Sunday, December 22, 2019

Pep Band welcomes home alumni!




The gym was filled with sonic school spirit last night as over 20 alumni joined the Mustang Pep Band for the Cross Town Classic.  It was wonderful to welcome everyone home and to hear their continuing stories of success after departing DGS.  Special shout out to Mr. Hensel for organizing the evening and to the Mustang Band boosters for providing such a fabulous meal to welcome our guests home.  It was a great night to be a Mustang!

Tuesday, December 17, 2019

South High School welcomes Dr. Kevin Holzman


The South High School Mustang Bands were pleased to welcome Dr. Kevin Holzman, Assistant Director of Wind Studies at the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music to the music suite today.  Dr. Holzman worked with the Wind Symphony and Wind Ensemble, focusing on develop aspects of artistry as individuals and as an ensemble.  The improvement in both groups was remarkable! 

Thursday, December 12, 2019

DGS Choirs Community Performances





Students and staff from the South High School Choirs have been active performing in our community this December, including run out events to an event at the Hinsdale Golf Club and a community tea at First United Methodist Church.  The Freshmen Girls Select, Chamber Singers, Treble Ensemble and Madrigal Singers all perform in our community, spreading musical cheer throughout the season.  Upcoming performances include visiting local elementary and middle schools, and the Madrigal Singers performing at Symphony Center on December 20th.  Kudos and thanks to our students and staff for continuing to provide this important community musical services!

Monday, December 02, 2019

2019-2020 DGS All-State Musicians


9 student musicians from South High School in Downers Grove have been selected through competitive audition to participate in the 2019-2020  Illinois Music Education Association All-State Bands, Orchestras, and Choirs.  The auditions took place on October 1, 2019 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 29-February 1, 2020.  Their concerts will be held at the Peoria Civic Center on the afternoon of February 1, 2020.

WINDS AND PERCUSSION
Jonah Sprandel (11) - Alto Saxophone

CHORUS
Peter Burrows (12) - Tenor I
Nathan Frewen (10) - Tenor II
Agne Giedraityte (12) - Soprano I
Diana Kwak (11) - Soprano II
Stefan Tambik (12) - Tenor II

ORCHESTRA STRINGS
Therese Malinowski (12) - Cello
Olivia Roti (10) - Viola

COMPOSITION
Aiden Schutte (12) - Remix Category - 2nd place












Tuesday, November 26, 2019

Muriel Anderson visits 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, Rock Band, 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 30, 2019 at 8:00 PM in the Johnson Auditorium at North High School.  Special guest artist for this concert is guitarist and entertainer Thom Bresh - this is an event you won't want to miss!


Sunday, November 24, 2019

Mustang Musicians at ILMEA District 1 Festival








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 Elmhurst College for hosting this event.  Thanks to the volunteer leaders and staff affiliated with the ILMEA for facilitating this experience for our student musicians.  It was a great day to be a Mustang!


SENIOR CHORUS
Alyssa Ancell (11) - Soprano I
Peter Burrows (12) - Tenor I
Nathan Frewen (10) - Tenor II
Agne Giedraityte  (12) - Soprano I
Megan Harmon (11) - Soprano II
Amber Kass (12) - Alto I
Diana Kwak (11) - Soprano II
Emily Leatherwood (12) - Soprano II
Sydney Richardson (10) - Alto I
Stefan Tambik (12) - Tenor II

SENIOR BAND AND ORCHESTRA WINDS AND PERCUSSION
Saahil Sorakayla (12) - Bassoon (Band)
Jonah Sprandel (11) - Alto Saxophone (Band)

SENIOR ORCHESTRA STRINGS
Liudas Davies (9) - Violin
Therese Malinowski  (12) - Cello
Philip Okunev (10) - Violin
Olivia Roti (10) - Viola

9/10 CHOIR
Brantley Bilby (9) - Tenor I
Rebecca Crisman (9) - Soprano I
Nolan Crooks (9) - Tenor I
Aaric Hager (9) - Bass I
Bennett Sparano (9) - Bass I
Delaney Turner (9) - Alto I

Monday, November 18, 2019

Jazz Legend Carl Allen visits South High School





South High School was honored to welcome jazz legend Carl Allen to the music suite this afternoon.  Professor Allen worked with Jazz Workshop, Jazz Lab Band and Jazz Ensemble, sharing artistic wisdom and jazz insight at every turn.  The members of each ensemble grew as artists and developed a stronger sense of appreciation for jazz music and jazz history.

Special thanks to DGS Fine Arts, DGS FOFA, Drum World, Remo, Zildjian and Latin Percussion for sponsoring Mr. Allen's appearance at South High School today.

Sunday, November 17, 2019

Mustang Musicians at ILMEA District 1 Jazz Festival








Congratulations to the Mustang musicians who performed at the ILMEA District 1 Festival held at Oak Lawn High School on Saturday, November 16, 2019.  The students rehearsed during the day with nationally renowned conductors and performed concerts in ensembles with other student musicians from District 1.  It is was a great day of jazz learning and a great day to be a Mustang!

SENIOR INSTRUMENTAL JAZZ
Nathan Brummel  (11) - Trombone - Jazz 2
Genevieve Dufresne (12) - Alto Saxophone - Jazz 3
Zachary Gresik (9) - Alto Saxophone - Jazz 1
Michael Hemmer (12) - Tenor Saxophone - Jazz 4
Matthew Leinart (11) - Alto Saxophone - Jazz 4
Derek Reynolds (11) - Trombone - Jazz 2
Nathan Wiechec  (12) Trombone - Jazz 2

SENIOR VOCAL JAZZ
Kevin Tate (12) - Bass - Vocal Jazz

Saturday, November 16, 2019

Mustang Musician Diana Kwak Sings National Anthem at IHSA Volleyball Finals



Congratulations to South High School junior Diana Kwak for being selected to perform the National Anthem at the IHSA State Volleyball Finals at Redbird Arena on the campus of Illinois State University.  Kwak was selected for this honor on the basis of her ILMEA audition in the fall of 2018.  Well done Diana!

Thursday, November 14, 2019

Fall Bands Concert 2019







Congratulations to the students in Concert Band, Symphonic Band and Wind Symphony for sharing a fabulous evening of music during the Fall Bands Concert.  Vaughan Williams, Grainger, Sousa, Saucedo, Balmages and Bryant were among the composers represented this evening.  Each ensemble performed with artistry and poise.  Special thanks to the DGS Band Boosters for sponsoring the reception after the concert.  It was a great night to be a Mustang!

Muriel Anderson annual concert in Downers Grove


Join guitarist/harp-guitarist Muriel Anderson as she returns to her hometown Downers Grove, IL, joined by Travis-picker/ entertainer/ humorist Thom Bresh, son of guitar icon Merle Travis. Together they promise an evening of world-class acoustic music, stories, and a celebration including delicious refreshments, hot apple cider, and a chance to win a new guitar.
When: Saturday November 30th, 8:00 p.m.
Where: Downers Grove North High School Auditorium, 4436 Main Street, Downers Grove, IL
Tickets $22 advance/$25 at the door, $15/$17 students (through high school) and seniors (65+) available at Anderson’s Bookshop, Tobias Music or online
Fun stuff: Concert goers will have a chance to win a new Eastman acoustic guitar courtesy of Tobias Music and will be treated to complimentary hot apple cider and treats courtesy of Trader Joe’s and Muriel’s family. A portion of proceeds go to Anderson’s Music for Life Alliance charity, helping to bring music education to young people who may not otherwise have the opportunity.
What’s New: Muriel will have an exclusive pre-release of her upcoming cookbook with music, “Acoustic Chef,” and will serve samples of one or two of the recipes at intermission.
Special Guest  Thom Bresh

Thom Bresh Bio

A veteran of the stage since age 3 in Hollywood, Thom Bresh was raised in the middle of guitar royalty. His father, Merle Travis, was the most influential American guitarist of the 20th Century. The relentless, powerful groove of the Breshman’s Travis-picking guitar style together with a deep, witty and gritty singing voice makes him a force to be reckoned with.  His quick comedic timing and sharp ear has made him an incredible impressionist. He was a regular on the Merv Griffin Show and Dinah,  had two HBO Specials and hosted his own TV show.  From age 3 to age 17, he worked as an actor and stuntman at Corriganville Movie Ranch in Southern California, and has worked as a videographer for his friends Jerry Reed, Hank Thompson, Lyle Lovett, Brooks & Dunn, George Jones, and Tanya Tucker.   He has performed alongside performers ranging from Bob Hope to Chet Atkins to Gordon Lightfoot. On every performance Bresh pays tribute to his father. When he lays into his father’s thumbpickin’ classics, he and his custom-made two-sided Langejans guitar, which he calls “my band.”   will leave the Travis style pickers hungry and the rest of us breathless.  Combined with that natural wit, whether he is leaning against a wall telling you how his day went or shaking the walls of a concert hall with that famous hard driving thumb, first and foremost, you will be entertained.

Muriel Anderson Bio

Anderson is notably admired by guitarists across the globe, including Chet Atkins and Les Paul, and has performed with many guitar luminaries. Her obvious joy of music and her facility across folk, classical, bluegrass and international music is revered by guitarists worldwide. An engaging performer, Muriel’s unique approach to the instrument virtually transforms the guitar into a lyrical choir, then a marching band, then a Japanese koto, then a Bluegrass band, one minute launching into a Beatles’ tune and the next, a Spanish classic. Muriel is host of the renowned Muriel Anderson’s ALL STAR GUITAR NIGHT® and founder of the MUSIC FOR LIFE ALLIANCE charity.

ISU Madrigal Singers visit South High School


South High School was pleased to welcome the Madrigal Singers from Illinois State University on Wednesday, November 13, 2019.  The ensemble is on their fall tour in preparation for an upcoming concert on the campus of ISU on November 15.  The ensemble performed for choir classes and shared the joys and possibilities of continuing to make music as a singer while in college.  Thanks to ISU for sponsoring this tour and this experience for our Mustang musicians!