And They're Off!

Best wishes to the @dgnbands as they depart today for their performance in the 2016 Disney Thanksgiving Parade of Bands!

ILMEA District 1 Festival - a stunning celebration of the Arts @Dist_99 @ILMEA1 #99Learns #WeAreDGN

Congratulations to the student musicians who participated in the ILMEA District 1 Band, Choir, Orchestra and 9/10 Choir today at Elmhurst College.  Students worked with inspirational conductors and teachers today, including Professor Ross Kellan, Dr. Cheryl Frazes-Hill, Dr. Robert Hasty and Mr. Michael Bultman.  After just over 6 hours of rehearsal, each ensemble presented a stunning performance of challenging repertoire to a capacity crowd exceeding 1,000 patrons at Faganel Hall on the beautiful campus of Elmhurst College.  Several District 99 students were featured during the concert as soloists or in principle chairs in each of the ensembles.  

Special kudos also to the music go to the music faculty in District 99 for personifying the spirit of professional volunteerism that keeps ILMEA a vibrant organization: Brayer Teague is the President-Elect of ILMEA, Craig Roselieb is the President of the Jazz Division;  Jennifer Mullen is the co-chair of the District 1 Orchestra Division;  Beth O'Riordian is the co-chair of the District 1 Choral Division; Laura Coster is the co-chair of the  District 1 9/10 Honors Choir;  Joy Belt-Roselieb led a professional development reading session for music educators; Frank Piekarz adjudicated students auditioning to sing the Star Spangled Banner at future IHSA All-State Sporting events.  

All the District 99 students and staff extend a heartfelt "thank you" to our hosts today at Elmhurst College, including Pete Griffin, Jim Hile and Ross Kellan.  

DGN Brass Students Featured in World Premiere with Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra

Congratulations to the DGN Brass students who shared the stage with the Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra Brass, and guest soloist Gene Pokorny (Chicago Symphony Orchestra) on the world premiere of Terry Everson's "Blues Fanfare (Fanfare for Elmhurst II)."

DGN Musicians Swing at 2016 ILMEA District 1 Jazz Festival

Honoring All Who Have Served #WeAreDGN #99Learns

Congratulations and thank you to the members of the Chamber Choir, A Cappella Choir, Jazz Ensemble, and Wind Ensemble for their meaningful and musical contributions to this morning's "Honoring All Who Have Served" Assembly.

Internationally acclaimed guitarist Muriel Anderson returns to Downers Grove @Dist_99 #99Learns @WeAreDGN

Muriel Anderson's Annual Concert & Celebration with guest Pat Donohue from "A Prairie Home Companion will take place on Saturday, November 26, 2016 at 8:00 PM in the Clarence Johnson Auditorium at Downers Grove North High School.  

Guitarist/harp-guitarist Muriel Anderson returns to her hometown for her 25th annual concert & celebration. She is joined by guitarist (& humorist) from “A Prairie Home Companion” Pat Donohue. The show is hosted by Steve & Johnnie from WGN. The music is brought to life with stunning new visuals by renowned photo-artist Bryan Allen.  Ticket price includes hot apple cider, baked goods courtesy of Muriel’s family and Trader Joe’s, and a chance to win a new Eastman acoustic guitar from Tobias Music. A portion benefits the Music for Life Alliance.   

Tickets can be purchased in advance at Anderson’s Bookshops or at www.murielanderson.com until 3 pm day of show.  Tickets are also available at the door. $22 in advance or $25 at door for adults and $15 in advance or $17 at the door for students thru high school and seniors 65 or older.  

Choral music legend Alice Parker visits District 99 @Dist_99 #99Learns #WeAreDGN

Born in 1925, composer/conductor/vocal artist Alice Parker is one of the most influential figures in American music.  Her collaborative arrangements with Robert Shaw changed the American choral music landscape.  Her approach towards choral and vocal has influenced a several generations of choral music artists.

Currently, Ms. Parker is on her final educational tour, spending time with choirs of every age in schools and churches across the United States.  Today, we were fortunate to have Ms. Parker in District 99 to instill nearly a century of vocal music and artistic learning into our students.

Singers from South High School, North High School, and Mendota High School gathered in the choir room at DGS to rehearse Ms. Parker's arrangements and to develop together a deeper sense of artistic expression through vocal music performance.  With a focus on listening and text painting, Ms. Parker had an immediate positive sonic impact on the artistry of the student musicians participating in the clinic.

Special thanks to the choral team in District 99, facilitated by Mrs. Coster, for collaborating to provide this experience for our student musicians.

AP Art History Students in Chicago

Mrs. Bernard's AP Art History class today in Chicago! Congrats Cubs!!

Fall Band Concert 2

Congratulations to the DGN Jazz Lab Band, Jazz Ensemble and Symphonic Band on their great performances tonight at the Fall Band Concert!

Fall Band Concert 1

Congratulations to the Herrick Band, DGN Concert Band, and DGN Wind Ensemble on a terrific Fall Concert!

A special shout-out to Mr. Jon Ball, and all of the guest trombonists who assisted in honoring Mr. Ball's teaching career in Downers Grove, for the performance of "Seventy Six Trombones."