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.

DGS students at 2017 ILMEA District 1 Jazz Festival

Congratulations to the seven DGS student-musicians selected to perform in the Illinois Music Education Association District Jazz Festival on Saturday, November 11, 2017 at Thornton-Fractional South HS.  Students from across the Chicago region were selected by competitive audition to participate in day-long educational workshops with highly respected guest conductors.  Each ensemble then presented  a culminating concert for family, friends, and educators.

Carson Aldrich - (11) - Trombone
Nathan Brummel - (9) - Trombone
Jake Burrows - (12) - Trumpet
Joseph Daniele - (11) - Trombone
Kyle Kotula - (12) - Trombone
Scott Pape - (11) - Drum Set
Nathan Wiechec - (10) Trombone

Chicagoland 4x5 Show

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Dubbed the "largest small show in the nation" and dedicated to the memory of Fremd HS art teacher Lew Hubbard, the 4x5 show showcases student and faculty artists and forges connections and provides opportunity for student artists through a myriad of corporate and collegiate sponsors.  All of the work in exhibition at the show must be within a 4x5 inch framework.  

South High School is thrilled to announce, after competitive judging, several students have been selected as award winners:

Digital Photography

Annemarie Elser - 2nd place

Christina Markowski - Honorable Mention

Mitch Kravec - Honorable Mention

Drawing

Clarice Maes - Honorable Mention

Emanuelle Copeland - Honorable Mention

Faculty Showcase

Kathy Myles - Honorable Mention

The show opened on Wednesday, November 8, 2017 at Oswego High School at 7 PM.  The opening featured a brief reception featuring the award winning Oswego HS Jazz Ensemble and finger foods prepared by Culinary Arts students at Oswego HS, and an awards ceremony in the gymnasium at 7 PM.