Thursday, December 17, 2020

DGS 2020-2021 All-State Musicians

 

7 student musicians from South High School in Downers Grove have been selected through competitive audition to participate in the 2020-2021  Illinois Music Education Association All-State Bands, Orchestras, and Choirs.  Due to COVID-19, in-person auditions were suspended in 2020. Student musicians submitted video auditions which were evaluated by a panel of adjudicators. The top placing scores participated in the District Music Festival, was held (virtually) on November 21, 2020.  The top placing scores from District Festivals around Illinois earned a nod as All-State musicians.

“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 such wonderful musical ambassadors."

CHORUS
Diana Kwak (12) - Soprano II

ORCHESTRA STRINGS
Liudas Davies (10) - Violin II
Philip Okunev (11) - Violin II
Olivia Roti (11) - Viola

JAZZ BAND
Derek Reynolds (12) - Trombone

VOCAL JAZZ
Zoe Boyd (12) - Alto
Nathan Frewen (11) - Tenor


2020 Virtual Holiday Concert PREMIERE!


We are proud to present our 2020 Virtual Holiday Concert.  This concert features current students and alumni as we celebrate the ongoing tradition of the Holiday Concert here at South High School.

The concert premieres on Thursday, December 17, 2020 at 7 PM on the 

The video below will go LIVE at 7 pm on December 17.

On behalf of our students and staff, we extend to you the warmest greetings of the season!

Tuesday, December 15, 2020

2020 Virtual Winter Art Show PREMIERE!

 


The Downers Grove South High School 2020 Virtual Winter Art Show will premiere on the DGSFineArts YouTube Channel on Thursday, December 17, 2020 at 6:00 PM.  

Two virtual galleries of student work have been created by our Visual Art Staff featuring pieces in all media strands  Patrons can peruse the galleries at their own pace or choose to take a guided virtual tour through the student work.

A brief introductory video and links to the two galleries are HERE.  After the premiere on Thursday, December 17, 2020 at 6:00 PM patrons can continue to view and appreciate these student artists at any time at their leisure.

Special thanks to our Visual Art Staff for creating this experience for our student artists:

Kim Davidson, Josh Hoering, Kara Morrissey, Molly O'Brien-Prusa, Katherine O'Truk and Samantha Wascher.



Tuesday, November 24, 2020

Meet the Visual Art team and hear why they love art!

 


Meet our DG South Visual Art Team and hear why they love art!

D99 Orchestra Watch Party - TONIGHT!

 


Be sure and catch the District 99 Orchestra featuring DGS String performers during the Fall Festival Watch Party tonight!

Watch Party!


The 2020 Fall Music Festival premieres TONIGHT at 7 PM (CST). 

Featuring the student musicians of the DGN Bands, DGN Choirs and District 99 Orchestras. All music rehearsed, recorded, and produced in a remote teaching and learning environment, during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Click HERE to access the Premier on the DGN Fine Arts YouTube Channel

Click HERE to access the virtual printed program. 



Thursday, November 12, 2020

Muriel Anderson Annual Homecoming Concert - this time virtually!

 


GUITAR LEGEND TOMMY EMMANUEL JOINS RENOWNED HARP-GUITARIST MURIEL ANDERSON FOR ANNUAL SATURDAY-AFTER-THANKSGIVING CONCERT

Livestream “Full Experience” Celebration Includes Homemade Fudge, 

Tunes from Muriel’s New Acoustic Chef Cookbook and CD, and the 

Guitar Pyrotechnics of Tommy Emmanuel!

A Portion of Proceeds Benefits The Music for Life Alliance

Nashville, TN: Tommy Emmanuel, known by many as the finest guitarist on the planet, joins award-winning harp-guitarist Muriel Anderson for her annual Saturday-After-Thanksgiving concert, live-streamed for the first time ever. Everyone gets a front row seat to the world-class acoustic music, including interaction with Tommy and Muriel. The festivities will be topped off with a chance to win a new guitar and the Anderson family’s traditional homemade goodies.

When: Saturday November 28th, 8:00 p.m. CST

Where: Online, at murielanderson.com/DG

Tickets: $25 Full Experience ticket includes half pound of fudge; $17 Discount Ticket (without fudge). Available at Anderson’s Bookshop or Tobias Music in Downers Grove IL or online at murielanderson.com/DG 

Fun stuff: Downers Grove natives having been enjoying delicious homemade treats at intermission for the 29 years Muriel has been giving this concert. To continue the tradition, “Full Experience” tickets include a half pound of homemade fudge from Muriel’s aunt & uncle’s shop. In addition, each ticket includes a chance to win a new Washburn acoustic guitar courtesy of Tobias Music, to be mailed to the winner. It will be co-hosted by the First Congregational UCC in Downers Grove, and Muriel and Tommy will appear remotely from Nashville. A portion of proceeds go to The Music for Life Alliance charity, which Muriel founded to support music education for young people who may not otherwise have the opportunity.

The Music: Tommy and Muriel will play both solos and duets. Muriel will debut some new tunes and will also play songs she wrote for her Acoustic Chef cookbook and CD.  Tommy’s musical spontaneity is contagious, there’s no telling what he’ll play for this concert. Expect to have your spirits lifted!

“I’m so excited that my favorite guitarist, Tommy Emmanuel, will be joining me for this concert, and that you’ll get to have the ‘Tommy experience.’ His music extends deep into the soul, and he has inspired musicians around the world with his unique energy.”  …Muriel Anderson

About Tommy Emmanuel 

Many people consider Tommy Emmanuel this planet’s greatest guitarist. His playing is simply miraculous, not only because it would take three or more musicians to do what Tommy does solo, but also the exciting energy and a depth of spirit you can positively feel. This Grammy-nominated musician comes to the guitar like a vocalist, singing melodies through the strings, delivering every nuance and turn of phrase. His music, coming from a genuine and joyful source, is an experience not to miss. 

About Muriel Anderson

“Just one hell of a great player.” Les Paul

“Muriel Anderson is a good friend and a great guitarist.” Chet Atkins

 Muriel Anderson is one of the foremost fingerstyle and harp-guitarists, engaging audiences with joy, humor, and a personal touch. Her unique compositions and approach to the instrument across genres of folk, classical, bluegrass, popular, and international music appeals to music lovers worldwide. Muriel is the first woman to have won the National Fingerstyle Guitar Championship. Her CD, Nightlight Daylight, was chosen as one of the top 10 CDs of the decade by Guitar Player Magazine, and her “Heartstrings” recording accompanied the astronauts on the space shuttle Discovery. Her current release “Acoustic Chef” is a CD of music from around the world with recipes and stories to go with each tune. Her new TrueFire Channel brings her in-demand teaching to a wider audience. Muriel is host of the renowned Muriel Anderson’s ALL STAR GUITAR NIGHT and founder of THE MUSIC FOR LIFE ALLIANCE charity.

About Music for Life Alliance:

The Music for Life Alliance is a 501c(3) charity founded by Muriel Anderson that gives grants and fundraising support for non-profit organizations that provide instruments and/or lessons to kids who might not otherwise experience the joy of playing music.

DGS Friends of Fine Arts Annual Poinsettia Sale

 


DGS Friends of Fine Arts

2020 Poinsettia Sale Information

November 2020


Greetings from DGS Fine Arts:


While we won’t be holding an in person concert or art show this December, we still are going to provide patrons of the arts with the opportunity to brighten up their home with a lovely poinsettia.


DGS Friends of Fine Arts (FOFA) is selling beautiful high quality 6-8 bloom red poinsettia plants direct from the grower for just $12.  Plants will be available for pick-up on Saturday, December 12, 2020 from 9-noon at the South High School Main Entrance. Payment can be mailed to or dropped off at Downers Grove South High School/Glenn Williams/1436 Norfolk Street/Downers Grove, IL/60516. Checks payable to DGS FOFA are preferred.  Payment must be received at South HS by Thursday, December 3, 2020 or the order will not be placed.


Here’s how to order:  Simply FILL OUT THIS GOOGLE FORM and mail or bring your payment to Downers Grove South High School.  


Thanks in advance for your ongoing support of the arts in our community.  We hope that these poinsettia plants will brighten your season!



INFORMATION RECAP

  • FILL OUT THIS GOOGLE FORM to place your order.

  • Mail or drop of your check made payable to DGS FOFA on or before Thursday, December 3, 2020

  • Put the pick up date onto your calendar now - Saturday, December 12, 2020 from 9 am - noon.

  • Orders must be placed and payment must be received by Thursday, December 3, 2020.











Chicagoland 4x5 Virtual Art Exhibition - NOW LIVE!

 

Greetings to all artistic patrons!


The Chicagoland 4x5 Virtual Gallery is now OPEN. Please allow time to load since there are over 1016 works of art to load. Move slowly through the space with your arrow keys or your mouse to look up and down.  


Please share with anyone and everyone you would like. Thank you so much again for all of your support for the event and being bold enough to say yes to this opportunity and allowing your students a platform to share their voice with the world.

Friday, October 30, 2020

2020 ILMEA District Festival Audition Results


The music faculty, private teachers and sender school music teachers associated with South High School are proud to recognize the students that earned placements in the 2020 ILMEA District 1 Festivals in band, choir, jazz band, vocal jazz and orchestra.  Due to COVID-19, in-person auditions were suspended in 2020. The top placing scores were selected for participation in the District
Music Festival, which will be held (virtually) on November 21, 2020.

Student musicians enrolled in music ensembles in the DGS Fine Arts department continue to annually demonstrate remarkable success at both the District and All-State level. "The experiences these students have at District Festival ignite their passion for music, and in turn, they return to South High School and ignite the passion of those around them." said DGS Fine Arts Chairman Glenn Williams. "Additionally, DGS is equally well represented in all areas of ensemble performance – band, choir, orchestra, vocal jazz and jazz band - in this process."

Please join us in congratulating these student musicians:

SENIOR CHORUS
Samantha Bachara (11) - Soprano II
Zoe Boyd (12) - Alto II 
Nathan Frewen (11) - Tenor II
Sophia Girik (12) - Alto I
Yasmine Khan (12) - Alto I
Mina Kostic (11) - Soprano I
Diana Kwak (12) - Soprano II
Faith Nelson (11) - Soprano II
Abby Parson (10) - Alto II
Emelia Parson (10) - Alto I
Sydney Richardson (11) - Alto I
Gwendolynne Royle (11) - Soprano I
Jordan Stewart (11) - Alto II

SENIOR BAND AND ORCHESTRA WINDS AND PERCUSSION
Allison Ford (11)  - Trumpet (Band)
Katherine Opila (11) - Band (Trombone)
Katie Steffgen (11) - Band (Clarinet)
Derek Reynolds (12) - Trombone (Orchestra)

SENIOR ORCHESTRA STRINGS
Luidas Davies (10) - Violin
Colin McLaughlin (10) - Cello
Philip Okunev (11) - Violin
Olivia Roti (11) - Viola

SENIOR INSTRUMENTAL JAZZ
Owen Anderson (9) - Guitar - (Jazz Ensemble II)
Derek Reynolds (12) - Trombone - (Jazz Ensemble I)
Andrew Brandt (11) - Trombone - (Jazz Ensemble II)
Anthony Rosalia (12) - Tenor Saxophone - (Jazz Ensemble II)

SENIOR VOCAL JAZZ
Zoe Boyd (12) - Alto - (Vocal Jazz Ensemble I)
Nathan Frewen (11) - Tenor - (Vocal Jazz Ensemble I)


Thursday, October 29, 2020

DGS Choirs Fall Concert 2020


Congratulations to the students and staff affiliated with the South High School Choirs for producing a virtual Fall Concert.  

Produced by the DGS Choral Team, safety protocols followed in making this video include students submitting individually recorded videos which were mastered by the staff. During the video recording day students only lip synched to the recordings, not making any vocalizations during the recording session. The DGS Choral team then synchronized the mastered audio recordings with the lip synch video to create this production. Special thanks to the students and staff for creating this Fall Concert in such a safe environment. A full program of the concert including titles, composers, and student performers can be found at this link: https://tinyurl.com/yytuc3o5

Wednesday, October 28, 2020

DGS Bands welcomes MSgt. Matthew Summers from "The President's Own"


The South High School Wind Ensemble welcomed MSgt. Matthew Summers, Assistant Principal Euphonium in "The President's Own" United States Marine Band to rehearsal today.  The virtual clinic focused on breathing, tone, technique, and life as a military musician in one of the finest bands in the world.  Thanks to Msgt. Summers and the United States Marine Corps for providing this experience for the student musicians in our Wind Ensemble.
 

Tuesday, October 27, 2020

Mustang Artists at the 2020 Chicagoland 4x5 Exhibition


Aaron Mitchell, artist

Adam Mezyed, artist
Alex Pragrides, artist


Benajmin Abarro, artist

Cameron Wilde, artist

Cassandra Rapp, artist

Isabel Bowditch, artist

Levin Kandakudy, artist

Marilyn Mejia, artist

Max Soja, artist

Max Soja, artist

Samantha Groseth, artist

Sarah Weigel, artist

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

The show in 2020 will be fully virtual with all artwork chose for the show to be displayed.  The virtual opening will take place on November 11, 2020 at 5:00 PM.  

Congratulations to the participating artists from South High School:  Benjamin Abarro, Isabel Bowditch, Levin Kandakudy, Marilyn Mejia, Adam Mezyed, Aaron Mitchell, Alexis Pragrides, Cassandra Rapp, Max Soja, Sarah Weigel and Cameron Wilde.

Additionally, after completion of competitive judging, Aaron Mitchell was cited with an Honorable Mention Award in the Computer Generated Art category.  Congratulations to every participating artist and special kudos to these Mustang Artists for the artistic success!

Monday, October 26, 2020

Downers Grove Public Library/District 99 Student Art Exhibition

 


Work from student artists from Downers Grove South and North High Schools will be featured at the Downers Grove Public Library from October 31 - November 30, 2020.  A variety of 2D and 3D works will be showcased during the exhibition.

For information about the Downers Grove Public Library operating hours, please click HERE.    
Thanks in advance for supporting these student artists in this public form.  

Sunday, October 11, 2020

Celebrate the Music Bowl Virtually!

 


In commemoration of what would have been the 2020 DGS Marching Mustangs Music Bowl, we are excited to share a fun virtual event with you. We have been so fortunate to host so many amazing students, parents, families, and friends at this event over the years. As we reminisce on so many great memories, we have put together a YouTube playlist of 10 Grand Champion Performances from DGS Music Bowl History. The oldest dating back to Marian Catholic High School in 2003 to Warren Township High School in 2018!

(Grand Champion Bands selected for this playlist were not picked for any particular reason other than what we were able to find in our archives)

Here's how you can participate:
1) Go to this YouTube Playlist.
2) Kick back and watch 10 phenomenal performances.
3) Anytime between now and Saturday October 17th - hit the "Like" button on your favorite performances.
4) Next week we will announce the "Crowd Favorite". Or maybe "Super Grand Champion"? (We're still deciding what sounds cooler...)

For our DGS Friends and Families:
Feeling nostalgic? Asking yourself, "what about the Marching Mustangs?". We've got you covered!

Follow this link to another YouTube Playlist of the DGS Marching Mustangs over the years.

Very special thank you to Mike Legel!
Mike is a DGS Band Alumni Parent who spent many years as the videographer of the Marching Mustangs. Both of these playlists were created by Mike, using all of his footage over the years. Thank you, Mike!


Monday, October 05, 2020

Woodridge Public Library Focus on Nature Photography Contest

Congratulations to South High School junior Courtney Peterson for being selected as the winner in the Abstract Nature category for the 2020 Woodridge Public Library Focus on Nature Photography Contest.  The contest had 10 separate categories and participants were only eligible to win in one category.  The contest was an open contest to artists of all ages and ability levels.  

To see the entire gallery of winners click HERE.   To see an album of all 498 entries click HERE. 

 

Sunday, September 27, 2020

Imagine Homecoming 2020 - Art Under The Tent!





Shout out to South High School Visual Art Faculty members Katherine O'Truk and Samantha Wascher for imagining "art under the tent" to kick-off Imagine Homecoming 2020 with a burst of creativity.  Despite the windy conditions, some wonderful art was created to help kick-off Homecoming 2020.  Shout out also to DGS Activities for continuing to find safe ways to involve South High School students.  It was a great day to be a Mustang!

Friday, September 25, 2020

Virtual Pep Rally Sneak Peek - Marching Mustangs!



Leadership Team members from the Marching Mustangs filmed this afternoon for the Homecoming 2020 Virtual Pep Rally.  Stay tuned to DGS and D99 Social Media outlets to experience this unique Homecoming Pep Rally next week.  It was wonderful to hear the Fight Song in the stadium - like every other day, it was a great day to be a Mustang!




New "STEAM" addition ready to welcome Mustang Artists!

 






We are almost finished moving into our new space! We are thrilled to  welcome students into this amazing facility very soon, and, even more excited to see how these new facilities will further ignite a passion for the arts in our Mustang Artists!  Enjoy this quick tour of the art portion of the new STEAM addition at South High School.

Tuesday, June 16, 2020

South High and District 99 Welcomes New Fine Arts Faculty

South High School and District 99 are pleased to welcome Belford Hernandez to the Fine Arts Faculty.  Mr. Hernandez will co-teach Freshmen Choir, Concert Choir and at South and will co-teach Concert Band at North.  Mr. Hernandez is an accomplished Director, arranger, and composer for vocalists, choral groups, and instrumentalists. He has also performed in piano recitals as a featured artist and chamber music player in Venezuela, Colombia, Jamaica, Ecuador, Canada, and United States as well as Piano Collaborator for professional choirs and vocal ensembles. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from the Adventist University of Colombia, a Master in Choral Music Education from VanderCook College of Music in Chicago, and he is a Doctoral candidate from Concordia University. Besides his teaching service in District 99, Mr. Hernandez serves as a Choral Director at Benedictine University, Lisle, IL, Music Director at Hinsdale United Methodist, IL, and Music Director of "Cantores" Community Choir in the Chicago West Suburbs.

Wednesday, June 03, 2020

District 99 Words of Encouragement


Thanks to District 99 Administration, Faculty and Staff for creating these Words of Encouragement.  Students and staff may elect to register for affinity spaces occurring on
Thursday, June 4 at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. 

Thursday, May 21, 2020

Pomp and Unforeseen Circumstance


Enjoy this reflective tribute to the Class of 2020 from senior Therese Malinowski.  Thanks Therese for expressing with elegance what many of us are thinking and feeling - bravo!

Tuesday, May 19, 2020

South High School Fine Arts Welcomes New Faculty

District 99 and South High School are pleased two announce 
two faculty appointments to the Fine Arts Department at South High School.
Visual Art teacher Kimberly Davidson will teach Ceramics, Jewelry and Design. Kimberly is a recent 2020 graduate of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago where she received her Masters  of Arts in Teaching. Prior, she received her BFA in Sculpture and Art History from the Kansas City Art Institute and spent time teaching overseas in South Korea, Palestine and Turkey. From these experiences, she decided to pursue teaching art full-time here in Chicago and looks forward to building upon design, jewelry and sculpture skills with students at Downers Grove South.

Music teacher William Sugg will teach Jazz Workshop, Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Wind Symphony and Wind Ensemble.  South High School alum and current Marching Illini Drum Major Jake Burrows says about William Sugg "Over the past few years, I have had the honor and privilege of getting to know Dr. Will Sugg as a colleague and friend. It has become evident that Will is both a passionate music educator and selfless human being. Whether it is on the podium, on the football field or talking one-on-one, Will’s priority always is on who and what he cares about. His charisma and empathy create a culture that is welcoming and accepting and he will be an invaluable addition to the DGS family, fostering growth and success in the program and every student."


Will Sugg is currently completing his Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Wind Conducting at the University of Illinois and serves as a graduate assistant with the University of Illinois Band and Orchestra departments. During his time at Illinois, he has been fortunate enough to have had a diverse collection of experiences, including conducting five concert bands, teaching courses in undergraduate conducting, and conducting the University of Illinois Marching Illini, as well as the Fighting Illini Volleyball Band, Basketball Bands, and the Illinois Philharmonia Orchestra. Prior to attending Illinois, he served for three years as the Director of Bands and Chair of the Performing Arts Department at Martin Luther King, Jr. Academic Magnet School in Nashville, TN, instructing and administrating the activities of almost 400 students across five concert bands and four orchestras. The school's ensembles have earned a strong reputation, as evidenced by the MLK Wind Ensemble being selected to perform at the Tennessee Music Education Association State Conference in April of 2015. In addition to his professional teaching positions, Will has worked with several marching band programs throughout the state of Tennessee. He is a 2009 Summa Cum Laude graduate of the University of Tennessee-Knoxville Honors Program with a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education. While at UT, he also functioned as instructional staff for the UT Pride of the Southland Marching Band. He also served as a member of several professional organizations and was elected as the Regional President for the East Tennessee chapters of the TN Collegiate Music Educators National Conference. These and other academic pursuits led the faculty at UT to select him as their Outstanding Graduate in Music Education.


Saturday, May 16, 2020

2020 South High School Fine Arts Awards



Congratulations to the Class of 2020 from the
South High School Fine Arts Department

2020 Fine Arts Department Outstanding Seniors

Music – Therese Malinowski
Art –Skyler Groveau
Theatre - Andrew O’Connor

2020 Goldie Zechel Senior Arts Scholarship 
Art – Maddie Puccilo
Music – Agne Giedraityte

2020 Visual Art Teacher’s Choice Award
Ben Skibbe

National School Choral Award

Emily Leatherwood
Stefan Tambik

Louis Armstrong Jazz Award 
Nathan Weichec

John Philip Sousa Award  
Matthew Fischer

National School Orchestra Award 
Therese Malinowski

Leonard Bernstein Musicianship Award
Megan Holley

Orchestra Director’s Award 
Katherine Wilkinson

Downer Grove Music Club Summer Rising Stars Scholarships

Diana Kwak
Jonah Sprandel