Village of Downers Grove 2014 Tree Light Ceremony

Great job today by the Marching Mustangs providing community support for the Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony.  The spirited music provided by the students in the ensemble was a great start to the holiday season here in the Village of Downers Grove.  Well done Marching Mustangs!

Way to go Tyler - remember me to Herald Square!

Special thanks to Mr. Brandt, Mr. Hensel and Mr. Teague for contributing these images of Tyler as he passes over the carpet in front of Macy's as a member of the Macy's Great American Marching Band!

Mustang Musicians at the 2014 Bonfield Express

Mustang musicians provided community service today by supporting the 11th Bonfield Express.  Braving temperatures in the low 20's at the start of the race, Emily Qualizza initiated the race with a gorgeous rendition of the Star Spangled Banner, and members of the DGS Jazz Ensemble greeting race participants at the finish line with spirited settings of jazz standards.  Thanks to these students and to Mr. Roselieb for supporting the community and for weathering the chilly temperatures as part of this integral Downers Grove event.

Internationally acclaimed guitarist Muriel Anderson visits South High School

Internationally acclaimed guitarist and musician Muriel Anderson visited South High School today, performing and giving a master class for the students enrolled in Guitar I, Guitar II, Digital Music and Freshmen Girls Choir.  Ms. Anderson is a D99 alumnus, and returns every Thanksgiving to share her experiences and musicianship with students, and, to encourage and promote attendance at her annual Homecoming Concert, which this year is on Saturday, November 29, 2014 at 8:00 PM in the Johnson Auditorium at North High School.  Special guest artists for this concert are Jeff Coffin and Paul Wertico - this is an event you won't want to miss!

We are grateful to Ms. Anderson for sharing her expertise and talents with our students each year!

Carnegie Hall Tickets for Sale!!!

We were informed by Carnegie Hall today that tickets for the March 2, 2015 concert will go on sale at 10:00 AM (CST) on December 23, 2014.

Tickets may be purchased online, at the Carnegie Hall website.  Click here.

If you are traveling with Bob Rogers Travel as a part of the official "Fan Package," you do not need to order tickets independently.  Your seats have already been secured for you, prior to the public sale. 

2014 ILMEA District Festival

Congratulations to the 40 students musicians from South High School in Downers Grove who participated in the 2014 ILMEA District Festival at Lincoln-Way West High School.  The students performed challenging repertoire with musical maturity.  These student musicians represented the school and community with dignity and elegance on all fronts.  It was a great day to be a Mustang!

CHOIR

Molly Carlson (10) Soprano II

Brett Cohen (12) Bass I

Alana Copeland (11) Soprano II

Vanessa Copeland (10) Alto I

Caitlin Coulam (12) Alto II

Emily Dahowski (12) Alto II

Melanie Frewen (12) Soprano I

Gabrielle Henderson (11) Alto I

Abrielle Joseph (12) Alto II

Emily Kaszyk (10) Alto I

Jessica Ley (12) Alto I

Anthony Mackar (12) Tenor I

Patrick Mitchell (11) Tenor I

Alexandra Nebelle (11) Soprano I

Nicole Perillo (11) Alto I

Samantha Ruiz (11) Alto II

Akila Shanmugham (11) Soprano II

Rachel Stepp (12) Alto II

Peter Szpytek (11) Tenor II

Jeremy Ursache (11) Bass II

Lydia Walsh-Rock (10) Alto I

Elyse Warnecke (12) Soprano II

WINDS AND PERCUSSION (CLASSICAL)

Allie Brandt (9) Bb Clarinet (Band)

Larissa Gurnic (11) Tuba (Band)

Bridget Moroney (11) Bb Clarinet (Band)

Kristina Mucha (10) Bb Clarinet (Band)

Brooke Nuccio (12) Flute (Orchestra)

Daniel Piccoli (10) Alto Saxophone (Band)

Julia Poska (11) Bb Clarinet (Band)

Predrag Radakovic (12) Euphonium (Band)

Joseph Shen (11) Flute (Band)

Samuel Tedeschi (12) Tuba (Orchestra)

ORCHESTRA STRINGS

Helena Beikircher (11) Violin

Hayley Beube (11) Violin

Nicolette Cheaure (9) Viola

Seth Collins (11) Violin

Kristyn Krajewski (11) Harp

Nithin Nathan (10) Violin

Jonathan Nelson (12) String Bass (Band)

Allison Williams (12) Cello

2014 Wind Ensemble Invite a Sonic Success

Congratulations to the student musicians in the DGS Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble tonight for a tremendous performance.  Kudos also are extended to the members of the Jefferson Junior High School Symphonic Winds and their director Keith Carlson for a great performance tonight as well.

A highlight of the evening featured the Wind Ensemble performing with the Gaudete Brass Quintet Movements II and III of Dodecafecta with the composer, James Stephenson, in attendance.  The nearly capacity crowd enjoyed a wide variety of repertoire played extremely well by all three ensembles.

If you weren't able to be there live, catch the replay on the High School Cube by clicking here.