2018 Walgreens Expressions Challenge #99Learns #DGSPride

       

       

  

The Expressions Challenge is about guiding students to make better life choices about their overall health and well-being.  There is no means of expression more personal or self-revelatory than art. By combining artistic expression with individual student research, Expressions empowers students to positively influence their classmates, school and community.  Teens are encouraged to use their voice through art to communicate their perspective on topics including bullying, self-esteem and sexual responsibility.  

Several South High School AP Digital Photography students have submitted pieces in the challenge.  Please, take a moment to vote for these very talented artists by clicking on the link below:

https://review.wizehive.com/voting/goldstar2018/54565

Jennifer Branch, Nicole Cosenza, Emily Ermel, Sam Groseth, Skyler Groveau, Kristina Huda

Mitch (Michelle) Kravec, Kaylee Kushta, Gianna Lukacik, Hewane Melke, Megan Lupie,  Judith Paniagua-ChavezSam Perkins, Angela Pineda, Lizzy (Elizabeth) Spear and Sarah Weigel have all entered work in this national contest.  Please search each student artist by typing their first name into the search box to vote for their piece.  Thanks for your support of our Mustang artists!  

Marching Mustangs ISU Finals Performance #99Learns #DGSPride

Please enjoy your 2018 Marching Mustangs Finals performance at the 2018 State of Illinois Marching Band Championships at Hancock Stadium on the campus of Illinois State University.  

Marching Mustangs finish 2018 season with strong showing at ISU #99Learns #DGSPride

On Saturday, October 20, 2018, 42 high school marching bands from across Illinois competed at the 2018 State of Illinois Invitational High School Marching Band Championships at Hancock Stadium on the campus of Illinois State University.  The groups are placed in 6 different classifications based on size of school.  The Marching Mustangs competed in Class 5A/6A with some of the best high school marching ensembles in Illinois.  It was a blustery central Illinois afternoon, with wind gusts on the field reaching 35-40 miles per hour at times, a condition which caused ISU officials to eliminate the use of props during prelims  Of the 42 competing bands, 15 were selected after preliminary competition to return for a finals competition in the evening.  The day began with the first ensemble at 7:18 AM and concluded with finals awards being announced at 11:30 PM. 

After a strong preliminary performance, your Marching Mustangs earned a spot in finals, performing at 8:40 PM.  Continuing to improve to the end of the season, the Marching Mustangs finished in 8th place in finals.

Congratulations to the student performers, staff, and volunteer parents affiliated with the Marching Mustangs this season.  "Forward" continued to improve until the final performance and communicated and connected with the audience on continuing deeper levels with every show.  It was a great fall to be a Marching Mustang! 

Marching Mustangs Final Weekend! #99Learns #DGSPride

Your Marching Mustangs electrified the home football crowd with a powerful performance of "Forward."  The ovation and engagement from the audience was indicative of a passionate final home performance for the season.

The Marching Mustangs travel to Illinois State University today to complete in the 2018 State of Illinois Marching Band Championships.  The event is is a subscription live stream HERE.   Our Marching Mustangs perform at 5:32 PM today. 

The District 99 Orchestra Kicks Off Its Chamber Music Program #99learns

The District 99 Orchestra program recently learned that they received a grant from the District 99 Education Foundation that will enable students to work with members of the Grant Street String Quartet in chamber ensembles (small groups of musicians). 

We kicked off the chamber music program with a performance by the Grant Street String Quartet and an engaging discussion about chamber music, how to work well in small groups, musical and rehearsal considerations, and a host of other topics related to chamber music.