Dancing Choirs

DGN Choirs welcomed back guest choreographer Mrs. Kim Scerine today as they began learning choreography for the upcoming Choral Showcase.   Music selections this year include Broadway songs we love!  The Choral Showcase will be presented on May 8th at 7 pm in the Clarence Johnson Auditorium.

The Freshman Choir learning their movement for "Dancing Queen," from Mama Mia!

DGN April Jazz Concert

Congratulations to the members of the Jazz Workshop, Jazz Lab Band, Percussion Ensemble, and Jazz Ensemble, for a terrific concert Tuesday night!  Each group demonstrated outstanding musicianship and command of literature.  

A special thank you to guest-artist Rex Richardson for inspiring our students, and our community.




 
 


 
 

Welcome Rex Richardson!

North High School's Fine Arts Department is pleased to welcome visiting artist in residence, Rex Richardson (trumpet).  Mr. Richardson is in the midst of a two-day artist residency where he is working with three jazz ensembles, and three concert bands at DGN.

Mr. Richardson will perform as a soloist on the Tuesday evening 'April Jazz Concert', which will be held at 7 pm in the Johnson Auditorium.  Admission is free and open to the public.

Rex Richardson is a Yamaha Performing Artist, and his appearance is generously supported by the Yamaha Corporation of American, as well as the DGN Music Boosters.

2012 D99/WPL Art Exhibition

Opening on Wednesday, April 4, 2012 at the Woodridge Public Library, more than 100 student artists from North and South High Schools in Downers Grove collaborated with the Woodridge Public Library to create a breathtaking exhibit of student art work.

The visual art teams at DGN and DGS believe that finding a public venue to showcase student work is an essential element of a strong visual art program.  The collaboration between North, South and the Village of Woodridge is producing fabulous benefits for students, and, for the community at large.

In 2008, a joint committee comprised of members from schools, park districts, and government agencies on which Susan McNeil-Marshall , WPL Administrator, and Dr. Mark McDonald were members was convened. The purpose of this committee was to generate inter-agency cooperation within our community.

This committee met and serendipitously brainstormed the idea of a combined art show at the same time that the Woodridge/Great Frame Up store could no longer sponsor a spring show for both campuses.  The staff and students of District 99 extend a special hanks to Suzyn Mills for sponsoring a North and South Creative Self Expression Great Frame Up Show for nearly a decade.  Suzyn's dedication to student artists in District 99 has been phenomenal.

The show runs until April 23rd, and is available for public viewing during the normal operating hours of the Woodrige Public Library.

Additionally, each campus submitted eight pieces in multiple media categories.  The student work was then evaluated and ranked, producing a 3D best in show, a 2D best in show, and a top winner in each category.  The staff of teachers at South and North High Schools is proud to acknowledge these category award winners in the 2012 D99/WPL Art Show:


3D Best in Show
Emma Brzezinski – North
Kate McCann – South

“Creative Self-Expression” 2D Best in Show
Barbara Armstrong – North
Danielle Bonczkowski – South

Ceramics
Amanda Papp - North
Nick Herrara – South

Computer Art
Ellyn Cullotto – North
Jimmy Jagen - South

Design
Insiya Mansoor - South

Drawing
Jackie McGrath – North
Maddie Snyder – South

Jewelry
Julie McNeil – North
Bret Brugh - South

Painting
Ansley McLeod – North
Paige Miller - South

Photography
Morgan Sandacz – North
Hayley Gomoll - South

D99/WPL Art Showing Opening

The District 99 Visual Art team cordially invites you to attend the D99/WPL Art Showing opening, held tonight, April 4, from 6-8 PM at the Woodridge Public Library.  Nearly 100 works, created by students from both North and South, are viewable in this public exbition.  A brief ceremony acknowleding media category award winners and a 2D and 3D "Best in Show" from each campus will occur at 7 PM.  The show will remain in exhibition until April 23rd, 2012.  The show is viewable during normal operating hours for the Woodridge Public Library.

Home Sweet Home

The DGN Choirs enjoyed their last morning in NYC by participating in an "Up Close and Personal" workshop.  In this session, they had the opportunity to sit down and talk with two performers, Ian and Holli, about their experiences performing on Broadway.  (They got to see Ian and Holli perform in Sunday's performance of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying!)

The choir returned home Monday evening after a successful and educational trip!

Sophomore students visiting with two performers from How to Succeed

Another Great Day in NYC

In addition to tours of Carnegie Hall & NBC Studios, the DGN Choirs had the opportunity to see another wonderful Broadway show, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, and topped off the day with the viewing NYC from the "Top of the Rock!"

How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying

Our view from the Top of the Rock!

Tour Update: Visiting the National September 11th Memorial & A Multi-Ethnic Eating Tour

The choirs had the opportunity to visit the newly-opened September 11th Memorial.

Eating halvah - a traditional middle eastern sweet during our ethnic food tour :)

A Trip to Lady Liberty

The NYC Touring Choir began their morning with a trip to Ellis Island.  Though the ferry ride was windy, the experience was fantastic!

Juniors Cora Webster & Lanie Maresh at the Ellis Island Immigration Museum

Singing & Sight-Seeing

The DGN Choirs continued their NYC Tour with a concert at St. John the Divine Cathedral - the largest cathedral in the world - followed by a walk through Central Park.  They completed the evening with a trip to John's Pizzeria for some NY style pizza, and a Broadway show - The Lion King. 

Sophomores Elizabeth Brunell & Anna Burton, after an amazing performance at the cathedral.

At Central Park

NYC Choir Tour - Friday

The Choir Tour is off to a great start - a beautiful sunrise this morning, followed by a wonderful clinic with Dr. Craig Arnold.

Sunrise view from the hotel.

A view from the bus.

Junior Lanie Maresh with Dr. Craig Arnold following the choir clinic.

Cannonball Combo @ Caribou

Bon Voyage!

The Fine Arts Department extends their best wishes for a safe and enjoyable trip to NYC!  Members of the DGN Choir Program set off this afternoon for their five day tour of the Big Apple.  Students will have the opportunity to work with outstanding clinicians, get to see a Broadway show, and of course get to see the sights of New York City!

Hannah Young to be featured on WFMT

Hannah Young

The Fine Arts Department congratulates senior harpist, Hannah Young, who will be featured on WFMT Radio's Introductions program this weekend.  Introductions features the Chicago-area's most talented pre-college musicians every week.  Soloists perform live in WFMT's Levin Performance Studio.


Tune in on Saturday, March 24, at 11:00 am to hear DGN's very own Hannah Young.  Hannah performs at North High with the Symphonic Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band Percussion Ensemble, A Cappella Choir, All Access Choir and Marching Band.  She also serves as the principal harp of the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra, and was recently named a National Merit Scholar Finalist.


If you are unable to listen on Saturday, the show will be re-broadcast the following Thursday (March 29) at 10:00 pm, and will be available online here.

Faisal Khurshid - Green Thunder Percussion

The Fine Arts Department congratulates senior Faisal Khurshid (snare drum) on his participation in the competitive 'winter drum line' - Green Thunder Percussion.  This year's GTP show "The Grid" is based on the movie TRON.


GTP, the Independent Open Class percussion ensemble presented by The Cavaliers Drum & Bugle Corps, brings "The Grid" to life in 2012 for its fifth competitive season.  "This is by far the most talented group of performers we've had in our five years," said Manger and Visual Coordinator Paul Wiercioch.  Green Thunder recently placed second in Independent Open Class at the WGI Indianapolis Percussion Regional with a score of 81.55. 


The embedded video is of GTP's performance at the WGI Prelims in Kentucky this past weekend.


Congratulations Faisal!

DGN Visual Artists Garner National Awards

North High extends congratulations to two visual artists who were recently notified they have received national recognition from the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards.  

Katie Berendt received a Silver Medal in Photography.  Leighanne Crawford received a Silver Medal in Design.

The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards began in 1923, and are today esteemed as the nation’s largest and most prestigious recognition program for teenage artists and writers. This year, more than 200,000 works of art and writing were submitted by students in grades 7 – 12 to the Regional adjudication.  Approximately 13,000 works received Gold  Key awards at the Regional level, in addition to Silver Key and Honorable Mention winners.

The Gold Key works moved on to the National adjudication. The top 11% , approximately 1500 pieces out of 13,000, received national medals.

Seniors Shine With Stand-Out Concerto Performances

Congratulations to seniors Stephen Shatzer (Bassoon) and Andrea Vetrone (French Horn) for terrific concerto performances on Thursday night at our March Band Concert. Both musicians played with great passion and musical artistry. We are proud of your accomplishments!

Another DGN Jazz Combo 'Out & About' In Town

Tonight DGN's "Miles Davis" Jazz Combo played for the Maercker Band Spaghetti Dinner & Fundraiser. Congrats to these dedicated musicians on their performance, and thanks to all for supporting this worthy event.

Wind Ensemble Wows 1,100 Elementary School Children

Congratulations to all of the DGN student musicians who performed in this afternoon's 8th Annual "Community Outreach Concert." Today's concert forged connections between the arts and children's literature.

Well done one and all!

March Band Concert

Congratulations to the DGN Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Percussion Ensemble, and Wind Ensemble, for a terrific March Concert!  Each ensemble performed with incredible musicianship this evening.



 
 


 
 


 
 


 
 

2012 North HS Scholastics Gold Key Winners

North High School Fine Arts congratulates the 2012 Scholastics Gold Key Award winners:


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)

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.