Passing of Bob Jacobs

It was with sadness that we learned this weekend of the passing of H. Robert Jacobs. Bob, as the District 99 Music Team knew him, was a community activist extraordinaire, and a dedicated member of the local Kiwanis Club.Through this organization Mr. Jacobs developed - in consort with then DGS Band Director Alan Roselieb - the International Music Exchange Program between the District 99 schools and the Musikschule of Bietigheim-Bissingen, Germany.

Mr. Jacobs supported the music exchange program for nearly twenty-five years, hosting visitors from Germany on many occasions, and developing close friendships with many citizens of Bietigheim-Bissingen.

The photograph above shows Mr. Jacobs in June of 2008, meeting with the members of the District 99 Honors Band just moments before the students boarded buses for O'Hare and their plane to Europe. His message of friendship and compassion was always appreciated and inspiring. He was quick to recognize and point out to our students that "music knows no borders." We will miss Mr. Jabob's very much, and District 99 sends deepest condolences to his family.Click here, to view a 10 min. video documentary of the music exchange program that Mr. Jacobs helped establish.

Jazzed up Bonfield Express

Special thanks to the members of the DGS Jazz Ensemble who provided musical support to the participants in the Bonfield Express. Anchored by Mr. Roselieb on bass, these student musicians sounded great despite the slight drizzle. Well done today!

DGS - 61 students in District IMEA

Special kudos and congratulations to the 61 students musicians from DGS Fine Arts that participated in the IMEA District Festivals, including this past November 21, 2009 at Lincoln-Way West High School. Well done Mustang musicians!

District 1 IMEA Festival - Orchestra

Concertmaster Michael Rau tuning up the Orchestra before their performance

The Orchestra stands after their performance and receives a standing ovation from the crowd

Emily Levine and Lisa Salazar smile after a long day of rehearsal and a successful concert

On November 21st, the District 1 IMEA Festival was held at Lincoln-Way West High School. District 99's Michael Rau served as the Concertmaster for the Orchestra and the following other District 99 Orchestra members also performed:

Violin: Chloe Burnham, Chan Choi, Daniel Field, Rudy Rendek
Viola: Lauren Kovanko, Emily Levine, Colette Mondragon, Lisa Salazar
Cello: Meghan Lyda, Nikki Mihelich, Erin Portman, Meghan Schmitt
Harp: Hannah Young
Clarinet: Marie Kirkegaard
Oboe: Kevin Gupana
Bassoon: Stephen Shatzer
French Horn: Carly Charles
Percussion: Emma Sassano, Issac Stevenson

IMEA Jazz Festival

Congrats to the 11 jazz musicians that participated in the District 1 IMEA Jazz Festival at Lyons Township High School.

DGS Bands Concert Week

On Tuesday, November 10, 2009, our Wind Ensemble hosted the outstanding bands from Eisenhower Junior High School and Lakeview Junior High School. Held at Downers Grove North High School, both junior high school ensembles played with poise and precision. The Wind Ensemble played the first movement of Hindemith's Symphony in Bb. On Thursday, November 12, 2009, the Concert Band, Symphonic Band and Wind Symphony performed at Wentz Concert Hall on the campus of North Central College. These outstanding groups sounded wonderful in this world-class performance venue. Well done, Mustang Band musicians!!!