2016 Memorial Day Parade and Service #99Learns #DGSPride @Dist_99 @DGS_Bands

The Marching Mustangs proudly participated in the 97th 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 Veterans Memorial Pavilion in 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.

Symphonic Band & Wind Ensemble Spring Concert #99Learns #DGSPride @Dist_99

Congratulations to the students and staff affiliated with Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble for presenting a fabulous spring concert this evening.  Special kudos to guest soloist Chuck Parrish, to solo percussionist Katie Clark, and to guest student conductor Brandon McDaniels.  Congratulations also to Senior Soloists Julia Poska and Bridget Moroney for playing with artistry, fluency and elegance that completely captivated the audience.  Finally, we bid a fond farewell to the Mustang Bands Class of 2016 - you have established a lasting legacy.

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

AP Studio Art Students create murals for Math Department #99Learns #DGSPride @Dist_99

Students in AP Studio Art continue producing and progressing to the final moment of the school year, working collaboratively to develop a mural which will adorn the math department walls here at South High School.

The first image  is a composition of houses that will be overlaid with the outlines of triangles and other shapes. The also design includes plans to hide a few numbers and formulas amongst the clouds. This mural is being worked on by Patricia Walker, Peyton Parker, Delilah Garcia, and Jenna Soria.

The second image is pie composition that will have the number pie stretching out through the spiral of steam.  This image is being worked on by Stephanie Stewart and Kirsten Gard.

The third image is the composition of many triangles, it is about 60% sierpinski triangle.  This image is being worked on by Hannah Maes, Monica Baba, Sarah Hodshire.

Thanks to these students for collaborating with each other and with the math department to visually enrich South High School.  Thanks to mentor teacher Katherine O'Truk for facilitating this project. 

@D99Orchestra Shines from Opening Notes to Final Countdown #99Learns

Congratulations to the student musicians of the District 99 Concert Orchestra and District 99 Symphonic Orchestra, as well as Ms. Mullen and Mr. Hensel, on a fabulous concert tonight.  Each ensemble demonstrated passionate musicianship and attention to sonic detail.  

Special congratulations, and thanks, are extended to …

- Mrs. Pattie Barnes, bell soloist

- Mrs. Pattie DePeder, typewriter soloist

- Kevin Chow, piano soloist

- Liam Morgan, cello soloist

- Senior Orchestra Members from the Class of 2016

- D99 Orchestra alumni joining in The Final Countdown

Orchestra Concert Tonight! @D99Orchestra #99Learns

You will not want to miss tonight's District 99 Orchestra Concert, which will be held in the Clarence Johnson Auditorium of Downers Grove North High School.  Doors open at 6:30 PM (Free admission / General seating), and the concert begins at 7:00 PM.

Performing this evening will be the District 99 Concert Orchestra, the District 99 Symphonic Orchestra, and a Combined Orchestra (including Alumni).  Featured Senior Concerto soloists include Kevin Chow (piano) and Liam Morgan (cello).  Fine Arts colleagues Mrs. Pattie DePeder (typewriter) and Mrs. Pattie Barnes (bell) will also be featured in solo repertoire.




Tonight's concert will be streamed live on High School Cube beginning at 7 PM. The video will be available for 30 days.

Click here to be redirected to the streaming video.

2016 Jazz in the Park - What a night! #99Learns #DGSPride @Dist_99 @DGS_Bands @DGParks

Congratulations to the student musicians of the DGS Jazz Workshop, DGS Jazz Lab Band, DGN Jazz Lab Band, DGS Jazz Ensemble, DGN Jazz Ensemble, and the D99 Honors Jazz Band for a wonderful evening of music at Fishel Park!