Muriel Anderson and Tierra Negra at South High School

Internationally acclaimed guitarist/musician Muriel Anderson http://www.murielanderson.com/
performed with German flamenco guitar duo Tierra Negra http://www.tierranegra.de/ for South High School guitar and digital music student musicians this afternoon. This recital/master class was breathtaking in terms of performance prowess and information exchanged. Thanks to Ms. Anderson for her continued support of student musicians in Downers Grove and at South High School.

Be certain to catch Ms. Anderson, Tierra Negra and bassist extraordinaire Victor Wooten this coming Saturday, November 26th, 2011 at 8:00 PM in the Johnson Auditorium at North High School. Tickets will be available at the door, or by going to Ms. Anderson's web site.

The Other Guys perform at South High School

Student musicians at South High School were treated to performances today by the amazing acappella vocal ensemble The Other Guys from the University of Illinois. This ensemble is renowned for their musical artistry and their diverse performance repertoire. Featured with the ensemble today is John Junk, South High School class of 2011. John demonstrated clearly to Mustang singers today that musical performance can continue in a robust manner after departing the walls of DGS!!!

South HS hosts 2011 IMEA District 1 Festival

South High School in Downers Grove is proud to host the 2011 IMEA District 1 Festival. More than 700 students from over 100 high schools in the Chicagoland area are rehearsing with guest conductors and will present performances at 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM.

Special shout out to the students, parents and staff from the South High School learning community who have donated significant volunteer hours to make this festival possible today. Even more of a shout-out to the South High School student musicians participating in the Band, Orchestra, Choir and 9/10 Choir.

2011 South HS Wind Ensemble Invitational

Student musicians from Eisenhower Junior High School, Lakeview Junior High School, and South High School in Downers Grove collaborated in sound last night during the 2011 South HS Wind Ensemble Fall Invitational Concert. Each ensemble performed with the Gaudete Brass, a brass quinted completing a fall artist residency in Downers Grove. The sounds were amazing. Enjoy the "story" of the evening in words and pictures found below.

The South High School Wind Ensemble performs Dodefecta with the Gaudete Brass. Composer James Stephenson was present for the performance.

The South HS Wind Ensemble performs Sam Hazo's ...Go!

Band Source president Pete Biedron presents Tom Tedeschi with a plaque congratulating the Lakeview Band for a fabulous performance.

The Lakeview Junior HS Wind Ensemble performs.

Michelle Higgins, interim director at Eisenhower Junior High School, accepts a performance plaque from Ron Hornish.

The Eisenhower Junior High Symphonic Band performs.

Student composer and conductor Zach Plata opens the performance with the premiere of his composition titled Themes from John Mackey.

Dr. Cheryl Frazes-Hill & the CCPA Conservatory Chorus visit South HS

Grammy award winning conductor and music educator Dr. Cheryl Frazes-Hill visited South High School today with select members of the Roosevelt University/Chicago College of Performing Arts Conservatory Chorus. Dr. Frazes-Hill worked with the DGS Madrigal Singers, emphasizing linear musical phrasing and blend between voices. The clinic with Dr. Frazes-Hill was followed by a performance of Rossini's Petite Messe Solenelle by members of the CCPA Conservatory Chorus. This graduate level chorus is comprised of students studying to be professional opera singers. The beauty of the sounds that filled the DGS choir room was palpalable. Special thanks to Roosevelt University for providing this opportunity for the student musicians at South High School this afternoon.

NBC 5 "Prep destination of the week" and the Marching Mustangs

South High School was selected as the NBC 5 "Prep Destination of the Week" to promote spirit for the second round football play-off game versus Brother Rice tonight. As always, the Marching Mustangs contributed to school spirit with fabulous sounds and energy. The "Rise 'n' Shine" pep assembly provided a spirit start to this football play-off Friday.

More Music Suite photos..........

More images from senior orchestra member Kaitlyn Lapen's Girl Scout Gold Award project in the hallway of the music suite at South High School.

South High school senior Kaitlyn Lapen and a small group of friends are helping the music suite corridor visually come to life. As part of the requirements for the Girl Scouts Gold Award, Katie is creating sillouhettes of performing musicians in the entry hallway to the DGS music suite. "It's exciting to see the project come to life." said Fine Arts Department Chairman Glenn Williams. "This project definitely adds an element of class to our music suite." Thanks to Kaitlyn and her friends for working to complete this fabulous project!