2018-2019 South High School All-State Musicians #99Learns #DGSPride

8 student musicians from South High School in Downers Grove have been selected through competitive audition to participate in the 2018-2019  Illinois Music Education Association All-State Bands, Orchestras, and Choirs.  The auditions took place on October 2, 2018 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 23-26, 2019.  Their concerts will be held at the Peoria Civic Center on the afternoon of January 26, 2019.

WINDS AND PERCUSSION
Samantha Guagliardo (12) - Euphonium

CHORUS
Peter Burrows (11) - Tenor I
Diana Kwak (10) - Soprano II
Matt McKenney (12) - Bass II
Samantha Selakovich (12) - Alto II
Stefan Tambik (11) - Tenor II
Adrian Trujillo (12) - Bass II

ORCHESTRA STRINGS
Therese Malinowski (11) - Cello

DGS Fine Arts at the 15th Bonfield Express #99Learns #DGSPride

Thanks to the students and staff from DGS Fine Arts for providing community musical service in support of the 2018 Bonfield Express.  Senior Adrian Trujillo started the race by singing a stunning National Anthem, and members of the DGS Rock Band Bemuse provided energetic support for  6,4000 race participants at the finish line.  Special thanks to the Bonfield Express for their ongoing support of District 99 students,  giving more than $350,000 in scholarships to nearly 160 high school seniors from D99 and other area Districts.

Muriel Anderson in District 99 #99Learns #DGSPride

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 24, 2018 at 8:00 PM in the Johnson Auditorium at North High School.  Special guest artist for this concert is guitarist and entertainer John McEuen - 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 Students at the 2018 District 1 ILMEA Festival #99Learns #DGSPride

Congratulations to the DGS student musicians selected to perform at the Illinois Music Education Association District 1 Festival.  Students from across the Chicago region were selected by competitive audition to participate in day-long educational workshops with highly respected guest conductors, presenting a culminating concert for family,friends, and educators at the end of the day.  thanks to our colleagues at Oak Park and River Forest High School for hosting this event.  Thanks to the volunteer leaders in the ILMEA for facilitating this experience for our student musicians.  It was a great day to be a Mustang!

CHOIR

Matthew Bair (11) - Bass I
Dominic Balsamo (12) - Bass I
Peter Burrows (11) - Tenor I
Jillian Foster  (12) - Alto II
Agne Giedraityte  (11) - Soprano I
Diana Kwak (10) - Soprano II
Emily Leatherwood (11) - Soprano II
Matthew McKenney - (12) - Bass II
Samantha Selakovich (12) - Alto II
Jacqueline Sumida (11) - Soprano II
Stefan Tambik (11) - Tenor II
Adrian Trujillo - (12) - Bass II

WINDS AND PERCUSSION (CLASSICAL)
Carson Aldrich (12) - Trombone (Band)
Emma Ansah (12) - Bb Clarinet (Band)
Samantha Guagliardo  (12) - Euphonium (Band)
Kelly Jankowski (12) - Trumpet (Orchestra)
Matthew Leinart (10) - Alto Saxophone (Band)
Emily Schwab (12) - Bassoon (Band)
Saahil Sorakayla (11) - Bassoon (Band)
Jonah Sprandel (10) - Alto Saxophone (Band)

ORCHESTRA STRINGS

Therese Malinowski  (11) - Cello
Madeline Pteanc  (12) - Violin
Olivia Roti (9) - Viola

9/10 CHORUS
Samantha Bachara (9) - alto
Nathan Frewen (9) - bass
Kassem Ossman (9) - tenor
Gwendolynne Royle (9) - soprano

2018 Fall Jazz Concert #99Learns #DGSPride

Congratulations to the student musicians in Jazz Workshop, Jazz Lab Band and Jazz Ensemble for presenting a fabulous Fall Concert this evening.  Student improvisation was a focus of the evening, with numerous students  in all three ensembles having an opportunity to express themselves through improvisation.  It was a great night to be a Mustang Jazz musician!

If you weren't able to join us in the auditorium this evening, please watch the archived broadcast on the South High Fine Arts YouTube Channel:

            

DGS Highlights from the 2018 Chicagoland 4 x 5 Show #99Learns #DGSPride

Please enjoy these highlights from DGS Visual artists on exhibition at the 2018 Chicagoland 4x5 Show at Oswego High School. 

DGS Jazz students shine at ILMEA District 1 Jazz Festival #99Learns #DGSPride

Congratulations to the DGS Jazz students who participated in the ILMEA District 1 Jazz Festival on Saturday, November 10, 2018 at Hinsdale Central HS.  South High students were featured as soloists in each ensemble and performed with artistry and elegance.  Congrats to Carson Aldrich, Nathan Brummel, Joseph Daniele, Isaac Rutledge and Nathan Wiechec for their work and success as jazz musicians.  It was a great day to be a Mustang!  Thanks also to our neighbors at Hinsdale Central HS for hosting the festival for the day - we appreciate your spirit of volunteerism!

DGS Band students visit Northwestern University #99Learns #DGSPride

 On Friday, November 9, 2018, students from the South High School Bands visited Northwestern University.  Their tour plan for the day included a visit to the Bha'i Temple in Evanston, a campus tour of Northwestern, a visit to Alice Millar Chapel, watching a rehearsal of the NU Symphonic Wind Ensemble and experiencing the concert of the same group that evening.  Special parts of the evening included a Q and A session after the concert with Dr. Mallory Thompson, and, getting to see Allison Brandt (DGS Class of 2018) perform with the Symphonic Wind Ensemble.  It was a great day to be a Mustang!  Thanks to Mr. Brooks and Mr. Hensel for facilitating this experience for our band students.

D99 DG Public Library Art Show #99Learns #DGSPride

The 2D and 3D work of over 75 District 99 art students is in exhibition at the Downers Grove Public Library.   Drawings, paintings, photographs, ceramics, metalworks and mixed media pieces are featured in this collaborative show.  The student art work is on display in the North and South Cafe galleries and the Window Displays until November 30th.

Special thanks to the Downers Grove Public Library for partnering with D99 on this exhibition.  Congratulations to the participating students for being selected to have their work in exhibition during this show.  Thanks also to the visual art faculty from DG North and DG South for mentoring these talented students towards artistic success.