On Saturday, February 21, 2009 the DGS Wind Symphony traveled to Metamora High School near Peoria, Illinois to participate in the Metamora Invitational Wind Band Festival. 12 high school bands from Illinois performed during the course of the day and were adjudicated by Bruce Moss, Bowling Green State University, and renowned band composer Robert Sheldon. Much musical growth occured, largely through comparitive analysis of other similar high school ensembles. Great job Wind Symphony!!

Potter's For Peace a "smashing" Success

On Friday, February 20th, 2009 at 7:45 AM a two-month long project to raise funds for and awareness of under-resourced cultures without clean drinking water came to a smashing conclusion.

Literally.

The 2009 Empty Bowl project concluded with the bowl being smashed, revealing the total donations for the campaign. In total, $1,151.22 was raised to be given away to Potter's For Peace, an international organization that teaches impoverished cultures how to make their own ceramic water-filtration devices. These funds came from a Silent Auction at the Winter Art Show, a Silent Auction during the Jazz Cafe', and donations from event attenders. Sponsored and led by ceramics staff members Molly O'Brien-Prusa and Kathy Myles, this inaugural event was an overwhelming success. "We far exceeded our first year financial goal." said Department Chairperson Glenn Williams. "Based on the success this year, we anticipate continuing this event and developing it as a part of our Fine Arts program."

For more information about Potters for Peace or DGS Ceramics, contact department chairperson Glenn Williams at 630.795.8681.

Mustang Bands February Concerts

Thursday, February 12, 2009 at 7:00 PM in the DGS Auditorium the DGS Wind Ensemble and Concert Band will present an evening of great wind band literature. Repertoire ranges from Jager's Esprit di Corps to Bach's Prelude and Fugue in Bb Major. Additionally, Ron Polancich will guest conduct selections with both ensembles. Mr. Polancich recently retired after more than 20 years of teaching at York High School, and is currently on the faculty at Roosevelt University. This concert will end with a combined rendition of The Nineties, a medley which features popular music from the decade of the 90's.

Thursday, February 19, 2009 at 7:00 PM in the DGS Auditorium will feature the DGS Wind Symphony and Symphonic Band. Featured repertoire ranges from Holsts' First Suite in Eb to VanDer Roost's Nemu Susato. The evening will conclude with a combined version of a Salute to the Beatles.

Admission to both performances is free, and the public is cordially invited to attend. For more information about DGS Fine Arts or the Mustang Bands, contact Glenn Williams, Department Chairperson, at gwilliams@csd99.org

Scholastics 2009 Art Awards Show

Special kudos and thanks to the DGS Visual Art team for the work done to create the 2009 Scholastic Art Awards show at DGN. The student work is amazing, and respresentative of the spirit of collaboration between and among the staff. When teachers collaborate, student artists achieve at a high level. Well done ladies!

NIU Jazz Festival 2009

On Friday, February 6, 2009, student musicians from the Jazz Lab Band and Jazz Ensemble shared the stage at North HS with the great Northern Illinois Jazz Ensemble. directed by Ron Carter, and their guest artists, the legendary Lew Soloff. This amazing opportunity expands the boundaries of the classroom in a singularly unique manner by brining world-class jazz artists elbow to elbow with our District 99 students. Special thanks to the DGN Music Boosters and staff for hosting such a wonderful event!

District 99 Hosts 2009 Scholastic Art Show

Congratulations to all of the Visual Art Faculty and the students in District 99 for their support of the 2009 Scholastic Art Awards! Also, special thanks to Brayer Teague for producing the video of the student work.