Welcome Dr. Colin Holman!

South Fine Arts welcomes Dr. Colin Holman from Loyola University-Chicago to the music suite today.  Dr. Holman was a guest conductor with Wind Symphony and Wind Ensemble, working on artistic nuances as both groups continue to prepare for their upcoming November concerts.  The energy and intensity in the room was fabulous today as both ensembles continued their trajectory of improvement.  

Marching Mustangs at Illinois Marching Band Championships

The Marching Mustangs finished their competitive season at the University of Illinois Marching Band Championships on Saturday, October 26, 2019.  The Marching Mustangs were named Class 6A winners, earning caption awards for Best Visual and Best General Effect.  The Marching Mustangs also earned the Governor's Trophy as Grand Champions of more the 40 competing bands over the course of the competitive day.

Special thanks to our friends affiliated with the University of Illinois Bands for creating an elegant inclement weather solution that enable the students to perform moving in the indoor practice facility.

Congratulations to the students, staff and parents affiliated with the Marching Mustangs for such a strong ending to the competitive season - it was a great season to be a Mustang!

Marching Mustangs final regular season home show

Congratulations to the students, staff and volunteer parents affiliated with the Marching Mustangs for their final regular season home show performance.  The vibrant reception from the home crowd indicates the strong connections that "Reflections" continues to make with audience members.  We extend gratitude and congratulations to the Marching Mustangs senior class for a fabulous four years of school, community and competitive performances.  The recent artistic success of the ensemble is due directly to your leadership on and off the field.

The Marching Mustangs conclude their competitive season this evening at 6:45 PM at the University of Illinois Marching Band Championships.  Thanks for continuing to represent our school and community so positively across the state of Illinois. Today, like every day, is a great day to be a Mustang!

Dr. Gordon Towell from Loyola University-New Orleans visits DGS Jazz

DGS Fine Arts was pleased to welcome Dr. Gordon Towell, Coordinator of Jazz Studies at Loyola University-New Orleans to South High School this morning.  Dr. Towell worked with the Jazz Ensemble, offering sonic insight into pathways for continuing improvement.  Clinic topics included stylistically appropriate improvisation and artistically shaped phrases.  Members of the Jazz Lab Band and Jazz Workshop listened and learned during the clinic as well.

Thanks to Loyola University-New Orleans for sponsoring Dr. Towell's visit this morning.  It was great to grow as performers, and, to hear how fabulous New Orleans is to study and perform jazz music. 

Marching Mustangs at the 2019 ISU Marching Band Championships

On Saturday, October 19. 2019, 42 high school marching bands from across Illinois competed at the 2019 State of Illinois Invitational High School Marching Band Championships at Hancock Stadium on the campus of Illinois State University.  The groups are placed in 6 different classifications based on size of school.  The Marching Mustangs competed in Class 5A/6A with some of the best high school marching ensembles in Illinois. 

The Marching Mustangs finished 3rd place in class 6A with a score of 72.80.

Congratulations to the student performers, staff, and volunteer parents affiliated with the Marching Mustangs this season.  "Reflections" continues to improve, and, the show communicates and connects with the audience on meaningful levels.  It was a great fall day to be a Marching Mustang!

Your Marching Mustangs conclude their season next weekend with a home football game on Friday night against DGN, then, the Marching Mustangs travel to the University of Illinois for the Illinois Marching Band Championships. 

D99 and D58 Orchestras Share Spotlight with PROJECT Trio

Congratulations to the musicians of the District 99 and District 58 Orchestras for their performance tonight with PROJECT Trio.  Playing to a packed house, each the three orchestras that accompanied PROJECT Trio did so with poise and musical passion.  

Did you miss the concert? Have out-of-town family that couldn't make it? We have you covered. Tune in to the re-broadcast on our DGN Fine Arts YouTube Channel, HERE.

PROJECT Trio Joins District 99 & 58 Orchestras Wednesday Night!

Don't miss District 58 and 99 Orchestras, with PROJECT Trio, on Wednesday, October 16, 2019 at Downers Grove North High School. The concert, which begins at 7:00 PM in the Clarence Johnson Auditorium, is a ticketed event. Advance online ticket sales have ended, however tickets will be available for purchase at the door - while supplies last - for $15.

PROJECT Trio is a chamber music ensemble based in Brooklyn, New York. Musicians are: Greg Pattillo (flute), Eric Stephenson (cello), and Peter Seymour (double bass). Their extensive repertoire consists of original compositions and arrangements by the trio members that highlight their versatility by bridging several styles including classical music, jazz, hip hop, rock, Americana, and bluegrass. They have arranged pieces by Charles Mingus, Dave Brubeck, Tchaikovsky, Beethoven, Bach, Jethro Tull, Duke Ellington, Thelonious Monk, and Guns n' Roses. The group also is dedicated to music education and has f

17th Music Bowl Underway!

The 17th Marching Mustang Music Bowl has started!  Come to the stadium at South High School today to experience the finest high school marching ensembles in the midwest.  Preliminary competition concludes at 5:15 PM with an exhibition performance by your Marching Mustangs.  Finals begin at 7:15 PM, and also conclude with an exhibition performance by your Marching Mustangs.  $12 tickets are available at the gate. 

2019 Senior Night

Congratulations to the members of the 2019 Marching Mustangs for a strong performance on Senior Night.  Despite unseasonably chilly temperatures, "Reflections"  was performed visually and musically in a stunning manner, generating a strong crowd response during the performance.

Special thanks to Christine Kaminski from O'Neill Middle School for guest conducting the National Anthem.

Best wishes to the students and parents from our Senior Class - thanks for a fabulous season journey this far!  We look forward to continuing the journey in the next three weeks.

DGS Choirs Fall Concert

Congratulations to the students and staff affiliated with the South High School Choirs for presenting a fabulous Fall Concert.  The 8 different choral ensembles performed a wide range of music, featuring several ILMEA District and All-State pieces,  that enthralled the capacity crowd in the auditorium.  Special congratulations to the ILMEA District musicians recognized tonight at the concert as well. It was a great night to be a Mustang! 

If you were unable to join us in person tonight in the auditorium, please enjoy the archive of this performance on the South Fine Arts YouTube Channel: