Walgreen's Expression Challenge National Award Winner Claire Pikul #99Learns #DGSPride

Congratulations to Claire Pikul for being chosen as one of 6 recipients from the national Walgreen's Expression Challenge. Claire's art work was initially selected to be a finalist from a national pool of more than 1600 submissions. Six finalists were selected, three in the writing category and three in the visual arts category. Claire received 2nd Place for Visual Arts category.

In addition to Walgreen's using Claire's work in an advertising campaign, Claire was awarded $1,000, and, her mentor teacher, Michelle Lynn, was awarded $500 for the outstanding artistry.

The awards ceremony was hosted by Fox News personality Dawn Hasbrouck and was held at the Museum of Contemporary Art on Thursday, January 7, 2016. Congratulations to Claire and to her mentor teacher Ms. Lynn for earning this recognition from this national competition.

What a Night! #99Learns #DGSPride

Congratulations to the over 150 student musicians from seven different jazz bands from five different schools that participated in the 2016 Jazz Cafe tonight at South High School in Downers Grove.  The varied repertoire during the course of the evening (27 different compositions) provided the audience with a stunning breadth and depth in jazz performance.

Special kudos to the students and directors from our sender schools for participating this evening:  Matt Janus and the Eisenhower Junior High School Jazz Band, Keith Carlson and the "Friends of Jazz" from Jefferson Junior High School, Brian Ohlsen and the Lakeview Junior High School Jazz band, and Dave Balika and the O'Neill Middle School Jazz Band.  With so many students performing at such a high level, the sonic future burns brightly for Downers Grove and the surrounding communities.  

South High School Jazz Cafe 2016 #99Learns #DGSpride

Jazz Cafe 2016 takes place on Thursday, January 7, 2016 from 6-9:00 PM in the cafetorium at South High School.  The event is free and the public is cordially invited to attend this annual patron favorite.  Jazz Ensembles from South High School, Eisenhower Junior High School, Jefferson Junior High School, Lakeview Junior High School and O'Neill Middle School will be featured during the evening.

If you are unable to attend in person, attend virtually by viewing the event on the High School Cube.  You may view the stream by CLICKING HERE.

This year, we will also be supporting the District 99 campaign for the Memorial Peace Gardens being developed at each campus.  If you would like to participate in the campaign by donating financially, you can bring a check (made out to CHSD 99) or cash the evening of the event.  You can also donate online by CLICKING HERE.  More information about the Memorial Peace Garden Project can be found by CLICKING HERE.

Follow the 2016 US Army All-American Marching Band (with Mustang Larissa Gurnic!) #99Learns

If you would like to see Larissa Gurnic and the 124 other US Army All-Americans during bowl week preparations, you can stream several things to catch up on the action.

On Friday, January 8, 2016 a live show featuring highlights from the week will stream at 7:30pm CST: www.banddirector.com  This show replaces the dress rehearsal that we have webcast in previous years and will last approximately one hour.

If you are unable to make it to San Antonio, in addition to the highlight show online Friday night you can watch the halftime performance Saturday, January 9, 2016 at http://www.banddirector.com. A video of the halftime performance will be posted on Banddirector.com by 3pm on Saturday. Due to technical limitations in the Alamodome, the halftime performance will not be “live."

Friends may also follow the US Army All-American Marching band on Twitter, Facebook, and their channel on YouTube for daily updates at http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCD5AWGfQDLNkjS2gXGa2UAg.

Congratulations Larissa - we are all very proud of you and will be cheering you on from back home in Downers Grove!

Madrigal Singers at Symphony Center #99Learns

Congratulations to the South High School Madrigal Singers for their recent performance in the rotunda at Symphony Center in Chicago.  The ensemble spent some fun time in the city then performed to rave reviews for patrons at this hallowed performance space.

Inaugural Alumni Pep Band Night #99Learns #dgspride

An historic event for the ages, the inaugural Mustang Bands alumni Pep Band night took place on Saturday, December 19, 2015.  Over 50 South High Band alums joined the current Pep Band to create a fabulous sonic force of over 100 players for the South vs. North basketball game.  Graduates from as early as 1978 returned for an evening of food, music and fun.  Special shout out to Mr. Hensel for developing this concept and bringing it to fruition this evening.  Tonight was a great night to be a Mustang!