Friday, September 28, 2012

2012 Homecoming Friday

Enjoy this slideshow of images from Homecoming Friday at South High School with the Marching Mustangs and Jazz Ensemble.

2012 Homecoming Show





Congratulations to the crew, cast and production team involved with the 2012 Homecoming Show.  Special kudos to the Jazz Lab Band, Jazz Ensemble, and the Madrigal Singers for their performances.  In addition to these established ensembles from the Fine Arts Department, it was great to see and hear so many student-led groups performing such a wide variety of music. 

Sunday, September 23, 2012

2012 Kingsmen Carnival of Bands



The Marching Mustangs traveled to Mishawaka, Indiana to perform and compete in the 2012 Penn High School Kingsmen Carnival of Bands.  Competing against some of the finest marching ensembles from Lake and Porter Counties in Northern Indiana, the Marching Mustangs finished 4th place in class A/AA with a score of 70.75, just .05 behind the third place ensemble.

More important than the score and ranking is expert feedback and advice the Marching Mustangs received from the adjudication panel, nearly all of whom were viewing the Marching Mustangs for the first time.  This unbiased feedback will prove invaluable as the Marching Mustangs continue their visual and sonic growth through the 2012 competitive season.

Saturday, September 22, 2012

2012 Cross Town Classic







Congratulations to the Marching Mustangs, Trojan Marching Band, Athenas and Fillies for their collaborative half-time and pre-game performances during the 2012 Crosstown Classic in District 99.  Special congratulations to the members of the choral and orchestra programs from both campuses that joined the combined marching ensembles on the field during pre-game to lead the crowd in attendance in honoring America through the playing and singing of our National Anthem.

As is tradition, the drum majors from each ensemble exchanged season t-shirts.  The Marching Mustangs led well from the stands and on the field - the light drizzle during the evening didn't dampen the spirt of the students in the ensemble.

Thanks also to our Cross Town hosts for showing such fabulous hospitality during the evening!

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Marching Mustangs season marches onward.....

The Marching Mustangs of South High School in Downers Grove performed in 2 competitions this past Saturday, September 15, 2012. First, the band  traveled south to the Providence Catholic Invitational in New Lenox, IL and performed this year's show titled "Some Assembly Required". Their visual and sonic efforts earned them 1st Place and "Best General Effect" in Class AA. After a hasty clothing change and loading of the busses, the Marching Mustangs headed north to perform at the Wheaton North Falcon Festival in Wheaton, IL. Another fine performance earned them 2nd Place, "Best Percussion" and a tie for "Best General Effect" in Class 2A - congratulations! The Marching Mustangs will compete at the Penn High School Carnival of Bands in Mishawaka, IN on Saturday, September 22. Make plans now to to enjoy their performance at the Downers Grove South H.S. Music Bowl on Saturday, October 13 at 10:00 a.m. Visit Mustang Band Boosters for more information.

Enjoy this video from the evening performance at Wheaton North High School from Saturday, September 15, 2012.  Go Marching Mustangs!

Friday, September 14, 2012

Friday Night Lights






Enjoy these images from the Marching Mustangs from the home football on Friday, September 14, 2012  game versus Leyden Township High School .

"Hitting Hard" in DGS Fine Arts

 
 
It is a tradition at South High School for varsity football players to ask an influential teacher or mentor to wear their football jersey as a sign of appreciation for the staff member, a sign of school spirit, and a sign of support for the varsity football squad.  Here are images of Ms. Mullen and Mr. Hernandez with their varsity football counterparts in their South High School varsity football jerseys on spirit Friday - Go Mustangs!!!!!!!!

Marching Mustangs - Week #2



The Marching Mustangs from South High School in Downers Grove prepare for an active weekend with a Friday night football game, and a competition double-header at Providence Catholic at 5:30 PM and at Wheaton North High School at 8:45 PM. 

Enjoy this video of the 34th Lake Park Lancer Joust finals as a "teaser" to entice you to attend one or all of the performances this weekend!

Saturday, September 08, 2012

34th Lake Park Lancer Joust



The Marching Mustangs competed at the 34th Lancer Joust at Lake Park High School.  The Marching Mustangs were one of ten out of 17 competing bands that earned a spot in the finals competition based on preliminary performance scores.  This is the fourth consecutive year the Marching Mustangs have earned a spot in the finals of the prestigious Lancer Joust competition.  The score and finals placement of the Marching Mustangs continues to improve, with the ensemble earning 5th place at the conclusion of the 2012 Lancer Joust finals.  A great start to the competitive season for the Marching Mustangs!

Sunday, September 02, 2012

South HS Jazz Ensemble at the 2012 Chicago Jazz Festival

The band backstage just before performing.

The saxophone section getting set up for the gig.

Hundreds of listeners gathered at the Young Lions stage.



The South High School Jazz Ensemble performed for hundreds of audience members today at the 2012 Chicago Jazz Festival.  Performing at the Young Lions stage, the ensemble played a broad program including Ellington, Basie, Rollins and much, much more.  The performance ended with a rousing standing ovation from the patrons in attendance.  The group represented District 99 and South High School with professional poise and sonic precision.

Saturday, September 01, 2012

Hawkeye Marching Band in District 99

The Hawkeye Band arrives in the North High parking lot.

The Hawkeye Marching band rehearses their halftime show.

An actual hawk, probably from Iowa, circled the field and perched on a light post during pre-game rehearsal.

The HMB gathers for post-rehearsal announcements.

District 99 was pleased to host the Hawkeye Marching Band on Carstens Field at North High School for a rehearsal this morning.  While the potential for inclement weather precluded the wind players from using instruments, the spirit and ensemble precision of the ensemble was still apparent during their marching rehearsal.  It was great to see students and community members alike in the stands for the open rehearsal this morning.  Iowa faces the Huskies from NIU at Soldier Field at 2:30 PM this afternoon.    Special thanks to the students and staff from District 99 that volunteered their time this morning to make this hosting event possible.