DGS Musicians Tapped for All-State Musical Theatre Production

Congratulations to senior Bella Kelly, violin, and junior Madeline Pteanc, violin, who have been named members of the Illinois High School Theatre Festival production of "Big Fish."  Kelly and Pteanc were selected, through audition, to join over 40 other students from across Illinois as instrumentalists in the 2018 All State Musical Pit Orchestra.

The company of the Illinois Theatre Association's "Big Fish" production consists of over 100 high school students from across the state.  Being a company member of the annual All-State Production is considered to be the highest achievement a student may attain in Illinois High School Theatre.

DGS Trumpet Ensemble performs at Aspired Living

Congratulations and kudos to the DGS Trumpet Ensemble, led by senior Jake Burrows, for their performance yesterday at Aspired Living in Westmont.  The musical and interpersonal interactions enriched the lives of both the student musicians and the residents.

2017 Winter Art Show Highlights

Please enjoy this video highlight reel of 2D and 3D student work from the 2017 Winter Art Show.  Congratulations to all the student artists and their mentoring faculty for creating such a wonderful exhibition!

DGS All-State Musicans

Congratulations to our 2017-2018 All-State Musicians.  The All-State Band, Choir, and Orchestra will convene for a series of rehearsals in Peoria, IL, January 24-27, 2018.  Their concerts will be held at the Peoria Civic Center on the afternoon of January 27, 2018

WINDS AND PERCUSSION

Allie Brandt (12) - Bb Clarinet

Danny King (12) - Bb Clarinet

CHORUS

Amy Binder (12) - Alto II

Matt Burrows (12) - Bass II

Agne Giedraityte (10) - Soprano I

Myles Henderson (12) - Bass II

Matthew McKenney (11) - Bass II

Natalie Olsen (12) - Soprano II

Nathaniel Parson (12) - Tenor II

Priya Patel (12) - Soprano II

ORCHESTRA STRINGS

Nicolette Cheaure (12) -Viola

Bella Kelly (12) - Violin II

Therese Malinowski (10) - Cello

2017 Holiday Concert

Congratulations to the students and staff who participated in the 2017 Holiday Concert at South High School this evening.  Please enjoy this archived broadcast of the performance.

Winter Art Show and Holiday Concert - FINAL PREPARATIONS!

The 2017 Winter Art Show opens on Thursday, December 7, 2017 at 6:00 PM in the West Events Foyer at South High School.  The Holiday Concert is at 7:00 PM in the main gymnasium at South High School.  Admission is free to both events and the public is cordially invited to attend this annual celebration of student artists and the arts at South High School.

FOFA Notecards, Calendars and LUNGEVITY Ribbons

Friends of Fine Arts (FOFA) is selling note cards and a calendar featuring the work of South High School student artists.  The note cards are $8 for a packet of 6 cards;  the calendar is $15.  Both items will be on sale at the opening of the Winter Art Show on Thursday, December 7th at 6 PM in the West Events Entrance at South High School.  These items will also be on sale at the Holiday Concert on Thursday, December 7th at 7:00 PM in the Main Gymnasium.  

All proceeds from the calendar sale this year are dedicated towards LUNGEVITY, the school-wide philanthropy for 2017-2018. 

Finally, all music students will be wearing white ribbons during the Holiday Concert to create awareness of and support for LUNGEVITY.  Patrons may purchase ribbons ($2 suggested donation) and join us in our campaign this year.  

2017-2018 South High School All-State Musicians

13 student musicians from South High School in Downers Grove have been selected through competitive audition to participate in the 2017-2018  Illinois Music Education Association All-State Bands, Orchestras, Choirs, Jazz Bands or Vocal Jazz Ensembles.  The audition took place on October 10, 2017 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 musical ambassadors at the IMEC this coming January in Peoria."

The All-State Band, Choir, and Orchestra will convene for a series of rehearsals in Peoria, IL, January 24-27, 2018.  Their concerts will be held at the Peoria Civic Center on the afternoon of January 27, 2018

WINDS AND PERCUSSION
Allie Brandt (12) - Bb Clarinet
Danny King (12) - Bb Clarinet

CHORUS
Amy Binder (12) - Alto II
Matt Burrows (12) - Bass II
Agne Giedraityte (10) - Soprano I
Myles Henderson (12) - Bass II
Matthew McKenney (11) - Bass II
Natalie Olsen (12) - Soprano II
Nathaniel Parson (12) - Tenor II
Priya Patel (12) - Soprano II

ORCHESTRA STRINGS
Nicolette Cheaure (12) -Viola
Bella Kelly (12) - Violin II
Therese Malinowski (10) - Cello

Madrigals Singers in the studio at WCIU

The South High School Madrigals Singers visited the studio at WCIU in Chicago, recording seasonal selections that will be used on upcoming broadcasts of "THE JAM" morning show.  The students garnered authentic experience of what it is like to be part of a professional studio setting.

Material recorded today will be shown on broadcasts in early December - stay tuned to this blog for specific information on when the broadcasts on WCIU will take place.

DGS Bands prepare for Holiday Concert

The combined Wind Symphony and Wind Ensemble rehearsed this evening in preparation for the upcoming Holiday Concert at South High School.  The Holiday Concert and Winter Art Show are on Thursday, December 8, 2017.  The Winter Art Show opens at 6:00 PM in the West Events Foyer.  The Holiday Concert is at 7:00 PM in the main gymnasium.  Admission is free and the public is cordially invited to attend both events.

Read Moroney's Inspirational Story

Special thanks to Jayna Bardahl, Print Co-Editor in Chief of the DGS Blueprint for capturing such an inspirational story.  To read Eileen Moroney's story about lung cancer CLICK HERE.  

To participate in the DGS Philanthropy supporting lung cancer research through LUNGEVITY, CLICK HERE. 

D99 Orchestra Prepares for December!

The entire District 99 Orchestra rehearsed this morning preparing for December performances at both North and South High Schools.  The room was filled with students (literally) and with fabulous sounds!

The North High Mosaic is at 5:30 PM and 8:00 PM on Tuesday, December 5, 2017 in the Johnson Auditorium at North High School.  The South High Holiday Concert is Thursday, December 7, 2017 at 7:00 PM in the main gymnasium at South High School.  Both events are free and the public is cordially invited to attend.

Muriel Anderson in District 99

Internationally acclaimed guitarist and musician Muriel Anderson visited both North and South High Schools today, performing and giving a master class for the students enrolled in Guitar classes, Digital Music classes, and several performance ensembles.  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 25, 2017 at 8:00 PM in the Johnson Auditorium at North High School.  Special guest artist for this concert is guitarist and entertainer Michael Kelsey - 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!

DGS & DGN Bands Represented In Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

Three District 99 musicians will be on the move Thanksgiving morning as they march from New York's Central Park to Herald Square in the 91st annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Downers Grove South Senior Jake Burrows, Downers Grove South Junior Kelly Jankowski, and Downers Grove North Sophomore Miles Teague were all selected by competitive audition to represent Illinois and perform with the 2017 Macy’s Great American Marching Band. The parade is expected to draw 3.5 million live spectators cheering on the band before arriving at Macy’s flagship store at Herald Square for an international performance for more than 50 million TV viewers watching the broadcast live on NBC. 



“To be selected for this national band is a tremendous accomplishment for Miles,” says North High Principal Janice Schwarze. “It’s rare that one student--let alone three students--from a district are selected for a band of this caliber, and we are so excited for Jake, Kelly and Miles."

The band will include 185 student musicians from all 50 states. The audition was open to students from more than 14,000 high schools across the United States. Students post their auditions to YouTube. “We’re so proud of Jake and Kelly and know they will represent our school and community very well,” says South High principal Ed Schwartz. “The fine arts programs in our district are truly two of the best in the country, as evidenced in part by this great achievement. Jake, Kelly and Miles will be tremendous ambassadors for our community."

The Other Guys from the University of Illinois

Members of the University of Illinois Men's Glee Club The Other Guys performed for DGS Choirs today on their winter tour.  It was great for students to be able to see what making music looks like in a college and university setting!  Everyone walked about enthusiastic and inspired about choral music! 

DGS Students at the 2017 ILMEA District 1 Festival

Congratulations to the 35 DGS student-musicians selected to perform in the Illinois Music Education Association District Festival. Students from across the Chicago region were selected by competitive audition to participate in day-long educational workshops with highly respected guest conductors, and present a culminating concert for family, friends, and educators.

CHOIR

Matt Bair - (9) - 9-10 Chorus
Amy Binder - (12) - Alto II
Peter Burrows - (10) - Tenor I
Matt Burrows (12) - Bass II
Abby Davenport - (12) - Alto I
Michaela Dukes - (12) - Soprano I
Megan Fogarty - (10) - 9-10 Chorus
Jillian Foster - (11) - Alto II
Agne Giedraityte - (10) - Soprano I
Myles Henderson - (12) - Bass II
Diana Kwak - (9) - 9-10 Chorus
Faith Ley (12) - Soprano II
Matthew McKenney - (11) - Bass II
Josh Nwonye - (9) - 9-10 Chorus
Natalie Olsen (12) - Soprano II
Nathaniel Parson - (12) - Tenor II
Priya Patel - (12) - Soprano II
Allison Puccillo - (12) Alto I
Enzo Rovito - (9) - 9-10 Chorus
Sam Selakovich - (11) - Alto II
Adrian Trujillo - (11) - Bass II

WINDS AND PERCUSSION (CLASSICAL)
Emma Ansah (11) - Bb Clarinet
Carson Aldrich (11) - Trombone (Orchestra)
Allison Brandt (12) - Bb Clarinet (Orchestra)
Jake Burrows (12) - Trumpet (Orchestra)
Samantha Guagliardo - (11) - Euphonium
Danny King (12) - Bb Clarinet (Band)
Kyle Kotula (12) - Trombone (Band)
Emily Schwab (11) - Bassoon (Band)
Saahil Sorakayla (10) - Bassoon (Band)

ORCHESTRA STRINGS

Nicolette Cheaure (12) - Viola
Bella Kelly (12) - Violin
Therese Malinowski - (10) - Cello
Lauren Mulé - (10) - Violin
Madeline Pteanc - (11) - Violin

2017 Fall Jazz Concert

Congratulations to the student musicians in Jazz Workshop, Jazz Lab Band and Jazz Ensemble for performing a strong Fall Jazz Concert.  Repertoire ranged from Gillespie to Timmons, from Hancock to Ellington, from Jones to Parker.  These outstanding ensembles perform on campus next again in January for the 2018 Jazz Cafe. 

If you were unable to join us live in the auditorium this evening, please view the archived performance on the High School Cube by CLICKING HERE.