Band Leaders Practice Teamwork Skills in Preparation for 2018 Marching Band Season

30 members of the Trojan Marching Band, comprising the Student Leadership Team, spent the day at the Lincoln-Marsh High Ropes and Teams Course in Wheaton, IL. Congratulations to this group of Section Captains and Drum Majors for their commitment and dedication.

Reserve Your Stadium Seat for DGN Trojan Marching Band Performances!

Want to guarantee a seat in the stands this season? Reserved seats may be purchased online. Orders are due on Friday, July 27!

https://tinyurl.com/DGNBandReservedStadiumSeats

DGN Students Invited to Summer Theatre Workshop! #WeAreDGN #99Learns

DGN's annual Summer Theatre Workshop will be held on Tuesday, August 14, from 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM in North High's Clarence Johnson Auditorium. We are excited to welcome back all of our outstanding theatre students, and to welcome our incoming freshman!

At the workshop we will eat snacks, play games, tour the space, get reacquainted with old friends, make new friends, and find out the titles of our productions this season. (And, THEY ARE GOOD!!) 

Students who attend, and register prior to Monday, July 30, will receive a brand new DGN Theatre T-Shirt for the 2018-19 school year. And it's FREE!

CLICK HERE to register for the workshop, and your FREE DGN Theatre T-Shirt! (You must register no later than July 30 to receive the free t-shirt.)

https://tinyurl.com/DGNTheatreWorkshop18

We look forward to another awesome season of DGN Theatre, and hope to see you on August 14!

D99 Marching Band Leads Downers Grove Independence Day Parade Celebration #99Learns

Congratulations to the student musicians and staff of the District 99 Marching Band for a wonderful performance in today's Downers Grove Independence Day Parade!

 

Be Inspired: DCI World Class Corps in District 99

Two of Drum Corps International's 'World Class' ensembles will be in residence at DGN and DGS this Saturday, June 30.  The corps will be in town preparing for the "Cavalcade of Brass" Drum and Bugle Corps show to be held at Benedictine University in Lisle, IL this coming Saturday night. Event details and tickets for the show may be found HERE. 

The Phantom Regiment will be rehearsing on the North High campus Saturday late morning, and afternoon. Pioneer will be rehearsing on the South campus during the same time periods.

Precise rehearsal schedules have not yet been announced, but drum and bugle corps typically focus on small group practice in the mornings (drum line, brass line, color guard), and then combine for full ensemble work in the afternoon following a lunch break.

The rehearsals of the corps are open to students from our District 99 band programs, as well as community members at large, to observe.  There is a lot to learn from watching a precision music ensemble focus on collective group goals in their quest for artistic excellence.  We strongly encourage all D99 music lovers to make time on Saturday to be inspired through observation and listening.

DGN Fine Arts partners with Clarendon Hills Music Academy #99Learns #WeAreDGN #ComeAliveDGNFineArts

Students in the DGN Fine Arts Department are working this summer at the Clarendon Hills Music Academy Studio, recording the soundtrack to for an upcoming music video.

Many thanks are extended to recording engineer and music educator, Mr. Derek Berg, for his technical/artistic guidance, as well as his support of this community partnership with Downers Grove North Fine Arts.

We look forward to returning to the studio later this summer with additional vocalists and completing the project.

D99 Orchestra departs for Europe! #99Learns #WeAreDGN

Students, parents, families, chaperones and staff gathered this morning at DGN to bid a fond farewell to the D99 Orchestra.  The excitement in the air was palpable as the students boarded the tour bus and departed for the airport!

To follow the D99 Orchestra Tour Blog, CLICK HERE.  The group departs on June 5th and returns to the United States on June 19th. 

Bon Voyage Concert for the D99 Orchestra #99Learns

The District 99 Orchestra presented a Bon Voyage concert this afternoon in preparation for their upcoming Europe Tour.  Friends and family gathered today to hear the result of a week of rehearsals for concerts that will be presented in Berlin and in Beitigheim-Bissingen, Germany.

To follow the D99 Orchestra Tour Blog, CLICK HERE.  The group departs on June 5 and returns to the United States on June 19th.  

Thank you Mr. Polancich! #WeAreDGN #99Learns

The DGN Fine Arts Department extends grateful thanks to Mr. Ron Polancich for his presence on our faculty this year. Bravo, Maestro! 

Saluting the Class of 2018 #WeAreDGN #99Learns

The DGN Fine Arts Department extends a heartfelt congratulations and bids a fond farewell to the North High School Class of 2018.  Specifically, we acknowledge the artists in Music, Theatre and Visual Art who elevated our standards throughout their academic journey and will leave behind a legacy of high achievement and artistic excellence.  

We wish you each great success in your future endeavors, and encourage you to return to your Alma Mater and visit frequently!  

If you are unable to celebrate locally with the graduating class, you may view the ceremony by clicking HERE. The commencement ceremony is scheduled to begin at 7:00 PM (CST) on Friday, May 25.

Informal Rituals Honoring High School Graduation #99Learns #WeAreDGN

There are many formal - and informal - rituals and gestures of appreciation associated with the culmination of High School. Here's a brief look at one small tradition at North High that is a part of the DGN Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Orchestra tradition. VIDEO HERE.

Chamber Choir Farewell Concert 2018 #WeAreDGN #99Learns

Congratulations to the members of the DGN Chamber Choir for a superb performance at the 2018 Chamber Choir Farewell Concert. A special thank-you to the Class of 2018 for their musical and personal leadership!

Making Things Better!

"Make something better!" This is the familiar and friendly nudge that Mr. Mark Botti is famously known for sharing with his students. Mr. Botti understands that "perfection" in music in a mythical and unattainable benchmark, and that as artists we should be constantly striving to improve. 

Beginning his tenure at DGN in 2001, Mr. Botti has mentored 150+ DGN percussion students, and led the DGN Percussion ensemble in 17 consecutive Mosaic Concerts. 

For his dedicated and passionate percussion teaching at Downers Grove North High School, we extend our most sincere gratitude to Mr. Mark Botti for making us all ... BETTER. You will be missed, and we wish you peace and happiness as you embark on the next chapter of your journey.