Happy Valentines Day - from the Upside Downers

Thanks to the "Upside Downers Quartet" for their surprise pop-in serenade this morning!

Two Music Scholarships of Note!

Juniors: the Downers Grove Music Club has a ‘Rising Stars’ Scholarship that can significantly help off-set the costs associated with Summer Music Camps.  Please see the information below.

Seniors:  the Downers Grove Rotary awards an annual scholarship of $2,000 to a deserving District 99 student with a strong music background.  The student does not need to be a music major/minor to apply for this scholarship, and financial need is not a criterion.  Please read the information below for more details on how to apply.

Downers Grove Music Club Rising Stars Music Awards

This is to announce the availability of the Downers Grove Music Club Rising Stars Music Awards (formerly referred to as scholarships).  The application is available via the website for the DG Music Club.  The website address is http://downersgrovemusicclub.org/.  The Music Award information and application is available in the Educational Opportunities section of the website or it can be accessed directly at this link:  http://downersgrovemusicclub.org/scholarships.html 

Please make this monetary award opportunity available to all Juniors enrolled in music at both South and North.  Six awards will be given and each recipient will receive $400 toward furthering their musical education through continued study during the summer.  As outlined in the actual application, the requirements of the application are as follows:

• Purpose:  to recognize SIX District 99 High School Music students for excelling at a high level of achievement;
• Eligibility:  current high school Juniors who are actively pursuing music are eligible to apply;
• Requirement:  the award recipients are required to perform the following year at the Downers Grove Music Club’s Rising Stars program scheduled annually in April;
• How to Apply:  complete the written application, along with an optional recording;
• Selection Criteria:  the merit of the applicant’s musical accomplishments and, if provided, the quality of the applicant’s musical performance.
• Award Notification:  the announcement of the Rising Stars Music Award recipients will be made at the spring awards ceremonies at both Downers Grove North and South.

The application must be submitted either via hardcopy, postmarked no later than April 1, 2013.  Or it must be submitted electronically with a date and time stamp of no later than 11:59 pm April 1, 2013.  

• mailing address:  Downers Grove Music Club, Attn: Rising Stars Music Awards, P.O. Box 551, Downers Grove, IL  60515
• email address:  musiced@downersgrovemusicclub.org

This year we are testing the response to allowing applicants to submit an optional audio/video recording of a musical performance.  This is completely optional. All applications, both those with the optional recording and without the optional recording will be given equal consideration.  

Last year's winners are performing on Tuesday, April 2nd at 7:30 pm.  In addition, former Rising Star DGN alumnus and cellist Josh Zajac will be performing as well as future DGS jazz musicians currently in the Lakeview Jazz Band.  Also, the newly formed, student run A Cappella group at the College of DuPage will be included on the program.  The location is the Faith United Methodist Church at the corners of 59th and Fairview in Downers Grove.  Faculty, friends and family are welcome to attend this exciting event.

Rotary Music Scholarship applications now being accepted!

The Rotary Club of Downers Grove is now accepting applications for their annual Charles Dickerman Music Scholarship. Each year the Rotary Club of Downers Grove gives a $2000 scholarship check to a deserving high school senior who resides in the District 99 attendance area. Charles Dickerman was a founding member of the Rotary Club of Downers Grove. He was a nuclear physicist at Argonne National Laboratory who had undergraduate degrees in both physics and music. Charles stayed involved in music throughout his life and was an avid bagpiper.

Download a Scholarship Application form at www.dgrotary.com .

All applicants must have their forms postmarked by March 8, 2013. If selected as a finalist, candidates must be available for an interview and audition in the evening of April 8, 2013.

The qualifications to apply for this scholarship are:

• Be a graduating senior attending a public, private, parochial or home school, and reside in the High School District 99 attendance area.
• Plan to pursue a post-secondary education program
• Have participated in high school curricular music activities and/or extracurricular music activities.
• Composers and/or arrangers qualify for this scholarship.
• Pursuit of an undergraduate music major or minor is not required.
• Financial need is not a criterion for selection

Gold Keys

Congratulations to all of the DGN Scholastic Art Award GOLD KEY winners!

Alumnus at the Grammy Awards

The DGN Fine Arts Department congratulates alumnus Matthew West on his two Grammy nominations, and wishes him the best this weekend at the 55th Annual Grammy awards ceremony.

Choirs Welcome Justin Sisul

The members of the DGN A Cappella Choir were pleased to welcome Mr. Justin Sisul (District 58 Principal - Pierce Downer School, and Interim Conductor of the Downers Grove Choral Society) to class today.

Mr. Sisul was on campus to help students prepare for an upcoming collaborative concert on Sunday, February 24 that will feature the Dowers Grove Choral Society as well as choir students from both DGN and DGS.

Winter Guard Demonstrates Amazing Growth

Congratulations to the DGN Winter Guard for their strong performance at the Niles North High School competition on February 2, 2013.  The team's performance last Saturday was their strongest to date, and improved their score an impressive 9 points.  They landed just 1 point shy of a State-qualifying score. 

Returning to competitive performance after a year off, the 2013 DGN Winter Guard is making steady progress and demonstrating that hard work and dedication do indeed pay off. 

Way to go Trojans!

NIU Jazz is in town tonight!

The great NIU Jazz Ensemble is on campus today holding a series of educational clinics with student musicians from DGN and DGS. Professor Ron Carter and the tenor sax legend Lew Tabacken spent time with our students this afternoon as a prelude to tonight's scheduled concert.

Visual Artists Garner Multiple Awards at Scholastics

The Fine Arts Department at Downers Grove North High School is proud to release the results of the judging from the 2013 Scholastic Art Awards held at Downers Grove North High School and hosted by the Community High School District 99 Fine Arts Departments.  1,058 student artists from 30 area schools submitted 2,973 works of art for adjudication. North High artists won 91 awards, including 28 Gold Key Awards, 24 Silver Key Awards, and 37 Honorable Mention Awards.

The five most outstanding works of art, as designated by the professional adjudicators, were named “American Vision” nominees.  Of the five works selected, two were by Downers Grove North High School visual art students.  Senior Kevin Brinkman’s Digital Art entry – “Why Now?” – and senior Amanda Papp’s Ceramic & Glass entry – “Stoney Teapot” – were both awarded the prestigious American Vision designation. 

“We are very excited to host the regional exhibition at North High,” said Brayer Teague, Fine Arts Department Chairman. “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.”

Community High School District 99 will host the Scholastic Art Show Regional Exhibition from February 10-15, at the North High School campus Main Street Lobby (4436 Main Street, Downers Grove, IL 60515).  The public is cordially invited to attend the Exhibition Opening and Artist Reception on Sunday, February 10, from 1:00 - 4:00 PM. 

'Why Now?' - Kevin Brinkman

'Stoney Teapot' - Amanda Papp

American Vision Award Nominees (Best of Show)

Kevin Brinkman (Art Portfolio – Digital Art)

Amanda Papp (Ceramics & Glass)

Gold Key Awards

Erin Bellie (Jewelry)

Kevin Brinkman (Art Portfolio – Drawing & Painting)

Kevin Brinkman (Art Portfolio – Digital Art)

Kevin Brinkman (Painting) – 2 Gold Keys

Kevin Brinkman (Digital Art) – 4 Gold Keys

Emma Brzezinski (Ceramics & Glass)

Kelly Egan (Art Portfolio – Photography)

Nathan Eisenhut (Digital Art) – 2 Gold Keys

Nathan Eisenhut (Drawing)

Sam Fiala (Ceramics & Glass)

Tyler Kral (Photography)

Julija Lukosevicius (Photography)

Jack McGrath (Art Portfolio – Drawing & Digital Art)

Jack McGrath (Drawing) – 3 Gold Keys

Jack McGrath (Digital Art)

Mantas Naris (Digital Art)

Amanda Papp (Ceramics & Glass)

Rebecca Ridderhoff (Digital Art)

Gina Rismondo (Photography)

Alexandria Robinson (Photography)

Margaret Schaub (Photography)

Silver Key Awards

Barbara Armstrong (Drawing) – 2 Silver Keys

Ericka Bergquist (Digital Art)

Kevin Brinkman (Digital Art) – 2 Silver Keys

Kevin Brinkman (Drawing)

Marisa Brooks (Photography)

Ethan Chapin (Comic Art)

Julianna Davis (Ceramics & Glass)

Kelly Eagan (Film & Animation)

Kelly Egan (Photography)

Heather Goldie-Morrison (Photography)

Nesma Hamouda (Ceramics & Glass)

Alysha Hudson (Photography)

Katie Kucko (Ceramics & Glass)

Julija Lukosevicius (Photography)

Jack McGrath (Digital Art)

Jack McGrath (Drawing)

Michaela Nicholson (Photography)

Nicholas Prepejchal (Digital Art)

Brooke Pryor (Drawing)

Rebecca Ridderhoff (Drawing)

Rebecca Ridderhoff (Digital Art)

Jourdan Wikowsky (Drawing)

Honorable Mention Awards

Katie Berendt (Photography)

Katie Berendt (Digital Art) – 2 Honorable Mentions

Stephanie Biesboer (Ceramics & Glass)

Kevin Brinkman (Digital Art) – 2 Honorable Mentions

Marissa Buonamici (Digital Art)

Erinn Casey (Ceramics & Glass)

Ethan Chapin (Drawing)

Jess Chika (Jewelry)

Lauren Dawson (Jewelry)

Nathan Eisenhut (Drawing)

Sam Fiala (Ceramics & Glass)

Isabelle Ghanayem (Painting)

Daneca Gray (Drawing)

Ashley Johnson (Ceramics & Glass)

Lexi Johnson (Photography)

David Leitner (Photography)

Maddie Mason (Photography)

Riley McDaniel (Mixed Media)

Jack McGrath (Drawing)

Morgan Mensavage (Jewelry)

Mantas Naris (Digital Art) – 2 Honorable Mentions

Michaela Nicholson (Photography)

Maddisen Nona (Ceramics & Glass)

Sarah Paradise (Photography)

Nicholas Prepejchal (Digital Art)

Livija Rainyte (Drawing)

Rebecca Ridderhoff (Painting)

Rebecca Ridderhoff (Drawing)

Mark Salik (Ceramics & Glass)

Sydney Schoolcraft (Ceramics & Glass)

Andie Sherman (Photography)

Monica Wiegard (Photography)

Jourdan Wikowsky (Digital Art)

Jene Witherspoon-Thicklin (Jewelry)

2013 DGN Choral Festival

Congratulations to the students and staff of the DGN Choirs for successfully orchestrating a wonderful festival experience for so many. The choirs of Herrick, Jefferson and Westview Hills brought energy and musicianship to the stage tonight. We look forward to welcoming these singers into the choirs of North High!

Kudos to All-State Orchestra and FMES Students

Congratulations to Orchestra members Katie Krainc, Rachel Pfeifer, and Katie Portman for their outstanding performances at the Illinois Music Education Conference as members of the All-State Orchestras!

Additional kudos are extended to Erin Elgass for her selection to, and participation in, the ILMEA Future Music Educators Symposium.

DGN Student Composers Honored

Congratulations to DGN musicians Kaitlin Shannon and Spencer Schillerstrom for earning awards in the 2012-13 Illinois All-State Music Composition Contest. All-State composers were honored this morning at the Apollo Theatre in Peoria, IL.

Congrats DGN All-State Jazzers!

Congratulations to Brett Latman and Spencer Schillerstrom for terrific performances at the Illinois Music Education Conference as they performed as members of the All-State Jazz Bands!

The Paperless Tour - IMEC Presentation by Brayer Teague

Congratulations to Mr. Teague for the great presentation he made to
Illinois music educators today on the subject of using technology to
support student tour opportunities!

All State Musicians Depart for Peoria

Best wishes to our DGN Music All-Staters who are heading to Peoria, IL today to participate in the Illinois Music Education Conference.

DGN Bands Find Sonic Success & Awards at the Purdue Jazz Festival

Congratulations to the members of the DGN Jazz Bands for terrific performances at the 2013 Purdue University Jazz Festival. Three ensembles from DGN (Jazz Lab Band, Jazz Ensemble, and Jazz Combo 1) earned prestigious Division 1 honors from a nationally acclaimed panel of music adjudicators.

In addition to group awards, 13 students earned a total of 20 Outstanding Solo Awards. Congratulations to:

Sam Fiala, Trumpet (2)
Justine Hung, Piano
Rob Kulik, Drums (2)
Brett Latman, Trumpet (2)
Kyle Lewandowski, Tenor Sax
Sam O'Neil, Trumpet (2)
Quinn Post, Tenor Sax (2)
Spencer Schillerstrom, Tenor Sax (3)
Bethany Schmurr, Trumpet
Amelia Smerz, Trombone
Thomas Svoboda, Bass
Evangeline Tuohy, Alto Sax & Flute
Joe Vitti, Trombone

DGN Band Alumnus to Participate in Presidential Inauguration

As President Barack Obama is sworn into his second term Tuesday, Downers Grove will have a familiar face in the crowd.

U.S. Air Force Technical Sgt. Kristen A. King, a 2002 graduate of Downers Grove North High School, is the principal clarinetist for the Air Force Concert Band, which is set to march in the 57th inaugural parade in Washington D.C.

Read all about it on the Patch.

DGN Jazz Ensemble @ FitzGerald's

Congratulations to the members of the DGN Jazz Ensemble for a tremendous performance tonight at the world famous FitzGerald's nightclub. Performing a 45 minute set, and opening for the Chicago Grandstand Big Band, DGN thrilled the audience which then reciprocated with an immediate and prolonged standing ovation.

On the eve of Final Exams there could not have been a more authentic (or affirming) performance assessment of the fabulous work the members of this fine ensemble have accomplished in the first semester. Bravo one and all!

Pep Band @ DGN Winter Classic

Images from Jazz Cafe 2013

Congratulations to the musicians of the DGN Jazz Ensemble, DGN Jazz Lab Band, Herrick Middle School Jazz Band and the Jefferson Junior High Friends of Jazz for a terrific evening of music!

Guest Artist Audrey Morrison - Jazz Cafe Prep

DGN is pleased to welcome Ms. Audrey Morrison (trombone) to campus this evening to work with the DGN Jazz Lab Band, Jazz Ensemble, and Jazz Combo. Ms. Morrison, who currently serves as the Director of Jazz Studies at the Music Institute of Chicago, served as lead trombonist of the Chicago Jazz Ensemble for over 15 years and has performed at jazz venues all over the world, including Canada, Europe and the Middle East.

Ms. Morrison will be a featured soloist with the bands at the 20th Annual DGN Jazz Cafe. Join us tomorrow night, beginning at 6:30 PM in the DGN Student Cafe, for a wonderful evening of jazz. The concert is free; goodwill donations will be accepted to benefit two charities that strive to eradicate homelessness in DuPage County.