2008 DGS Invitational - DGS Wind Ensemble

The concert was concluded by our very own DGS Wind Ensemble. Valerie McElroy, student teacher from DePaul, returned to conduct a rousing rendition of Kirkpatrick Fanfare. Dr. Bough guest conducted his own arrangement of the Neruda Concerto in Eb, a piece which featured Erica Bough as trumpet soloist. Mrs. Bough's sound was fabulous and she played extremely musically. After a pyrotechnical opening with Exultate, Schwanda, The Bagpiper and Vesuvius closed the evening with a rousing standing ovation from the capcity crowd in attendance. Great work tonight Wind Ensemble!!

2008 DGS Invitational - Jefferson Junior HS

The Jefferson Junior High School Symphonic Winds, conducted by Keith Carlson, performed second on the evening. The diversity and excellence of the repertoire was stunning. The student soloists in the pieces played with confidence, and the challenging rhythmic nature of the pieces was well executed. Dr. Thomas Bough from NIU also guest conducted the Jefferson Symphonic Winds, and the student musicians responded with poise and maturity.

DGS Invitational 2008 - O'Neill Middle School

The 2008 DGS Invitational was commenced by the O'Neill Middle School Band, conducted by Dave Balika. The band opened with a challenging arrangment of Light Cavalry Overture, and concluded with Dr. Thomas Bough from NIU guest conducting Tall Cedars. This challenging music was performed in a stellar manner, and the students responded well to Dr. Bough's conducting.

Veterans Day 2008

Even on a day when school is not in session, Downers Grove South High School student musicians still provide community service and patriotic commemoration.

On Tuesday, November 11, 2008, DGS junior trumpeters Brad Jones and Kelly Lamorena provided bugling services for the annual Commonwealth Edision Veterans Day cermony. The students played "To the Colors" and "Taps" during the 30 minute event, which honored not only Oakbrook Post VFW Veterans, but the numerous Commonwealth Edison Veterans in attendance at the ceremony. In addition to the Chief Operating Officer and other Com Ed VIP's, there were more than 150 Com Ed employees in attendance at this event.

"We are very proud of Brad and Kelly for their community service in this event." said Fine Arts Chairperson Glenn Williams. "They sounded fabulous, and the Veterans in attendance were most appreciate of their presence and musicianship."