Great job Mr. Brocker!!!

DGS Fine Arts wishes a fond farewell to student teacher Will Brocker. Mr. Brocker's final day with us is Friday, October 29th, although he will return to conduct on concerts on November 10th and November 12th. Best wishes to Mr. Brocker as he completes his Music Education degree at DePaul University. Thanks for all of the fabulous work you've done with our Mustang Musicians since early August - you'll be missed!!

Marching Mustangs - Your Name in Lights!!!!!!

DGS Fall Jazz Concert to feature DePaul University Jazz Ensemble

As outdoor temperatures begin to decrease and the leaves on the trees are changing color, there is nothing that can brighten the spirit quite like some hot jazz music. The DGS Fine Arts Department will present an upcoming concert that will certainly warm the soul of any audience goer that attends this event.

On Friday, November 12, 2010 at 7:00 PM, the award winning bands from Downers Grove South High School will present their fall jazz concert. The Jazz Workshop, directed by Ron Hornish, the Jazz Lab Band, directed by Glenn Williams, and the Jazz Ensemble, directed by Craig Roselieb, will open the evening with some of the finest high school jazz performances imaginable.

But wait, there's more.

To warm up the evening even more, the concert will conclude with a performance by the renowned DePaul University Jazz Ensemble, led by director Bob Lark. The Jazz Ensemble is one of fourteen student jazz groups at DePaul University, performing several times throughout the academic year both on and off campus. The band performs regularly throughout Chicago, including jazz venues such as the Jazz Showcase. Since Bob Lark’s appointment as Director of Jazz Studies and director of the Jazz Ensemble, the band has appeared at the Midwest Clinic, the International Association for Jazz Education Conference, the Duke Ellington International Conference, the National Association of Music Merchants Conference, the Jazz Party At Sea aboard the S.S. Norwegian Sun, twice aboard the Queen Elizabeth II ocean liner for their Annual Floating Jazz Festival, the Chicago Jazz Festival, and a concert tour of Italy. In speaking of director Bob Lark, jazz icon Clark Terry says, “He’s a very good trumpet player, a very good musician. He’s paid his dues.” Recently released on the Jazzed Media label is the critically acclaimed CD recording Cathy’s Song, by Bob Lark and Friends. Addition recordings on the Jazzed Media label include Live At The Jazz Showcase, and In Her Eyes, by the Bob Lark/Phil Woods Quintet, and Suggestions, by Bob Lark and Friends. He is an exclusive Yamaha Performing Artist. "We are thrilled to share the stage with this amazing ensemble, and, that our student musicians will be able to experience this world-class ensemble up close and personal." said DGS Fine Arts Chair Glenn Williams. "Even at $20, this concert would be a bargain. Given that it is free, we expect the house to be completely packed on November 12th." For more information about this event or DGS Fine Arts, contact Glenn Williams at gwilliams@csd99.org.

2010 Marching Mustangs - State Finalist Band

Saturday, October 23rd, 2010 began with rain, wind and thunder. By 7:30 PM in the evening, the 2010 Marching Mustangs moved "Beyond the Storm" and earned a performance in the finals at the 45th annual State of Illinois Marching Band Championships at Illinois State University. This is only the second time in the history of South High School that a band has qualified for finals performance at this event. Greatness is not an event - it is a process. Fabulous work Marching Mustangs - we're all proud of you!

DGS 2010 IMEA District Audition Results

On Tuesday, October 12, 2010, 113 student musicians from Downers Grove South High School auditioned at Hinsdale Central High School to participate in the 2010 Illinois Music Educators’ Association District 1 Festivals. The music faculty, private teachers and sender school music teachers associated with Downers Grove South High School are proud to congratulate the 56 students in band, choir, jazz band, vocal jazz and orchestra who have been selected through highly competitive audition to participate in the 2010 IMEA District Festivals.

Student musicians enrolled in music ensembles in the DGS Fine Arts department continue annually to demonstrate remarkable success at both the District and All-State level. “The total number of participating students continues to be consistently high on an annual basis.” said DGS Fine Arts Chairman Glenn Williams. “Additionally, DGS is equally well represented in band, orchestra, choir, jazz band and vocal jazz.”

For more information about attending these district festivals, please contact Fine Arts Department Chairperson Glenn Williams at gwilliams@csd99.org or at 630.795.8681.

WIND & PERCUSSION
Pat Bartlett (11) – tuba/orchestra
Carly Charles (11) – horn/band
Tim Chow (11) – bass clarinet/band
Billy Moroney (11) – clarinet/band
Sherilyn Munoz (11) – clarinet/band
Lexi Osborn (12) – flute/orchestra
Zach Plata (11) – clarinet/band
Amanda Ruzek (12) – flute/band
Susanne Segredo (12) – oboe/orch
Callie Sorce (12) – tenor sax/band
Michelle Spiewak (11) – horn/orch
Tiffany Wu (12) – flute/band

ORCHESTRA/STRINGS
Aaron Collins (11) – violin
Sean Hux (10) – cello
Katie Krajewski (9) – viola
Megan McGivern (9) – viola
Nicole Mihelich (12) – cello
Andrew Molina (9) – cello
Lisa Salazar (11) – viola

JAZZ BAND
Elliot Bild (12) – trumpet
Carmy Calabria (11) – drum set
Marjorie Fera (10) – trumpet
Sean Hux (10) – trumpet
Billy Moroney (11) – tenor sax
Mike Ruth (11) – alto sax
Christian Siki (10) – alto sax
Josiah Williams (10) – trombone
Ian Williams (10) – piano
Julia Wood (10) - bass

CHORUS
Olivia Abrant (11) – alto II
Billy Chengary (11) – bass I
Sonny DelRosario (12) – tenor II
Colleen DeRosa (11) – alto II
Claire Drews (12) – soprano II
Lars Feste (11) – tenor II
Elise Floss (12) – alto II
Rosaley Gai (11) – alto II
Chante Gordon (11) – alto I
Caitlin Grudzinski (11) – soprano I
Adam Kohls (11) – tenor II
Taylor Lane (11) – soprano I
Dan Leahy (10) – tenor I
Joe Perchatsch (12) – tenor I
Savannah Riemer (10) – soprano I
Lily Space (12) – alto I
Amanda Strolia (12) – alto I
Erin C. Walsh (11) – soprano I
Erin M. Walsh (11) – alto I
Elly Walsh-Rock (10) – alto I
Megan Wanezek (12) – soprano I
Cory Wilson (12) – bass II
Sam Worlton (12) – alto II
Kyle Wulf (12) – bass II

VOCAL JAZZ
Joe Hughes (11) – tenor
Meredith Richard (12) – soprano
Erin C. Walsh (11) – soprano

Way to go DGS Choirs!!!!!!!!!!!

Congratulations to the nearly 300 Mustang musicians in the DGS Choirs that performed in such a stunning manner this evening. With repertoire ranging from 50's doo-wop to Mozart, all the groups performed with professional precision. Great job tonight DGS Choirs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Marching Mustangs at Illini Marching Band Championships

Congrats to the members of the Marching Mustangs for earning 2nd place in Class 6A at the 2010 Illini Marching Band Championships. The Marching Mustangs will conclude their competition season on Saturday, October 23rd, 2010 at the 45th annual State of Illinois Marching Band Championship at Illinois State University. The Marching Mustangs compete in preliminary competition at 5:37 PM.

DGS Choirs Concert - 10-19-10 @ 7:00 PM

Members of the DGS Madrigal Singers prepare for the upcoming Choir Concert. Please come and support your DGS Choirs:

Tuesday, October 19, 2010
7:00 PM
DGS Auditorium
Free Admission

Great work D99 Orchestra!!

Congratulations to the members of the District 99 Orchestra for a wonderful concert this evening. Special "shout out" to the members of the O'Neill Middle School Orchestra and to harp soloist Hannah Young for making the evening even more sonically memorable.

2010 Music Bowl a Resounding Success

On Saturday, October 9, 2010 18 high school bands from across Illinois competed in the 9th annual Music Bowl in the Stadium at Downers Grove South High School. In addition to the more than 2,000 student musicians that performed during the course of the day, the Mustang Band Boosters provided more than 200 volunteers to make the entire event possible. "When I consider things in District 99 that engage parent partnerships, this event continually surfaces as a shining example of complete success." said Fine Arts Department Chairman Glenn Williams. On behalf of the students and staff associated with the 2010 Marching Mustangs, we graciously thank every volunteer that contributed to make this event possible.

D99 Orchestra to perform 10-14-10 at 7:00 PM in the DGS Auditorium

Savvy, arts-minded concert goers will certainly be in attendance for the first performance of the renowned District 99 Orchestra on Thursday, October 14, 2010 @ 7:00 PM in the DGS Auditorium. The D99 Orchestra, conducted by Jennifer Mullen, will perform Suite for Strings by John Rutter and will feature harpist Hannah Young performing Handel's Concerto in Bb Major. The O'Neill Middle School Orchestra, conducted by Colleen Eakely, will also perform during this concert. The evening will conclude with a combined rendition of The James Bond Theme. The concert begins at 7:00 PM, admission is free and the public is cordially invited to attend.

MARCHING MUSTANGS CONTINUE HISTORICALLY UNPRECEDENTED SEASON

The DGS Marching Mustangs are making history on the competitive performance field this fall. The Marching Mustangs won Class 2A at the Prospect High School Knight of Champions Show, earning outstanding caption awards for Color Guard and Best Music. The band finished in second place overall out of 20 performing bands during this highly competitive event.

Recapping the season, the Marching Mustangs are indeed making history this fall on the competitive marching field. Here is the story of their success thus far:September 11
At the Lake Park Lancer Joust, the Marching Mustangs finished first place in Class AA, 5th overall in preliminary competition, earning caption awards for Best Guard and Best Music and Best General Effect. The Marching Mustangs finished in 8th place during the evening finals event.

September 18
At the Morton Invitational, the Marching Mustangs were name Grand Champion of this event, which featured 13 performing bands. The Marching Mustangs earned caption awards for Best Music and Best Visual.

October 2
At the Prospect Knight of Champions, the Marching Mustangs earned 1st place in Class AA, 2nd place overall out of 20 bands, also earning caption awards for Best Music and Best Visual.

Remaining performances
The Marching Mustangs have 2 remaining competitions on their schedule, October 16 at The University of Illinois and October 23 at the Illinois State University. Locally, audience members have two remaining opportunities to view the Marching Mustangs this season. The group will perform on Saturday, October 9, 2010 at 9:15 PM at the Mustang Music Bowl and Friday, October 15 before and at halftime of the varsity football game which begins at 7:30 PM. Both events are held in the DGS stadium.

DGS Madrigal Singers Going to State.............

After years of success at a local and regional level, the state of Illinois is about to find out in sight and sound what DGS and the community of Downers Grove already know: The DGS Madrigal Singers are an amazing vocal performance group.

After submitting an audition tape last spring, the renowned DGS Madrigal Singers have been selected to perform at the Illinois Music Educators' Association State Conference in January of 2011. In this highly competitive process, numerous vocal groups from the entire state submit tapes to fill only a few available performance slots during the course of the three day convention. The DGS Madrigal Singers will perform on Friday, January 28, 2011 from 10:15-10:45 AM as part of the IMEA State Music Convention. "Being selected to perform at a state convention is a pinnacle performance venue for any ensemble" says DGS Fine Arts Department Chairman Glenn Williams. "Selection demonstrates sonic success over more than just one year."

Directed by Laura Coster, this group of students was selected through a highly competitive audition process at DGS last spring. Joy Belt-Roselieb, choir director, and Belford Hernandez, collaborative pianist, have also had a significant role in shaping the sonic success of these students. "Our students work with all three staff members during their time in the DGS choirs." said Williams.

Leading up to the convention, the students will prepare a rigorous and diverse program, and, will have the opportunity to work with multiple guest conductors to prepare for this performance. This will more than likely be a highlight high school memory for every student performer involved in this process.

For more information about DGS Fine Arts, or about the DGS Choirs, contact Fine Arts Department Chairman Glenn Williams at gwilliams@csd99.org

Project Trio performing in District 99

Blurring the lines of classical music

The District 99 Orchestra is sponsoring a joint concert with the PROJECT Trio on Tuesday, November 9th at 7:00 p.m. in the auditorium of Downers Grove South High School. PROJECT Trio is a passionate, high energy chamber music ensemble comprised of three virtuosic composers/performers from Brooklyn, NY. Blending their classical training with an eclectic taste in musical styles, PROJECT Trio has made an impact on audiences of all ages. Bursting onto the scene with their landmark videos, right out of the internet generation, PROJECT Trio is a musical experience defining a new level of entertainment! Many students have heard the PROJECT Trio because their YouTube videos have gone viral, with over 20 million views! Unique to this ensemble is the beat-box technique used by flautist, Greg Pattillo, who is considered to be the best beat-box flute player in the world. This is truly a concert not to be missed!
To watch some of their performances and to learn more about the trio, visit their website at http://www.whatisproject.org/.
Tickets for this concert are $15. You can access the ticket order form at this link. The money from the ticket sales will be used, in part, to fund the exchange program with the Bietigheim-Bissingen Musikschule. Please be sure to order your tickets in advance using the ticket order form! Seating is general admission. Thank you for your support!