2016 Winter Art Show Highlights @Dist_99 #99Learns #DGSPride

Please enjoy these highlights from the 2016 Winter Art Show at South High School in Downers Grove.  

2016 Holiday Concert @Dist_99 #99Learns #DGSPride

From the empty performance space to the final sounds of the Hallelujah Chorus the arts were celebrated in Downer Grove this evening.  Congratulations to all the performing students and staff for presenting a memorable Holiday Concert.

Special kudos and congratulations to Laura Coster.  Mrs. Coster conducted the Hallelujah Chorus this evening and was acknowledged for serving the students at South High School through teaching music since 1984.  Mrs. Coster is retiring from teaching at the end of this school year, and has had a positive impact on countless student musicians.  Congratulations Mrs. Coster, and thanks for all that you have done and continue to do for the students at South High School.

Emerging Artists Exhibit in Winter Art Show #Dist_99 #99Learns #DGSPride

Be sure to view the Emerging Artist Invitational Exhibit in the Winter Art Show.  This exhibit features student art work from articulated sender schools including O'Neill Middle School, Jefferson Junior High School and Lakeview Junior High School.  These emerging younger artists clearly demonstrate  the bright visual future that awaits visual art show at South High School.

Calendars and Note Cards featuring student artists @Dist_99 #99Learns #DGSPride

On Thursday, December 8th starting at 6:00 PM Friends of Fine Arts (FOFA) will have available for purchase note cards and calendars featuring student art work.  These well priced items make great seasonal gifts for all types of family members and acquaintances.  Supplies are limited, so be sure to get your calendars or note cards tomorrow night at the opening of the Winter Art Show!

2016 Holiday Concert on the HS Cube @Dist_99 #99Learns #DGSPride

Can't join us in the gym on Thursday night for the 2016 Holiday Concert?  No worries - follow us virtually by CLICKING HERE. 

2017 South High School All-State Musicians @Dist_99 #99Learns #DGSPride

12 student musicians from South High School in Downers Grove have been selected through competitive audition to participate in the 2016-2017  Illinois Music Education Association All-State Bands, Orchestras, Choirs, Jazz Bands or Vocal Jazz Ensembles.  The audition took place on October 13, 2016 at Carl Sandburg High School. Chorus students have been placed into Honors or All-State Ensembles based on their district auditions and call-backs.  Instrumental students will audition again in January while in Peoria for placement in either Honors or All-State Ensembles. 

“Earning a spot as an All-State musician is the pinnacle of performance success for a high school performer in Illinois” said Fine Arts Department Chairman Glenn Williams.  "The long term performance success of these student musicians can be attributed to families, private teachers, and sender school music teachers.  South High School is proud of these students for their diligence and commitment to musical excellence and is pleased to have them represent our school, our district and our community as All-State musicians."

The All-State Band, Choir, and Orchestra will convene for a series of rehearsals in Peoria, IL, January 25-28, 2017.  Their concerts will be held at the Peoria Civic Center on the afternoon of January 28, 2017.

WINDS AND PERCUSSION
Allie Brandt (11) Bb Clarinet (Orchestra)
Danny King (11) Bb Clarinet
Kristina Mucha (12) Bb Clarinet
Susan Zhou (12) Bb Clarinet

CHORUS
Matt Burrows (11) - Bass II
Vanessa Copeland (12) - Alto II
Sean McCarthy (12) - Tenor I
Lydia Walsh-Rock (12) - Soprano I

ORCHESTRA STRINGS
Nicolette Cheaure (11) Viola

JAZZ BAND
Brianna Imgruet (12) Trumpet
Adam Zlotnicki (12) Trumpet

MUSIC COMPOSITION
Grace Zieman (12) - Vocal Ensemble - 3rd Place - "Orange"

2016 Downers Grove Tree Lighting Ceremony @DGS_Bands @Dist_99 #99Learns #DGSPride @DownersGroveVlg

Thanks to the students and staff affiliated with the Marching Mustangs for the musical community service provided today at the 2016 Tree Lighting Ceremony.  The Marching Mustangs led the parade with kids and parents and Santa Claus from the DG Public Library to the Train Station, and participated in the ceremony that culminated with the lighting of the Downers Grove Christmas Tree

DGS Fine Arts at 13th Bonfield Express @Dist_99 @DGS_Bands @BonfieldExpress #99Learns #DGSPride

Thanks to the students and staff from DGS Fine Arts for providing community musical service in support of the 2016 Bonfield Express.  Senior Lydia Walsh-Rock started the race by singing a stunning National Anthem, and members of the DGS Jazz Ensemble providing swinging support for  6,4000 race participants at the finish line.  Special thanks to the Bonfield Express for their ongoing support of District 99 students,  giving more than $350,000 in scholarships to nearly 160 high school seniors from D99 and other area Districts.

DGS Welcomes "The Other Guys" @Dist_99 #99Learns #DGSPride

DGS Fine Arts and the A Cappella Choir were pleased to host THE OTHER GUYS, a subset of the Varsity Men's Glee Club at the University of Illinois.  Known for their impeccable musicality and unique brand of humor, The Other Guys are the University of Illinois’ premiere men’s a cappella group. Since their inception during the 1968-1969 school year, The Other Guys have evolved from an amusing diversion to a popular, high profile, international traveling group of goodwill ambassadors. The current group continues to build on the tradition – a tradition that is characterized by musicianship, comedic spontaneity, and time-honored dignity.

The Other Guys perform at over 100 different venues a year, as well as every Varsity Men’s Glee Club concert. Their resume includes appearing at Chicago’s United Center, Yankee Stadium, Wrigley Field, New York City’s famed Gotham Comedy Club, the Broadway production of "Grease," command performances in Washington, D.C., Google Headquarters, Lucasfilm Inc., Roger Ebert’s 10th Annual Film Festival, copious alumni events throughout the country, and numerous shows in Europe.  

Muriel Anderson Master Class @Dist_99 #99Learns #DGSPride

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, Treble 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 26, 2016 at 8:00 PM in the Johnson Auditorium at North High School.  Special guest artist for this concert is Pat Donohue from Prairie Home Companion - 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!

Fall Jazz Concert Swings the Night Away! @DGS_Bands @Dist_99 #99Learns #DGSPride

Congratulations to the more than 60 student musicians who performed at the Fall Jazz Concert tonight with the Jazz Workshop, Jazz Lab Band, and Jazz Ensemble.  The depth and breadth of the literature performed was impressive by all three bands.  Special shout-out to the District 99 Orchestra for realizing Nelson Riddle's classic arrangement of "I Won't Dance" featuring Bella Kelly on vocals.

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

DGS Winter Guard Auditions - GET HYPED!

Get hyped for the DGS Winter Guard auditions - you belong in this performing ensemble!  Auditions are November 22 and November 29 from 6-9 PM.  Questions?  Contact rreyes@csd99.org. 

Fall Jazz Concert - TONIGHT! @Dist_99 @DGS_Bands #99Learns #DGSPride

The stage is set and the student musicians are ready to present the 2016 Fall Jazz Concert tonight at 7:00 PM in the auditorium at South High School.  The Jazz Workshop, Jazz Lab Band and Jazz Ensemble will present music by Nestico, Mossman, Carter, Heath and much, much more.  Admission is free and the public is cordially invited to attend this perennial patron favorite.

ILMEA District 1 Festival - a stunning celebration of the Arts @Dist_99 @ILMEA1 #99Learns @DGSPride

Congratulations to the student musicians who participated in the ILMEA District 1 Band, Choir, Orchestra and 9/10 Choir today at Elmhurst College.  Students worked with inspirational conductors and teachers today, including Professor Ross Kellan, Dr. Cheryl Frazes-Hill, Dr. Robert Hasty and Mr. Michael Bultman.  After just over 6 hours of rehearsal, each ensemble presented a stunning performance of challenging repertoire to a capacity crowd exceeding 1,000 patrons at Faganel Hall on the beautiful campus of Elmhurst College.  Several District 99 students were featured during the concert as soloists or in principle chairs in each of the ensembles.  

Special kudos also to the music go to the music faculty in District 99 for personifying the spirit of professional volunteerism that keeps ILMEA a vibrant organization: Brayer Teague is the President-Elect of ILMEA, Craig Roselieb is the President of the Jazz Division;  Jennifer Mullen is the co-chair of the District 1 Orchestra Division;  Beth O'Riordian is the co-chair of the District 1 Choral Division; Laura Coster is the co-chair of the  District 1 9/10 Honors Choir;  Joy Belt-Roselieb led a professional development reading session for music educators; Frank Piekarz adjudicated students auditioning to sing the Star Spangled Banner at future IHSA All-State Sporting events.  

All the District 99 students and staff extend a heartfelt "thank you" to our hosts today at Elmhurst College, including Pete Griffin, Jim Hile and Ross Kellan.  

2016 Marching Mustangs - From Band Camp to BOA! @Dist_99 @DSG_Bands #99Learns #DGSPride

Enjoy this summary video production of the 2016 Marching Mustangs Season.  Special thanks to videographer Mike Legel for creating such a fabulous synopsis of the season.  

Well done Marching Mustangs!

Wind Ensemble Invitational Shows a bright sonic future at DGS! @DGS_Bands @DGDistrict58 @Dist_99 @Woodridge68 #99Learns #DGSPride

Concert patrons were impressed with the sonic prowess of the performing ensembles on the 2016 Wind Ensemble Invitational.  Kudos and congratulations to the Jefferson Junior High School Symphony Band conducted by Keith Carlson and to the O'Neill Middle School Band conducted by Dave Balika.  Additionally, the DGS Wind Ensemble performed music by Gershwin, Grainger, Hazo and Markowski with an impressive sonic maturity.

DGS Bands also congratulates Mr. Dave Balika from O'Neill Middle School who will retire at the conclusion of the 2016-2017 school year.  Mr. Balika's numerous contributions to the Downers Grove learning community were acknowledged this evening by colleagues and by students.

If you were unable to join us in the auditorium this evening, you can watch the concert archived on the High School Cube by CLICKING HERE.