Friday, May 29, 2015

A fond farewell to the students artists in the Class of 2015






We extend a heartfelt congratulations and bid a fond farewell to the South High School Class of 2015.  Specifically, we acknowledge the artists in sight and in sound who set high standards as artists and as people as their departing legacy.

Best wishes in your future endeavors.  Your alma mater expects you to visit with frequency!

If you are unable to celebrate locally with the graduating class, please view the ceremony on the High School Cube by clicking the link below:

South High School 50th Anniversary Mural #99learns




To help celebrate and commemorate the 50th anniversary of South High School, students artists in the Drawing and Painting Studio Art class are creating a mural.  Facilitated by mentor teacher Marcia Hansen, this mural will capture the wide spectrum of student involvement in activities, athletics and academics.  When completed, the mural will hang in the "A" hallway near the main office.


Thursday, May 28, 2015

2015 Madrigal Singers Graduation Concert

The South High School Choirs Class of 2015 added significantly to their inimitable sonic legacy tonight during the Madrigal Singers Graduation Concert.  The craftsmanship and musicianship were remarkable from start to finish, from large ensemble to small groups and soloists.  Of the long list of impressive  occurrences during the evening, here is but a few:
  • The evening was totally learner centered - these students were in charge of their own musical destiny.
  • The repertoire was performed ARTISTICALLY.
  • The diversity of the repertoire represents the depth and breadth of the musicianship in the group.
  • These students care deeply about their craft, but they care even more about each other.
  • Even though the repertoire had lyrics, the expression emitted went way beyond words.
Everyone that remains at South High School owes a debt of gratitude to this senior class for establishing a wonderfully high performance bar, but perhaps even more, for setting that bar in a caring manner.  Well done Class of 2015 - we'll miss your presence, but, we'll be reminded of if on a daily basis in the sights and sounds emanating from the music suite!


District 99 Spring Orchestra Concert #99Learns













Congratulations to the student musicians in the District 99 Orchestra, and their conductor Ms. Jennifer Mullen, for presenting a fabulous Spring Concert.

Concert Orchestra's Scenes from Swan Lake, and the four-movement American Folk Symphony were an impressive start to the concert.  Student Tim Edwards arranged the Gabriel Faure's  Elegie into an elegant cello ensemble that featured his colleague, senior Samantha Young.  The Haydn Cello Concerto in C Major was performed masterfully by senior soloist Allison Williams, and the Symphonic Orchestra premiered a new work commissioned in memory of Bob Lapen. Harpists Kristyn Krajewski and Caitlyn Renowden were also featured prominently on the program.

The combined finale, designed as a tribute to the Class of 2015, included orchestra alumni returning and performing "The Final Countdown."

Congratulations, one and all, for an inspiring evening of music!

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Jazz In The Park 2015 #99Learns

Congratulations to the musicians of the DGS Jazz Workshop, DGN Jazz Lab Band, DGS Jazz Lab Band, DGN Jazz Ensemble, DGS Jazz Ensemble, and the D99 All Star Band for their terrific performances at the 2015 "Jazz In The Park."  The inclement weather outside had no impact on the spirited and energetic performances of these fine ensembles.  Each band delighted the audience with a diverse set of repertoire that highlighted the depth and breath of musical learning this academic year.  Well done DGS and DGN musicians!




















Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Jazz in the Park - MOVED INDOORS TO NORTH HIGH SCHOOL


Due to the potential for thunderstorms during the course of the evening, 2015 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.  

District 99 Orchestra Spring Concert



The District 99 Orchestra is making final preparations for the 2015 Spring Orchestra Concert which will take place on Wednesday, May 27, 2015 at 7:00 PM in the auditorium at South High School.  Music by Sibelius and Haydn will be featured in addition to a world premiere of a piece commissioned by and for the District 99 Orchestra titled "Discovery" by composer Kirt Mosier.



If you are unable to join us live in the auditorium at South on Wednesday evening, please join us virtually by following the live broadcast on the High School Cube.  You can access the broadcast by CLICKING HERE.

Friday, May 22, 2015

2015 Photographic Society of America Youth Photography Showcase Award Winners






The Photographic Society of America (PSA) has announced the award recipients for the 2015 Youth Photography Award Showcase.  South High School in Downers Grove is proud to announce three first place award winners in the results from this national contest, chosen from over 1,100 submissions:

1st Place in Architecture:  LAST TENEMENT by Besiana Useni 
1st Place in Scapes: A STORM MARKS by Kailey Holzman 
1st Place in PJ: DISPLACED by Crystal Panganiban 
    
    Color Choice: DILUTED by Emma Hansen 
    Color Choice: WRITING ON THE WALL by Bridget Plante 
    Mono Choice: SHOELESS by Courtney Scott 

Additionally, A STORM MARKS by Kailey Holzman was named "Best in Show" by the panel of adjudicators.  Winning work will be featured in the PSA Journal, a national publication, and, it will be displayed at an International Exhibition in West Yellowstone in September of 2015.  DGS Fine Arts also congratulates Ms. Michelle Lynn, the mentor teacher to each of these student artists.


Friday, May 15, 2015

D99 All-Star Jazz Band @DGNFineArts @DGSFineArts #99Learns

@dgnbands & @dgsbands jazzers are collaborating today in preparation for the 2015 Jazz In The Park Concert.

Thursday, May 14, 2015

2015 Spring Art Show and Spring Choir Concert






The West Events foyer was abuzz this evening as the Spring Art Show opened, featuring the Senior Black Box.  Nearly 600 pieces of 2D and 3D student work will be on exhibition until Tuesday, May 20, 2015.  Special congratulations to the Teacher's Choice Award winners Hannah Wood and Jennifer Shi, the Goldie Zechel Award winner Nicole Wroblewski, and the Outstanding Senior Artist Emma Hansen.










Occurring simultaneously, the Spring Choir concert featured the Select Choral Ensembles and the
A Cappella Choir, culminating the year of musical learning with stunningly performed repertoire.  Special shout-out to the DGS Choir Class of 2015 - you have set a high standard in the music suite and we will sorely miss you next year!

If you were unable to join us live in the auditorium this evening, please watch the concert on the re-broadcast on the High School Cube by CLICKING HERE.

Wednesday, May 13, 2015

Spring Band Concert - Concert Band and Wind Ensemble











Congratulations to the student musicians in Concert Band and Wind Ensemble for presenting an outstanding Spring Concert this evening.  Senior soloists Sam Tedeschi, Kyla Swain and Brooke Nuccio were artistically dazzling.  DGS alum Jon Hansen enacted "Casey at the Bat" with poise and professionalism indicative of his current career success as a broadcaster.  The closing combined rendition of Thundercrest left the audience clapping and humming as they departed the auditorium.

Special kudos, congratulations and a heartfelt "thank you" to the departing members of the DGS Bands Class of 2015.  Your musical and personal impact on those left behind is significant.  We will miss you all next year, and wish you continued success in your future endeavors.

If you were unable to join us live in the auditorium tonight, please join us virtually on the rebroadcast of the concert on the High School Cube by CLICKING HERE.