2012 Instrumental Music Day

Master classes, clinics, and adjudicated performances abound in the music suite today at South High School as students participate in Instrumental Music Day 2012. In Concert Band and Symphonic Band, more than 50 solo and ensemble events are performing for judges scores, ratings, and comments. In Wind Symphony and Wind Ensemble, Chicago area professional musicians are providing master classes on instrument performance. Much individual music growth has occured during the preparation process, and is manifesting in some fabulous sounds in the music suite today. Way to go Mustang Musicians!

South HS National Scholastics Award Winners

ROT by Kylie Walsh. National Scholastics Silver Medal Award Winner.

Succumbed by Kylie Walsh. National Scholastics Gold Medal Award Winner.

Puppet by Sammie Anselmo. National Scholastics Silver Medal Award Winner

South High School in Downers Grove extends congratulations to three visual artists who were recently notified they have received national recognition from the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards.

Sammie Anselmo is a national silver medal award winner; Kylie Walsh has merited one silver and one gold award; Bridget Bicek is a national silver medal award winner.

The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards began in 1923, and are today esteemed as the nation’s largest and most prestigious recognition program for teenage artists and writers. This year, more than 200,000 works of art and writing were submitted by students in grades 7 – 12 to the Regional adjudication. Approximately 13,000 works received Gold Key awards at the Regional level, in addition to Silver Key and Honorable Mention winners.


The Gold Key works moved on to the National adjudication. The top 11% , approximately 1500 pieces out of 13,000, received national medals.

Student work will be displayed in a national exhibition in Carnegie Hall in New York, New York. The opening ceremonies and exhibition begin on May 31, 2012.

"We are thrilled with the continued national recognition for students in our visual art program." said Fine Arts Department Chairman Glenn Williams. "This level of success comes only from extreme artistic dedication from the students and staff involved in this process."

For more information about visual arts at South High School, please contact Glenn Williams at gwilliams@csd99.org.

Way to go Concert Band!!!!!

The South High Concert Band enjoys a light breakfast on the veranda, celebrating their role in the St. Baldrick's Campaign. Concert Band was one of the top classes in the opening "dollar day" event that kicked off the campaign to raise funds to fight kids cancer. Nice work Concert Band!!!

2012 South HS Scholastics Gold Key Winners

South High School Fine Arts congratulates the 2012 Scholastics Gold Key Award winners:

American Vision Award Nominee
Bridget Bicek - Photography - La Lune

Gold Key Awards
Sammie Anselmo - Photography (2)
Ashley Austin - Art Portfolio
Eisvina Balsyte - Photography
Bridget Bicek - Photography Portfolio
Bridget Bicek - Photography (4)
Delaney Bondi - Photography
Anna Both - Photography
Ralph Jays Daguit - Drawing
Evelyn Gutierrez - Photography
Alexandra Hansen - Drawing
Kelly Hoos - Ceramics and Glass
Ivana Krcmarevic - Photography
Jena Mancione - Photography (2)
Caitlyn Rahe - Drawing
Rachel Riggin - Photography Portfolio
Christina Simirica - Photography
Thomas Stice - Mixed Media
Kylie Walsh - Photography (2)
Michael Weimer - Ceramics and Glass (2)

Welcome to "Tatiana"

South High School Visual Arts is pleased to welcome Tatiana to our department. The result of a generous donation, Tatiana is the skull of a Longhorn steer that will be seamlessly integrated into projects in the upper level Drawing classes. The dedicated post in the room now also features historical information about Georgia O'Keefe, and, a re-creation of one of O'Keefe's skull renderings. Visual art students will benefit for years to come from this stunning example.

D99 Orchestra Contemporary Music Concert

Composer Michael Schelle, pianist Miho Sasaki, and District 99 Orchestra conductor Jennifer Mullen pose after the performance.

The Concert Orchestra performs Michael Schelle's composition Extraction.

The District 99 Wind and Percussion section in action.

Aura Evans displays her original art work that was the cover of the concert program, and, a gift for the guest artists for the evening.

Pianist Miho Sasaki performing Schelle's composition Wright Flight.

The District 99 Symphonic Orchestra performs Wright Flight.

Megan Schreck playing the role of the dentists' drill on piccolo during Extraction.

Congratulations to the District 99 Orchestra, conducted by Jennifer Mullen, for a fabulous concert this evening featuring the contemporary music of award winning composer Michael Schelle. Both the Concert Orchestra and the Symphonic Orchestra performed Schelle's compositions, one of which featured guest piano artist Miho Sasaki. Performers and audience members alike walked away abuzz from the performance tonight, fully enriched by experiencing contemporary orchestral music performed with a high degree of excellence. Congratulations and kudos to Ms. Mullen and the members of the D99 Orchestra for presenting a fabulous performance this evening.

2012 District 99 Honors Vocal Recital

The North High Chamber Choir performs A Maiden Is In A Ring.

Colleen DeRosa performs Sin tu amor.

Anna Burton performs My Love Rode By.

Devin Collett performs Art is Calling for Me.

Erin Christine Walsh performs Music Box.

The South High Madrigals perform Sleep.

More than 75 students from North and South gathered together on the evening of March 6, 2012. When the opening bell sounded, there was no athletic competition to be found. Instead, when the opening tone resonated, there was artistic collaboration - in abundance.

Initiated over 20 years ago, the District 99 Honors Vocal Recital showcases the finest vocal musicians in District 99 in an annual collaborative performance. "This event symbolizes what is best in District 99." said South High School Fine Arts Department Chairman Glenn Williams. "It is collaborative, it is predicated on excellence, and it is all about students."

Leading up to this recital, both South and North High Schools hold independent vocal festivals. These festivals, held during the school day, are adjudicated by professional musicians and teachers from outside of District 99. The expert panel of adjudicators provide each student performing event with immediate formative feedback, and, with a score based on the quality of their performance. Each school then holds a run-off competition, where the best events are selected by the panel of adjudicators to perform on the District 99 Honors Vocal Recital. In total, more than 150 chamber music events are adjudicated during the Vocal Festivals at North and South High Schools.

In addition to the District 99 team of teachers working with the student musicians, a superior staff of private voice teachers coach and accompany the student singers through the performance preparation process at both South and North High Schools. These teachers are integral to the student success manifested during this recital.

"Solo singing is the highest level of performance." said North High School Fine Arts Department Chairperson Brayer Teague. "We strive for all of our students to aspire to this level of performance excellence." Once this recital is experienced as a listener, it is clear that the ability to sing with excellence alone and in small groups demonstrates performance mastery better than any other assessment.

For more information about the District 99 Honors Vocal Recital, contact Brayer Teague at North High School (bteague@csd99.org) or Glenn Williams at South High School (gwilliams@csd99.org.)

D99 Orchestra Concert - 03-17-12 at South HS @ 7 PM

The District 99 Orchestra is preparing today for their March concert, which this year features all contemporary music. Featured on the concert will be the music of composer Michael Shelle, and the artistry of guest performer Miho Sasaki. Both composer and performer have been "in residence" in Disrict 99, rehearsing with student musicians and engaging in dialog about creating and performing music.

Be certain to attend this event - the group sounds fabulous and the repertoire is extremely engaging. Wednesday, March 7, 2012 at 7:00 PM in the auditorium at South High School. Admission is free, and the public is cordially invited to attend.

South High School 2012 IHSA Solo & Ensemble Results

Nearly 30 student musicians from South High School participated in 23 events at the 2012 IHSA Solo and Ensemble contest held Saturday, March 3, 2012 at Wabounsie Valley High School. Of the 23 events, 16 earned Division I ratings, 5 earned Division II ratings, and 2 earned Division III ratingS. Of the 16 Division I ratings, 4 events were selected by the adjudicators in the room as "Best in Day," meaning the event was the best thing heard by the judge from just over 40 events heard by each judge in the room over the course of the day.

"We are proud of our student musicians for pursuing performance excellence through this event." said Fine Arts Department Chairman Glenn Williams.

Here are the specific results of the 23 events from South High School that performed and competed at the 2012 IHSA Solo and Ensemble Contest.

"BEST IN DAY" and DIVISION I RATING
Zach Plata, clarinet solo
Aura Evans, violin solo
Patrick Bartlett, tuba solo
Chris Reusz and Mike Ruth, alto saxophone Duet


DIVISION I RATING
Dan Reeter, Billy Moroney, Zach Plata - clarinet trio
Kelsey Richardson, bass clarinet solo
Zachary Paskvan, tuba solo
Andrew Molina, cello solo
Josiah Williams, trombone solo
Danny Tedeschi and Josiah Williams, trombone duet
Brooke Nuccio, flute solo
Billy Moroney, clarinet solo
Kathryn Krajewski, viola solo
Arpoorva Sorranahalli, violin solo
Rachel Wydra, bassoon solo
Brian Kelly and Scott Binter, marimba duet

DIVISION II RATING
Claire Hardy and Alexis Conklin - string duet
Zach Plata and Billy Moroney - clarinet duet
Allison Williams - cello solo
Aaron Collins - violin solo
Sean Hux - cello solo
Kinga Stolarczyk - violin solo

DIVISION III RATING
Vaios Karagiannis - violin solo
Mike Ziccarelli - trombone solo

2012 South High School Vocal Fest Results

Kudos and congratulations to all the participants in the 2012 South High School Vocal Festival. Students soloists and ensembles performed for a judges for ratings and feedback. A call back list was created, and the most outstanding students will participate in the District 99 Vocal Honors Recital tonight, March 6, 2012 at 7:00 PM at Gloria Dei Church in Downers Grove.

D99 Honors Vocal Recital Participants
Caitlin Carr
Colleen DeRosa
Overtones
Kyle Crawford
Mariah Copeland
Treble Ensemble
Feste Double Quartet
Alex Bahaveolos
Erin C. Walsh
Madrigals

Outstanding Run-off Performances
Alex Bahaveolos
Caroline Bair
Samantha Barry
Elizabeth Brunell
Anna Burton
Caitlin Carr
Brett Cohen
Devin Collett
Mariah Copeland
Kyle Crawford
Rachel Davis
Colleen DeRosa
Caitlin Doak
Lars Feste
Feste Sextet
Rosaley Gai
Chanté Gordon
Caitlin Grudzinski
Abby Hodonicky
Madelaine Isobal
Erik Jensen/
Cora Webster - Duet
Frannie Jones
Taylor Lane
Dan Leahy
Connor Leigh
Jennay Luby/
Mariam Shaat/
Lydia Zimmerman -
Trio
Andrew Mahlan
James Parsons
Savannah Riemer
Kevin Seelander
Cody Strolia
Maher Syed
Erin C. Walsh
Alex Werner
Eareen Yambao
Lydia Zimmerman

Honorable Mention Performances
Olivia Abrant
Mara Alvarez
Cameron Box
Kaylina Breig
David Dahowski
Rosemary Davy
Nate Dust
Zoe Fredriksen
Missy Garza
Livvi Germann
Colleen Gorecki
Emily Hodshire
Alison Johnson
Hannah Joseph
Shannon Kennedy
Maddie Kuerschner
Jennay Luby
Lian Lucansky
Ahona Mazumder
Ben McCrimmon
Taylor Meek
Patrick Murray
Rachel Oriatti
Rachel Perez
Allison Proffitt
Natasha Prosek
Joey Saponara
Megan Schreck
Liz Schwartzers
Raina Scott
Mariam Shaat
Rachel Stepp
Kaitlyn Trevor
Megan Vacek
Elyse Warnecke
Kate Weyers

2012 Winter Band Concert

Ron Hornish conducts Symphonic Band performing Robert Jager's Third Suite.

Eric Noska, student teacher from Illinois State University, conducts Symphonic Band in Randall D. Standridge's Steel.

Ron Hornish conducts Wind Symphony in Sam Rydberg's Italia.

Kudos and congratulationis to the student musicians in Symphonic Band and Wind Symphony tonight for a fabulous sounding Winter Concert. Symphonic Band played with clarity and precision and featured several excellent soloists throughout the performance. Wind Symphony played with tremendous characteristic tone, and, with extremely mature musicianship. Great work tonight by these Mustang musicians!

2012 Elmhurst Art Museum Portfolio Show

La Lune by South High School senior Bridget Bicek

This March the Elmhurst Art Museum celebrates the creative accomplishments of budding artists. Portfolio awards 13 senior art students from DuPage, Kane and Will Counties for their portfolio's originality, presentation, technique and creativity. Professional artists and expert adjudicators evaluate the student work to determine which of the student musicians are among the finest student artists in the three county-wide area.

Julianna Estall, 2011 Best in Show Portfolio artist and South High School student said, "Portfolio was truly one of the most memorable experiences of my high school career. I feel incredibly lucky to be honored amongest such a talented group of young artists."

Portfolio opens Friday, March 16 and runs through March 31, 2012. There will be an opening reception on Friday, March 16, from 6:00 - 8:00 pm.

Elmhurst Art Museum's 2012 Portfolio artists are:

• Kaycee Arnold, Aurora--West Aurora High School
• Bridget Bicek, Downers Grove--Downers Grove South High School• Mackenzie Cimala, Burr Ridge--Hinsdale Central High School
• Leighanne Crawford, Woodridge--Downers Grove North High School
• Paul Giacalone, Carol Stream--Wheaton North High School
• Ryan Kleibhan, Carol Stream--Glenbard North High School
• Iris Lee, Oswego--Aurora Christian Academy
• Justin Lee, Naperville--Aurora Christian Academy
• Glenda Lissette, Elmhurst--York Community High School
• Daniel Meinhart, Downers Grove--Downers Grove North High School
• Autumn Moberg, Downers Grove--Downers Grove North High School
• Morgan Sandacz, Woodridge--Downers Grove North High School
• Michael Weimer, Downers Grove--Downers Grove South High School

South High School 2012 Vocal Fest

The South High School Music Suite is abuzz today with the 2012 Vocal Fest. Student singers have prepared vocal solos and chamber music and are performing for expert outside adjudication. These judges assess and rate the student musicians in addition to providing immediate, expert feedback on the student performance.

The top performers from the day as selected by the expert adjudicators will compete in a run-off after school. The top performers from the run-off will participate in the District 99 Vocal Honors Festival with the top vocalists from North High School. This collaborative showcase takes place on Tuesday, March 6, 2012 at 7 PM at Gloria Dei Church.

Special thanks to our private vocal teaching team that has worked so diligently to prepare the students for success during this event. Much musical and extra-musical student growth occurs as a results of participating in this annual event.