparation process at both South and North High Schools. These teachers are integral to the student success manifested during this recital.

"Solo singing is the highest level of performance." said North High School Fine Arts Department Chairperson Brayer Teague. "We strive for all of our students to aspire to this level of performance excellence." Once this recital is experienced as a listener, it is clear that the ability to sing with excellence alone and in small groups demonstrates performance mastery better than any other assessment.

District 99 Orchestra Concert Wednesday Night

The District 99 Orchestra is preparing today for their March concert, which this year features all contemporary music. Featured on the concert will be the music of composer Michael Shelle, and the artistry of guest performer Miho Sasaki. Both composer and performer have been "in residence" in Disrict 99, rehearsing with student musicians and engaging in dialog about creating and performing music.

Be certain to attend this event - the group sounds fabulous and the repertoire is extremely engaging. Wednesday, March 7, 2012 at 7:00 PM in the auditorium at South High School. Admission is free, and the public is cordially invited to attend.

42 Music Events Earn Division 1's at IHSA State Contest

Downers Grove North High School student musicians participated in the Illinois High School Association State Solo and Ensemble Contest on March 4, 2012.

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, twenty-six 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.”

Three North High student musicians received a “Best of Day Award” for garnering the highest achievement score in their event room.  Trumpet soloist Shauna Bracken, harpist Michelle Libby, and vocalist Patrick Murray were all recognized by judges to be the most outstanding performers of the day in their performance venues. 

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

Cameron Box - Violin       

Shauna Bracken - Trumpet       

Elizabeth Brunell  - Female Voice     

Emma Burkhardt - Viola       

Tristan Burnham - Violin       

Anna Burton - Female Voice      

Louie Buttny - Violin       

Ben Casey - Tuba       

Jeremy Craven - Trumpet       

Hannah Crowley and Kathleen Moralde - Flute Ensemble   

Caitlin Doak - Female Voice       

Tommy Donnelly - Trumpet       

Erin Elgass - Alto Sax      

Sam Fiala - Trumpet       

Stephanie Gillen - Flute       

Michelle Hsu - Marimba       

Justine Hung - Piano       

Madelaine Isobal - Female Voice      

Frannie Jones - Female Voice      

Shatien Jordan - Violin       

Shatien Jordan, Monica Lim, and Rachel Pfeifer - String Ensemble 

Annie Ketchmark - Violin       

Allison Kirkegaard and Marissa Leo - Treble Ensemble   

Emma Kombrink and Laurel Post - Keyboard Percussion Ensemble  

Lauren Kovanko  - Viola        

Lauren Kovanko, Katie Krainc, and Katie Portman - String Ensemble 

Katie Krainc - Violin       

Anna Krainc - B-Flat Clarinet      

Brett Latman - Trumpet       

Monica Lim - Violin       

Patrick Murray - Male Voice      

Amanda Nagy - B-Flat Clarinet      

Sam O'Neil - Trumpet       

Alana Osterling - Cello       

Alana Osterling, Katie Portman, Stephanie Tandaric, and Sarah Williams - String Ensemble

Katie Portman - Violin       

Grace Roman - Female Voice      

Jonathan Sheetz - Bass Clarinet      

Stephanie Tandaric - Violin       

Jennifer Vetrone - Trumpet       

Sarah Williams - Viola       

Eareen Yambao   - Male Voice       

D99 Vocal Honors Recital Tonight!

Don't miss the District 99 Vocal Honors Recital tonight, March 6, 2012, 7:00 PM at Gloria Dei Church in Downers Grove! 

District 99 Artists Garner 6 of 13 Awards at Elmhurst Art Museum

This March Elmhurst Art Museum celebrates the creative accomplishments of budding artists. Portfolio awards 13 senior art students from DuPage, Kane and Will Counties for their portfolio's originality, presentation, technique and creativity. 

Julianna Estall, 2011 Best in Show Portfolio artist said, "Portfolio was truly one of the most memorable experiences of my high school career. I feel incredibly lucky to be honored amongest such a talented group of young artists."

Portfolio opens Friday, March 16 and runs through March 31, 2012.  There will be an opening reception on Friday, March 16, from 6:00 - 8:00 pm.  



Autumn Moeberg, Flower Purse


Elmhurst Art Museum's 2012 Portfolio artists are: 

• Kaycee Arnold, Aurora--West Aurora High School 

• Bridget Bicek, Downers Grove--Downers Grove South High School 

• Mackenzie Cimala, Burr Ridge--Hinsdale Central High School

• Leighanne Crawford, Woodridge--Downers Grove North High School

• Paul Giacalone, Carol Stream--Wheaton North High School

• Ryan Kleibhan, Carol Stream--Glenbard North High School

• Iris Lee, Oswego--Aurora Christian Academy

• Justin Lee, Naperville--Aurora Christian Academy

• Glenda Lissette, Elmhurst--York Community High School

• Daniel Meinhart, Downers Grove--Downers Grove North High School

• Autumn Moberg, Downers Grove--Downers Grove North High School

• Morgan Sandacz, Woodridge--Downers Grove North High School

• Michael Weimer, Downers Grove--Downers Grove South High School



A Gig of "Historic" Proportions

The DGN Jazz Ensemble enjoyed the opportunity to open this evening for the Chicago Grandstand Big Band at the famous Chicagoland Jazz hangout, FitzGerald's.  Our students were honored to play on a stage that has been host to countless jazz luminaries over the decades.  

After an exciting, toe-tappin set, DGN students and families stayed to enjoy the swingin' sounds of the Chicago Grandstand Big Band.  In the Bass Trombone chair we were pleased to cheer on Woodridge (District 68) music teacher, Mr. Brad Payne.  Mr. Teague even got in on the act, sitting in with the band on three selections in the opening set.

Kudos to all who performed tonight, and thank you to Bill Gilardon (band leader) for the invitation to play FitzGerald's.




 

 
 

DGN Jazz Ensemble to Play World Famous FitzGerald's Sunday Night

There are few places better known for jazz than FitzGerald's in Berwin, IL, built in the 1920s. This Sunday night, at 6 pm, the DGN Jazz Ensemble will perform an opening set for the Chicago Grandstand Big Band.

Cover is $10 for adults, and $5 for 17 and under.  Come out and support the DGN Jazz Ensemble in a room that is rich with character and ambiance.  Hope to see you there!

Guest Conductor & Mathematician

The Symphonic Band was pleased to welcome Math Department faculty member Mr. Matt Maletich to the band room this morning. Mr. Maletich was warmly received as he tried his hand at conducting.

Rumor has it Mr. Miller might infiltrate an Algebra class next week ...

Choir Concert Video Highlights

DGN Vocalists Shine in Concert

Congratulations to the members of the DGN Choirs for a musically stunning performance tonight.  Members of the Freshman Ensemble, Concert Singers, Freshman Choir, All Access, Treble Ensemble, Concert Choir, Chamber Choir, Treble Choir, and A Cappella Choir all performed with exquisite musicianship.  Well done DGN Choirs!



 
 


 
 


 
 


 
 


 
 


 
 

Spring Arrives Early! Choir Concert Tomorrow Night!

DGN's annual "Spring Choir Concert" - traditionally held in March -
was moved up this year to a late February date. But don't let the
lingering traces of snow on the ground deter you! You won't want to
miss the exceptional vocal talent that will be on display Tuesday
evening in the Johnson Auditorium.

The concert begins at 7 pm and is free and open to the public.

Pictured here are members of the "All Access" Choir as they prepared
this afternoon for their performance on Tuesday.

Winter Guard Video

Winter Guard @ Athena Spectacular

Congratulations to the DGN Winter Guard for a terrific performance at today's Athena Spectacular!

DGN Jazz @ Mullen's

Congratulations to the DGN Jazz Lab Band on a truly toe-tappin' set this evening at Mullen's. Great sounds. Great energy. Swingalicious!!

DGN Vocal Fest 2012

Students in the DGN Choral Program were immersed today in a series of performance clinics with a panel of Chicago's most respected vocal music educators. Dozens of students prepared literature for this special event and performed for classmates as well as our guest adjudicators.

The most outstanding performers will be recognized through an invitation to perform in the 2012 District 99 Honors Vocal Recital.

Congratulations to the following student musicians who were invited to the "run off" performances this afternoon:

Samantha Barry
Elizabeth Brunell
Anna Burton
Devin Collett
Rachel Davis
Caitlin Doak
Abby Hodonicky
Madelaine Isobal
Jensen/Webster Duet
Frannie Jones
Connor Leigh
Luby/Shaat/Zimmerman Trio
James Parsons
Eareen Yambao
Lydia Zimmerman

DGN Jazz Lab Band @ Mullen's Grill Thursday Night

The DGN Jazz Lab Band, directed by Mr. Bill Miller, will be opening for the Pete Ellman Big Band at Mullen's Grill in Lisle, IL.  DGN will begin at 7 pm, and play one set before the Ellman band continues at approximately 8 pm.

Come out, enjoy some food, and support DGN Jazz!

Facebook Event Listing:
https://www.facebook.com/events/182598901843352/?ref=ts

DGN Music Boosters - Summer Study Scholarships

The DGN Music Boosters annually provide an opportunity for band, choir and orchestra students to apply for “Summer Music Camp Scholarships.” 

The money to fund these scholarships is collected through our “Contributing Members” campaign.  Scholarship awards are not set at a specific dollar amount.  Rather, we look carefully at all of the applications, as well as the funding available in a particular year, and work to honor each student applicant’s summer music camp experience with an award of some kind.  Preference is given to current freshman, sophomores and juniors who will be returning to DGN next year.  At times, when additional funding has been available, the Music Boosters have honored applications from current seniors with partial scholarships. 

The application process is conducted online.  No paper applications will be accepted.  Students should follow this link to begin the application process.

http://bit.ly/hCMrju

or

https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dHRiVTM4SUd6NVdlOVhaVlMyODFicHc6MQ

Students are encouraged to read the application questions online, and then compose their answers off-line in a word processing application.  Students should save their work, and then copy responses into the online form before submitting.  (The application form will not allow a student to begin the application, save their work online, and return to finish it later.  So it is best to work off-line until you are ready to fully submit the form.)

We encourage all band, choir and orchestra students who are planning to attend a summer music camp of some kind this year to apply for financial assistance!

The application deadline is: Friday, April 27, 2012.

'Cannonball' Jazz Combo Featured at College of DuPage

Congratulations to the musicians in DGN's 'Cannonball' Jazz Combo for a terrific performance tonight at the College of DuPage Winter Jazz Fest. The ensemble captivated the appreciative audience with creative arrangements of four jazz standards.

Well done DGN Jazz!

Scholastic Art Panorama in 3D

Want to interact with a 360-degree panorama of the Scholastic Art Show?  CLICK HERE!

See the show in '3D' using the Tour Wrist app, available here: http://lite.tw.

After downloading the app, search for the tour name 'Scholastic Art Show - DGN', or tap the following link from your iDevice: tour://30250.

To learn more, visit: http://TourWrist.com

Thank You District 99 Art Team!

Congratulations to the District 99 art faculty for their work coordinating the Scholastic Art Show for our region.  Your tireless work creates an amazing opportunity for many visual art students from all over the Chicago region.  Thank you for your time and talents!

DGN Artists Garner 91 Awards at Scholastics

The Fine Arts Department at Downers Grove North High School is proud to release the results of the judging from the 2012 Scholastic Art Awards held at Downers Grove North High School and hosted by the Community High School District 99 Fine Arts Departments. 25 area high schools submitted more than 1,800 works of art for adjudication.  North High artists won 91 awards including 27 Gold Key Awards, 30 Silver Key Awards, and 34 Honorable Mention Awards. These works are currently on exhibition in the Main Street Lobby of Downers Grove North High School through Friday, February 10^th.

“We are very excited to host the regional exhibition at DGN,” said Brayer Teague, Fine Arts Department Chairman at North High. “This show is always an amazing display of student creativity and a testament to the wonderful art teaching that is happening in District 99.”  According to Teague, the art teachers from both North and South High School play an important role in putting the exhibition together.  “Our District 99 art teachers are the engine behind this regional affiliate of the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards.  Their dedication and tireless commitment enables student artists from all over the suburban region to have their work evaluated by professional artists.”

2012 Scholastic Art Award Winners – Downers Grove North High School

Gold Key Awards

Barbara Armstrong (Painting)

Katie Berendt (Photography) – 2 Gold Keys

Katie Berendt    (Digital Art)

Lindsey Bliss (Ceramics & Glass) – 2 Gold Keys

Kevin Brinkman (Mixed Media)

Lauren Capua (Photography)

Leighanne Crawford (Design) – 3 Gold Keys

Leighanne Crawford (Digital Art) – 2 Gold Keys

Meghan Downey (Photography)

Amy Fatigato (Photography)

Leo Granner (Digital Art)

Siga Kisielius (Ceramics & Glass)

Karen    Klein (Digital Art)

Jordan  Krzak (Ceramics & Glass)

Shannon Linares (Ceramics & Glass)

Daniel Meinhart (Drawing)

Daniel Meinhart (Digital Art)

Autumn Moberg (Jewelry)

Autumn Moberg (Sculpture)

Autumn Moberg (Fashion)

Kyle Mysiewicz (Ceramics & Glass)

Rebecca Ridderhoff (Drawing) – 2 Gold Keys

Gabby   Sims (Ceramics & Glass)

Miranda Valles (Ceramics & Glass)

Silver Key Awards

Maria Acevedo (Jewelry)

Zachary Alsen    (Photography)

Barbara Armstrong (Drawing)

Katie Berendt (Photography)

Lindsey Bliss (Ceramics & Glass)

Emma Brzezinski (Ceramics & Glass)

Lauren Capua (Photography)

Leighanne Crawford (Digital Art)

Amy Fatigato (Photography)

Leo Granner (Ceramics & Glass)

Leo Granner (Painting)

Leo Granner (Drawing)

Leo Granner (Digital Art)

Elyn Gullotto (Digital Art)

Sarah Johnson   (Photography)

Ellia Leger (Ceramics & Glass)

Samantha Marsteller (Jewelry) – 2 Silver Keys

Sabrina Mazur   (Ceramics & Glass)

Kristin Murphy (Photography)

Michaela Nicholson (Photography) – 2 Silver Keys

Hannah Ottley (Digital Art) – 2 Silver Keys

Amanda Papp (Ceramics & Glass)

Jessica Reid (Photography)

Gabriele Ruzgas (Photography)

Morgan Sandacz (Photography)

Morgan Sandacz (Photography Portfolio)

Steven Toomer (Photography)

                                  

Honorable Mention Awards

Richard Barker (Photography)

Lindsey Bliss (Photography)

Emma Brzezinski (Ceramics & Glass)

Emily Buhle (Ceramics & Glass)

Emily Buhle (Jewelry)

Ethan Chapin (Drawing)

Megan Clevenger (Architecture)

Leighanne Crawford (Art Portfolio)

Kelly Egan (Photography)

Amy Fatigato (Photography) – 2 Honorable Mentions

Brianna Freitag (Photography)

Leo Granner (Ceramics & Glass) – 2 Honorable Mentions

Rebecca Jakush (Photography)

Virginia Kowara (Photography)

Zoe Kupka (Photography)

Samantha Marsteller (Sculpture)

William McGovern (Ceramics & Glass)

Ansley McLeod (Ceramics & Glass)

Autumn Moberg (Jewelry)

Autumn Moberg (Fashion)

Maddisen Nona (Photography)

Hannah Ottley (Digital Art) – 2 Honorable Mentions

Laurel Post (Photography)

Rebecca Ridderhoff  (Drawing)

Morgan Sandacz (Photography) – 3 Honorable Mentions

Ellyn Scally (Ceramics & Glass)

Lily Stanicek (Drawing)

Jourdan Wikowsky (Drawing)

Alyson Wilcek (Photography)

Fans Cheer Winter Guard

Congratulations to the DGN Winter Guard for a terrific halftime performance at last night's Varsity Basketball game!

Pep Band Joined By Class of 2016

The DGN Pep Band was joined by a dozen current 8th grade band students last night who volunteered to play for the Varsity basketball game. The band played and cheered on the Trojans as they battled Proviso West in an exciting contest that featured multiple lead changes.

Thanks to all the 8th graders who sat in with us last night. You sounded great!