Translate

Saturday, February 23, 2008

Winter Guard at the Athena Spectacular

Congratulations to the Winter Guard on two terrific performances
today, and good luck at Super-Sectionals!

Friday, February 22, 2008

Professor Andrew Spencer

Andrew Spencer, currently holds the position of professor of
percussion at Central Michigan University. An active recitalist
and clinician, he has performed as a soloist in the United States,
Poland, Japan, Canada, and Costa Rica.

Professor Spencer was a guest clinician today at North High School,
working with three percussion classes throughout the day.

Saturday, February 09, 2008

Pep Band: Thank You Seniors; Welcome Class of 2012







































Tonight marked the final appearance of the 2007-08 Pep Band at a North High Basketball game, as the Trojans soundly defeated Proviso West High School.

North High welcomed members of the Class of 2012 who sat in with the Pep Band for tonight's performance, while 15 members of the senior class (2008) performed for the final time with the Pep Band. Congratulations Seniors!

DGN Jazz with legend Jimmy Heath


























Members of the North and South High Jazz Bands participated in clinics with the world-renown Northern Illinois University Jazz Ensemble, and visiting guest artist Jimmy Heath.

Jimmy Heath originally played alto saxophone but after the influence of Charlie Parker on his work for Howard McGhee and Dizzy Gillespie in the late 1940s, he earned the nickname "Little Bird" (Parker's nickname was Bird) and he switched to tenor sax. He was out of the music scene for several years in the 1950s, returned to work with Miles Davis in 1959 and then with Kenny Dorham and Gil Evans. He also recorded extensively. During the 1960s, he frequently worked with Milt Jackson and Art Farmer. In 1975, he and his brothers formed the Heath Brothers. Tootie dropped out of the group in 1978 but Jimmy, Percy and their sidemen stayed together until 1982 . Jimmy continued to work frequently following the break-up of this band.In the 1980's, he joined he faculty of the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College in the City University of New York. With the rank of Professor, he led the creation of the Jazz Program at Queens College and attracted many outstanding musicians, such as Donald Byrd to the campus. He also served on the Board of the Louis Armstrong Archives on campus and the restoration and management of the Louis and Lucille Armstrong Residence in Corona, Queens. Mr. Heath continued his association with the College until recently. In 2004, he was awarded an honorary Doctorate in Human Letters.

Friday, February 01, 2008