Midwest Clinic

Congratulations to the members of the North High Wind Ensemble who participated in the 2006 Midwest Clinic as a Rehearsal Lab Ensemble. The Midwest Clinic (www.midwestclinic.org) is the largest gathering of instrumental music teachers, conductors, composers, bands, orchestras, professional musicians and music industry representatives in the world. Held every December in Chicago, the Midwest Clinic annually draws in excess of 12,000 conference attendees from all 50 states and more than 30 foreign countries. 2006 is the 60th Annual Midwest Clinic, and the conference features over 30 concerts and 50 instructional clinics.

Steve Peterson Clinic

In preparation for the Wind Ensemble's participation in the 2006 Midwest Clinic, Dr. Stephen Peterson of Ithaca College worked with the band on Thursday, Dec. 21st.

Band Leadership Holiday Party

This afternoon Kristen and I, along with Mr. & Mrs. Miller, hosted the annual Band Leadership Holiday Party. Making her first appearance this year was Penny, our new West Highland Terrier. Thanks, Rania, for helping Penny dress the part of the Grinch's dog. (Wait ... what does that make me?!)

Volunteer Brass Quintet - Polar Express

A volunteer brass-quintet, organized by senior Keith Rhoades, performed for hundreds of children outside the Downers Grove Train Station on Saturday. "The Polar Express," sponsored by the Downers Grove Park District, annually takes Downers Grove area children to the North Pole (a.k.a. the Aurora Metra Station) to see Santa Clause.

Thanks to Keith (French Horn), Rusty (Trombone), Austin (Trumpet, Kevin (Tuba) and Al (trumpet) for braving the elements and representing our school in such a fine manner!

Drum Line - Halloween Parade

The DGN Drum Line has been busy this weekend, performing at the Football Playoff game Friday night, the Volleyball Regional on Saturday night, and the Downers Grove Halloween Parade on Sunday afternoon. Thanks to our dedicated students for giving so much of their time this weekend!

2006-2007 Winter Guard

Congratulations to the 2006-2007 Winter Guard, and thank you to all the students who prepared and participated in the audition.

The first practice for this group is scheduled for November 2, from 6 - 8:30 PM.

Click here for the roster.

Marching Band Records CD

The North High "Trojan" Marching Band participated in a much anticipated and long awaited recording session today. Recording 27 separate songs, the 180 member band worked in the Auditorium under the direction of Mr. Miller and Mr. Teague. Drum Majors Ian Black, Rania El-Kareh, Mason Martin and Lisa Witek also served as conductors for the session.

Mr. Ken Abling (pictured) of Lincoln Music Productions served as the Audio Engineer.

CD's are expected to be available for the holidays!

DGN Band Alumni at Indiana University

Mr. and Mrs. Teague had a chance to travel to Indiana University this past weekend for the IU vs. Wisconsin football game. Brittany DiSalvo, senior, is Drum Major of the IU "Marching Hundred," and Tim Williams is in his second season as a member of the trombone section. Senior Laura Snyder is also pictured here. Laura, a former DGN Band Color Guard Captain marched with the IU Color Guard before the Color Guard was dropped from the Indiana Marching Band in 2004. We continue to be so proud of our DGN Band Alumni who are doing great things at the college and university level!

DGN Band Alumni / Marching Illini

Mr. and Mrs. Miller traveled to Urbana-Champaign this past weekend to watch their Alma Mater Illinois take on the University of Iowa football team. Pictured are DGN band alumni who are current Marching Illini members. From left to right: Matt Niemi, Mr. Miller, Brett Jaros, Kyle Rhoades, Jill Paruszkiewicz, Mackenzie Martin and Joe Rush. (Stephanie Graves and Anglea Chrysanthopoulos - not pictured.)

DGN retains the Bucket

North High beat Hinsdale Central 17-7 in the annual Bucket Game. Storms and a soggy field led to alternate uniforms for the Trojan Marching Band, who completed their third major performance of the season.

Trojan Marching Band - New Uniforms

North High's Trojan Marching Band unveiled new uniforms at the opening football game on August 25, 2006.