Photographic Society of America Award winners announced

1st place in People/Animals

Maria Padilla - Lost

Three South High School visual artists have been selected as award winners in a national competition sponsored by the Photographic Society of America (PSA.)  The PSA is a worldwide organization providing a wide range of services that promote photography and benefits to members.  An annual youth photography showcase that is open to all students of high school age is conducted.  The results of the 2014 PSA Annual Youth Showcase judging produced these results for South High School visual artists:

Acceptances in Photographer's Choice

Kailey Holzman - Frail

Acceptances in Photographer's Choice

Abigail Dalton - Recurring Nightmare

Maria Padilla will receive a $150 gift card and a one year membership in PSA.  Additionally, all the prints will be displayed  at the PSA conference in Albuquerque, NM in September.  

"South High School is extremely proud of these student artists and their sponsor, Ms. Michelle Ross."  "Their work is worthy of this type of recognition." said Fine Arts Department Chairman Glenn Williams.  For more information about Fine Arts at South High School, contact Glenn Williams at gwilliams@csd99.org.

Congratulations D99 Orchestra!

Congratulations to the members of the District 99 Concert Orchestra, the District 99 Symphonic Orchestra, and the Cello Ensemble, for a wonderful performance this evening.  The 2014 Spring Orchestra Concert included a wide variety of challenging orchestral literature, performed at an incredibly high level of musical sophistication.  

Special congratulations are extended to Senior Soloists Sarah Williams (viola) and Katie Portman (violin).  And a special 'thank you' is shared with the woodwind, brass, and percussion students from the DGN Bands for their work on this program.  

Well done District 99 Orchestra students!

District 99 Spring Orchestra Concert Tonight!

The Fine Arts Department is pleased to invite you to attend the District 99 Orchestra Concert this evening at 7:00 p.m. in the Clarence Johnson Auditorium.  This free concert will feature the Concert Orchestra and Symphonic Orchestra.  Also featured will be two senior soloists -- Sarah Williams on viola, and Katie Portman on violin.  We hope you will join us for a wonderful evening of music, and support our North High musicians.

This evening's concert will be streamed on a High School Cube webcast, here:

http://tinyurl.com/D99SpringOrchConcert2014

Jazz in the Park (at DGN)

Even though the weather outside was frightful, the sounds inside were delightful as the 5 District 99 jazz bands opened the Downers Grove Park District annual summer concert series.  Each band ended their sonic year on a high note, performing a wide range of challenging repertoire with musicianship and confidence.  A special fond farewell to the DGS Jazz Class of 2014 - we will miss you each day in the music suite next year and beyond!

Thanks to the DG Park District for this collaboration which gives our students this fabulous chance to perform each year.

If you were unable to attend live, please view the archived concert on the High School Cube by following this link:

http://tinyurl.com/D99JazzInThePark2014

Jazz In The Park Webcast on High School Cube

This evening's "Jazz In The Park" concert (moved indoors to DGN), will now be broadcast live on High School Cube.  Please feel free to invite out of town family and friends to join the concert via the webcast.

Concert starts at 6:10 PM.

http://tinyurl.com/D99JazzInThePark2014

Jazz in the Park - MOVED INDOORS TO DGN!!!!!!!!!

Due to the potential for thunderstorms during the course of the evening, 2014 Jazz in the Park has been relocated to the Clarence Johnson Auditorium at Downers Grove North High School 

(4436 North Main Street/Downers Grove, IL  60515.)  

The evening begins at 6:10 PM with the DGS Jazz Workshop, followed by every D99 jazz ensemble.  Thanks in advance for your understanding, and, for coming out to support every ensemble tonight with your attendance.  If you have any questions or concerns, contact Glenn Williams at gwilliams@csd99.org.  

Memorial Day 2014

 The Marching Mustangs proudly participated in the 98th Memorial Day Service in Downers Grove. 

Three years after the Civil War ended, on May 5, 1868, the head of an organization of Union veterans — the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) — established Decoration Day as a time for the nation to decorate the graves of the war dead with flowers. Maj. Gen. John A. Logan declared that Decoration Day should be observed on May 30. It is believed that date was chosen because flowers would be in bloom all over the country.

Sponsored by Alexander Bradley Burns VFW Post #80, the brief parade is followed by a 45 minute ceremony at Fishel Park in Downers Grove.  The names of Downers Grove citizens who gave their life while serving our country are read, and, the fallen from each conflict are remembered.  The Marching Mustangs provide music for the event, culminating in an Armed Forces medley during which service members are recognized with audience applause for their service to our country.

Special thanks to the Village of Downers Grove and to the VFW Post #80 for continuing this important tradition in such a dignified manner, and, for letting the student musicians from District 99 lend musical support to the event.

Great job Jazz Lab Band!!!!

Great job by the Jazz Lab Band last night as they opened for the Pete Ellman Big Band at Mullen's in Lisle.  The patrons were "wowed" by the professionalism and poise of the ensemble during their 45 minute set.

Special thanks to Pete Ellman and Ellman's Music for providing this experience for student musicians throughout the area.  This was a fabulous "final exam" for the ensemble as the school year draws to a close.  Well done Lab Band!

Jazz Lab Band at Mullen's - TONIGHT!!!

Come out tonight and check out the DGS Jazz Lab Band as they open for the Pete Ellman Big Band at Mullen's in Lisle.  The DGS Lab Band will play from 7:00-7:45 PM, followed immediately by the renowned Pete Ellman Big Band.  Tables are certain to go quickly, so plan on arriving early, grabbing some dinner, and enjoying some great big band music this evening!

DGS Bands NYC Tour Meeting - Video recap

In case you weren't able to attend either informational meeting related to the DGS Bands traveling to New York in 2015, please take a moment to watch this presentation to gain further information to enable an effective decision for your student and your family.

We truly believe this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for students.  We appreciate your careful consideration of this information.  If have any questions, please contact Mr. Hensel, Mr. Roselieb, or Mr. Williams.

Great job Concert Band and Wind Ensemble!!!

Congratulations to the student musicians in Concert Band and Wind Ensemble for presenting an outstanding performance this evening.  Composers ranging from Purcell to Boysen, from Mozart to Ticheli, from Arutunian to Berlioz were represented on the program this evening.  Special congratulations to guest student conductor Kelsey Richardson, and senior soloists Rachel Wydra, John Shimanek and Kayleigh Stewart.  All four performed with musicianship and maturity and impressed the concert goers in attendance.

Special kudos and congratulations to the members of the Class of 2014 in the Wind Ensemble for presenting their final high school concert this evening.  We are proud of you and will miss you all very much!

2014 Spring Art Show and Senior Black Box

The South High School 2014 Spring Art Show and Senior Black Box exhibition opens tonight, featuring the 2D and 3D work of more than 500 student artists.  Patrons won't want to miss the 2014 Black Box show, featuring the work of South High School Art program seniors.  In addition to the art work, take time to examine the artist statements, many of which reveal the true nature of how the arts can impact student learning and achievement in a comprehensive high school.

The show remains open until Tuesday, May 20th, 2014.  Patrons may view the show during normal business hours, from 8 AM - 4 PM.  Thanks in advance for your continued support of student artists at South High School.