Be Inspired: DCI World Class Corps in District 99 #99Learns

Two of Drum Corps International's 'World Class' ensembles will be in residence at DGN and DGS this Saturday, June 30.  The corps will be in town preparing for the "Cavalcade of Brass" Drum and Bugle Corps show to be held at Benedictine University in Lisle, IL this coming Saturday night. Event details and tickets for the show may be found HERE. 

The Phantom Regiment will be rehearsing on the North High campus Saturday late morning, and afternoon. Pioneer will be rehearsing on the South campus during the same time periods.

Precise rehearsal schedules have not yet been announced, but drum and bugle corps typically focus on small group practice in the mornings (drum line, brass line, color guard), and then combine for full ensemble work in the afternoon following a lunch break.

The rehearsals of the corps are open to students from our District 99 band programs, as well as community members at large, to observe.  There is a lot to learn from watching a precision music ensemble focus on collective group goals in their quest for artistic excellence.  We strongly encourage all D99 music lovers to make time on Saturday to be inspired through observation and listening.

Independence Day Parade Details and Music

The first of two important rehearsals for DGN Band members will be held on Monday night (June 25) from 6:30 - 8:30 PM at North High.  We will be preparing for our participation in the Downers Grove July 4th Parade.  Students should arrive wearing comfortable closed toe tennis shoes, and bring a water bottle.

The second of two rehearsals will be held at North High on Monday evening (July 2) from 6:30 - 8:30 PM.  We will be combining with members of the South High Marching Band on that evening as we finalize our parade block for the July 4th parade.

Students who need a school-issued instrument to use in the parade may check the instrument out at the rehearsal on June 25, and (with the exception of Sousaphones) take the instrument home between June 25 and July 2 for personal practice. 

Click HERE for parade performance details, access to sheet music, audio files, etc.

Thank You Mr. Polancich! #WeAreDGN #99Learns

The students and staff of the DGN Bands extend grateful thanks to Mr. Ron Polancich for his presence in our family this year. Bravo, Maestro! 

2018-2019 DGN Color Guard and Winter Guard

Thank you to all of the students who auditioned for the 2018-2019 DGN Color Guard and Winter Guard. The selection process was extremely competitive. The level of preparedness was very high, and we extend our appreciation to each participant for the time and energy dedicated to the auditions.

2018-2019 Color Guard and Winter Guard Roster

Rachel Bender
Shelby Berghorst
Belle Blanchard
Kayla Derylo
Christina Godar
Carrie Gorman, Fall and Winter Captain
Gabryel Gruszka
Kelly Hopkins
Julia Isoniemi
Rachel Jeske, Fall Captain
Sarah Jeske
Mia Knutson
Paige Larsen
Maggie Miller
Akshi Mistry
Amber Moca, Fall Captain
Lauren Monaco
Megan Murphy, Winter Captain
Ugne Nalivaikaite
Emma Nykiel
Chloe Orona
Sydney Proctor
Amanda Smith, Winter Captain
Madeleine Spencer
Mia Tiangco
Gabrielle Walters

"Make Something Better!" #99Learns #WeAreDGN

"Make something better!" This is the familiar and friendly nudge that Mr. Mark Botti is famously known for sharing with his students. Mr. Botti understands that "perfection" in music in a mythical and unattainable benchmark, and that as artists we should be constantly striving to improve. 

Beginning his tenure at DGN in 2001, Mr. Botti has mentored 150+ DGN percussion students, and led the DGN Percussion ensemble in 17 consecutive Mosaic Concerts. 

For his dedicated and passionate percussion teaching at Downers Grove North High School, we extend our most sincere gratitude to Mr. Mark Botti for making us all ... BETTER. You will be missed, and we wish you peace and happiness as you embark on the next chapter of your journey. 

DGN Drum Line 2018-19

The following preliminary instrument assignments have been made for the 2018-19 DGN Drum Line. All placements are contingent upon appropriate continued progress as demonstrated by students during upcoming rehearsals.

Vince Aksamit, Snare

Audrey Arlis, Cymbals

Stella Bank, Bass 4

Gabby Devitt, Cymbals

Lizzie Ferrigan, Cymbals

Emmett Flannery, Tenors

Brian Fosket, Bass 5

Mackie Hopkins, Bass 2

Gabe Johnson, Bass 3

Liam Kearney, Cymbals

Justin Kobelich, Tenors

Georgia Kowal, Tenors

Mary Kosowski, Bass 1

Alex Krejca, Snare

Bilal Kurshid, Snare

Tyler Loo, Cymbals

Matthew Lupescu, Cymbals

Caleb Mackenzie, Snare

Quinn MacKenzie, Tenors

Kyra McComb, Snare

Lucy Nevrly, Snare

Edie Pawlak, Cymbals

Eli Pfotenhaur, Snare

Heather Ramsey, Snare

Jake Rohde, Cymbals

Luke Rohde, Tenors

Harry Stagaman, Tenors
Emery Teague, Snare

DGN Jazz Ensemble - La Quinta de los Reyes

Congratulations to the musicians of the DGN Jazz Ensemble for a memorable and energetic performance as the band opened for the Pete Ellman Big Band.

Welcome Mr. Smith!

DGN's newest Fine Arts faculty member - Mr. Jessen Smith - was on campus today, meeting students and sharing his vision and excitement for the future of our DGN Bands.

2018 DGN May Band Concert

Congratulations to the musicians of the DGN Concert Band, DGN Chamber Winds, and DGN Symphonic Band for a terrific May Band Concert! 

Special congratulations are extended to Senior Concerto performers Chloe Mason and Ryan Knezevich for their marvelous performances this evening. 

DGN Band Concert Thursday Night!

The final DGN Bands Concert of the 2017-18 academic year will take place on Thursday, May 10. The concert is FREE and begins at 7:00 PM in the Clarence Johnson Auditorium of North High School. Doors open for General Admission seating at 6:30 PM.

The program will feature the Concert Band and Symphonic Band, with soloists Chloe Mason (Oboe) and Ryan Knezevich (Trombone).

Out-of-town family and friends may view the concert live-stream on the DGN Fine Arts YouTube Channel. Video will also be available to view once the concert concludes.