District 99 Orchestra Banquet #99Learns @DGSFineArts @DGSFineArts @Dist_99

The students of the District 99 Orchestra celebrated an amazing year of sonic accomplishments at the 2016 D99 Orchestra Banquet this evening.  Special thanks to the team of parents from both campuses who collaborated to produce the event and the amazing raffle baskets this evening.  Thanks to Ms. Mullen for her work to recognize and honor the students in the orchestra during the evening.  To the members of the Class of 2016 - we thank you for your collective contributions to sonic success in our district and we bid you a fond farewell and wish you nothing but the best in life as the next part of your journey continues!

Dr. Neidlinger from DePaul University continues Superstate preparations #99Learns #DGSPride @Dist_99 @DGS_Bands

Thanks to Dr. Erica Neidlinger from DePaul University for lending her ears and expertise to the continuing preparation of Schoenberg's Theme and Variations as our Wind Ensemble continues musical development in preparation for Superstate at the University of Illinois.  The higher order thinking and musical conceptualizing that occurred this evening is impressive.

Dr. Yontz Clinic with the DGS Wind Ensemble

This evening the Wind Ensemble was treated to a visit from guest clinician Dr. Timothy Yontz in preparation for a performance at the University of Illinois Superstate Festival on May 7th. This two hour clinic with Dr. Yontz is part one of back to back evening clinics. Dr. Yontz is a professor of Music Education and Symphonic Band Director at Wheaton College where his bands have excelled on national levels. Thank you Dr. Yontz for spending an evening to help the DGS Wind Ensemble achieve sonic success. 

Read more about Dr. Yontz here. 

2016 Spring Jazz Concert #99Learns #DGSPride @Dist_99

Kudos and congratulations to the student musicians and directors for a fabulous Spring Jazz Concert this evening.  The diversity of repertoire was impressive.  The execution by the student musicians was inspirational.  The crowd in attendance was abuzz with excitement before, during and after the performance.

If you couldn't join us live in the auditorium tonight, or, if you want to continue to experience the concert, please watch the archived broadcast on the High School Cube by CLICKING HERE.

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

Join us in the auditorium at South High School tonight at 7 PM to hear the award winning big bands and chamber ensembles from DGS.  You'll hear music by Rollins, Adderley, Ellington, Corea and Gillespie.  Admission is free and the public is cordially invited to attend.

If you are unable to join us physically tonight in the auditorium, please join us virtually on the High School Cube by CLICKING HERE.

AWB Scholarship Concert - TODAY! #99Learns @DGSPride @Dist_99

Sophomore clarinetist Allie Brandt will perform today with the American Wind Band at 3 PM at Hinsdale South High School.  Allie is one of the AWB 2016 Scholarship competition winners.  The concert is free and the public is cordially invited to attend.  

RAKU Day 2016 #99Learns #DGSPride @Dist_99

Led by DG South visual art teachers Kathy Myles and Molly O'Brien-Prusa during a cool spring day, DGS student ceramicists from Ceramics II and Ceramics Studio classes today participated in the 16th annual Raku/Primitive Firing event at South High School in Downers Grove.  Raku pottery is created with a specific ceramic firing process that uses extreme temperatures, fire and smoke to create unique patterns and designs. Western-style raku usually involves removing pottery from the kiln while at bright red heat and placing it into containers with combustible materials. Once the materials ignite, the containers are closed. This produces an intense reduction atmosphere which effects the colors in glazes and clay bodies. The drastic thermal shock also produces cracking (known as crackling since it is deliberate).The student work that emerges from the smoke and fire of the day is visually stunning.

Karl Mankert, our RAKU "guru" from Chicago Kiln Service, was impressed by the work, and, the work ethic of the South HS ceramicists.  In addition to providing the equipment for the RAKU day, Mr. Mankert coaches and teaches the student artists in the subtle techniques of RAKU firing.  Special thanks to Friends of Fine Arts (FOFA) for supporting Mr. Mankert's visit and his work with student artists.

Look for these brilliantly developed pieces during the coming Spring Art Show starting on Thursday, May 19, 2106. It is a great day indeed to be a Mustang artist!

DGS Student to Sing National Anthem at IHSA Finals #99Learns #DGSPride @Dist_99

South High School senior Gabrielle Henderson has been selected to sing the Star Spangled Banner at the IHSA Boys State Baseball Finals on Saturday, June 11, 2016 at both the 11:00 AM and 5:30 PM games in Silver Cross Field in Joliet, Illinois.  Gabby earned this recognition by earning one of the top scores in the state through the ILMEA audition process.  Congratulations Gabby - well done!

An Epic Season with the DGS Pep Band #99Learns #DGSPride @Dist_99

Special thanks to Mr. Quinn for collating and producing this GoPro video summary of the Pep Band Season - Go Mustangs!

"Hello, Dolly!" on WCIU!!! @Dist_99 @DGSFineArts @wciu #99Learns #DGSPride

Enjoy the video recap from WCIU this morning.  Special shout-out to Jon Hansen for providing this opportunity for our students.

"Hello, Dolly!" @Dist_99 @wciu @DGSFineArts #99Learns #DGSPride

Great job by the cast, crew, pit orchestra and faculty production staff for re-creating "Hello, Dolly!" this morning for a live television broadcast on WCIU.  Special shout-out to DGS alum Jon Hansen for facilitating this experience for students.  Show runs Friday night at 7 PM, Saturday night at 7 PM and Sunday afternoon at 3 PM.