Calling all DGN Band Alums!

We will once again be forming an Alumni Band to perform with the TROJAN Marching Band during the Homecoming football game against Hinsdale Central on October 24th, 2014. We are trying to find as many alumni as possible to participate in what is always a really fun and exciting event. We are e-mailing this invite and information to alums who have expressed interested in the Alumni Band in the past or performed with us in years past.  We also have a Facebook in the DGN Alumni Band - Official Site group.  Search for it and re-join us if you aren't already a member!  If you know of someone who would be interested in this event, use one of the links above to spread the word (email, LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook).  Or go to Facebook to invite them to join the Alumni Band group!!

While you will hopefully recognize the same energy, spirit and musicianship in this year's version of the Trojan Marching Band that you remember from YOUR days at North, there have also been a number of changes on our campus in recent years. 

We are accepting credit card and PayPal payments again this year.  This, along with using this great Eventbrite registration site have added some slight fees to your registration.  We hope the convenience of these tools outweighs the increased expense.  Checks can also still be used for payment.  Click on the "Show other payment options" link during checkout to get the mailing address and details.

When registering, ALL PARTICIPANTS must register for the "Registration Fee" Ticket.  All NEW PARTICIPANTS must also register for the "Sweatshirt Order" Ticket to order the required uniform sweatshirt.  Of course anyone can order additional sweatshirts.

We're looking forward to seeing you on October 24th!

To register, visit our registration page at dgnalumniband14.eventbrite.com

Taking it to the next level ...

Hundreds upon hundreds of former DGN Marching Band members have, over the years, gone on to make significant contributions to their respective college and university marching bands.  As the college football season hits full stride today, we send our congratulations to some of our alumni who "take the field" this week!  Here are just two, of dozens of examples, of DGN alumni suiting up today ...

Gwen Cortez & Tommy Donnelly (Class of 2014) make their debut with the Purdue University Marching Band today.  Boiler Up!

Kirsten Keller (Class of 2011) begins her Senior season with the Marching Illini today.  "I - L - L ... I - N - I!"

Friday Night Lights

Congratulations to the members of the Trojan Marching Band on their performance at tonight's abbreviated home football opener!

Kick Off in 60

Let's Go Trojans!

Football 101

Mr. Miller leads the 2014 Trojan Marching Band through the traditional (and uniquely Mr. Miller) "Football 101" Pre-Game instructions.

It's Almost Game Day!

It's almost "Beat the Porters" Game Day, and the members of the Trojan Marching Band are fired up and ready to support our team on Friday night!

Band members are reminded to have black socks, ball cap, and marching shoes at school tomorrow. We wear our New York State of Mind shirts during the day to promote school spirit.

We look forward to our first performance in uniform (weather permitting).

No Drum Line Tonight / Color Guard 6 - 8:30

Drum Line Tuesday Night Practices will begin NEXT week, on September 2.  Tuesday practices will take place, as per the handbook, from 6 - 8 PM.

The Color Guard will practice tonight, from 6 - 8:30 PM.

We apologize for any confusion relative to the Drum Line schedule, and the start date for the Tuesday night practices with Mr. Botti.

DGN Band Emails vs. Text Alerts

If you have subscribed to our Blog Emails, it is important for you to understand how these emails are generated.  Blogger uses a tool called "Feed Burner" to create emails that summarize a 24-hour "news cycle" of posts on our webpage.  Posts are pulled once in the 24 hour cycle (5 PM each day) and pushed to your inbox.  This is a function of the system, and we cannot change that. In most cases, our posts/announcements are planned in a way that this 24-hour cycle will be ample time for you to get information.

We had two announcements on Thursday/Friday of this week that were more time-sensitive. A post on Thursday evening clarifying the time of the Band Showcase, and a post on Friday afternoon about the location of the Band Showcase.  Neither was picked up by Feed Burner and emailed out to subscribers until after the information was essentially "old news."  In this case, the timing of the cycle didn't work in our favor.

This is why we strongly encourage band students, and their parents, to sign up for our Text Alerts.  Text Alerts are sent immediately (or within about 5 minutes) after we post to our Blog.  

We use Twitter as the engine to send out our the Text Alerts, but you do not have to be a Twitter user, or have a Twitter account to receive our Text Alerts.  Any person who sends/receives texts on their phone may easily subscribe.  There is no cost to participate (other than potential carrier charges for text messages as identified in your personal phone plan). 

Here are the instructions on how to sign up: 

http://dgnbands.blogspot.com/2010/08/dgn-bands-text-alert-system-sign-up.html

Hard Work Pays Off - Marching Band Shines at Showcase

Congratulations to the nearly 200 members of the DGN Trojan Marching Band for completing Band Camp 2014, and for a terrific first public performance at last night's Band Camp Showcase.  

We extend thanks to our families and friends who came out in large numbers last night to cheer on the Band and provide an audience for our students.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DGN Band ALS Ice Bucket Challenge

Bill Miller, Brayer Teague, and the DGN Trojan Marching Band accept Coach John Wander's challenge, and in turn challenge North High School Principal, Mr. Scott Kasik!






In addition to our own video from tonight's Band Camp Showcase, we encourage you to take a moment to view this inspiring story about where this phenomenon began ...





... and we encourage all DGN band members to continue supporting the many wonderful charitable organizations across the country that are in need of financial resources to fight disease.

Find a cause you can get behind, and make a difference!

Marching Band Showcase Location Change

Due to wet field conditions, the location of tonight's Marching Band Showcase has been moved to the WEST practice field.  This is the turf field, adjacent to the bus lot, and just west of the stadium.

Students are to report to the Band Room between 4:45 - 5:00 PM.  We will meet family and friends out on the West field after inside announcements/warm-up.

Don't forget to bring a folding chair; there is no bleacher seating at this location.  

If weather conditions force any additional modifications to the plan, we will post those updates here on the DGN Band Blog.

Band Camp Wrap-Up

Tonight marked the final phase of Band Camp 2014.  We are looking forward to sharing the great work of these dedicated students at tomorrow night's Band Camp Showcase.

Congratulations to the Clarinet Section for winning tonight's Spirit Night with the most creative section theme!

 

 

 

 

Band Camp Showcase: Time Clarification

At last night's Music Parent Meeting, we inadvertently projected the wrong times on the screen for Friday night's Band Camp Showcase.  We will follow the originally published schedule, and the times as they appear on our online calendar.  Here is the schedule for Friday night:

4:45 - 5 PM - Band members arrive in band room, dressed in Marching Band T-Shirt, Band Cap, Shorts, and athletic shoes.

5 - 5:15 PM - Warm Up in Band Room (Spectators take seats around East Practice Field)

5:15 - Band moves to field.

5:30 - Showcase Begins

6:15 (approx) - Showcase ends; Band members put instruments away.

6:30 - (?)   Ice Cream Social at Every Day's A Sundae

New Concert Attire Requirements for DGN Bands

The following (new) information was shared at the recent Music Parent Meeting.  Please read the information below. Links to examples are provided in the attachment, which may be found here.

https://app.box.com/s/5ik8iz0vydbop5wklwur

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Specific clothing requirements have been recently updated to present all Band students in a consistent and visually professional manner. All students are required to meet these attire dress codes when performing in a scheduled band performance (locally, or on tour). Purchasing concert attire is the responsibility of the individual student and his/her family. If financial assistance is needed to procure the appropriate attire, a family should contact Mr. Miller or Mr. Teague no later than October 1 to discuss options. Music Booster fundraising Student Account funds may be used to reimburse families for this purchase, if desired.

For the 2014-15 academic year (and moving forward) we have modified concert attire expectations.  All three concert bands (Concert Band, Symphonic Band, and Wind Ensemble) will wear the same attire. This will provide a uniformed and professional look for all our students both locally, and while on tour. 

There are many ways one can attain concert attire that meets the expectations.  Many local retailers carry these items; there are also online suppliers that should be considered.  (If you order online, make sure to leave time for delivery.)

Students arriving at school for a performance without proper concert attire will be sent home to change.  Parents/guardians are asked to work directly with their students to ensure that they have the needed attire well in advance of the first concert and to ensure that students adhere to these expectations.

*** DUE DATE: November 5, 2014. ***

Students will first wear their formal concert attire on Wednesday, November 5, 2014.  We will be taking Yearbook Photos on this day, as well as publicity photos for the NYC Tour / Carnegie Hall Performance.

The first performance in the concert attire will be:

• Wind Ensemble: Friday, November 7 (Veteran’s Day Assembly during school)
• Symphonic Band:  Thursday, November 20 (evening concert)
• Concert Band:  Tuesday, November 18 (evening concert)

Information Regarding University of Illinois Band Day

Earlier today we emailed information home to all Marching Band families regarding our upcoming trip to the University of Illinois for Band Day.  If you did not receive this email, you can also access the information document by clicking here.

Families requesting an excused absence from this performance MUST complete and return the absence request form included in the document link above by FRIDAY, AUGUST 22nd.  It is crucial that we receive this information by Friday to finalize our plans with the University and the bus company.

Thanks in advance for reading over the information regarding this exciting trip carefully!

Coach Wander - DGN Band

Today the DGN Trojan Marching Band welcomed Coach John Wander to practice. As has become tradition over the years, Coach shared updates about the upcoming season and thanked band members for providing an electric atmosphere on Friday nights.

Jazz Auditions - Sign up!

Sign up sheets are now available on the Fine Arts Office window (131).  Students who are planning to audition for the 2014-15 Jazz program are asked to express their intent by signing the list.

Audition workshops will take place on August 26 and 27.  (There are not jazz activities on Monday, August 25, which is a change from information published last spring.) All interested students are asked to attend these workshops to practice as a large-group and gain insight into how they may best prepare for the auditions that being August 28.

Audition music is available on our Band Blog (dgnbands.blogspot.com).  See links on the left side of the page.

With a large graduating class in 2014, there are many opportunities for current DGN Band students to get involved!  We hope to see your name on the sign up list!

Band Uniform Fitting Reminders

Over the course of the next two days (Seniors/Juniors on Monday, and Sophomores/Freshman on Tuesday), all DGN Marching Band members will be fitted with a 2014-15 uniform.

Fittings will begin at 12:15 PM, following the morning practice, and continue until 3:00 each day.

Students should arrive on their assigned day wearing shorts made of light fabric (so they can easily pull long pants over the shorts), and a t-shirt.  Students should know, at a minimum, their current HEIGHT and WEIGHT.  Knowing the exact height and weight is important.

Additionally, if a student knows any specific measurements (i.e. chest, waist, inseam, out-seam, etc.) it can aid our volunteers and directors in trying to find a good fit.

Students should bring a check - payable to "DGN - BANDS" to cover uniform usage/cleaning fees, hat, t-shirt, gloves, and shoes.  Please use the following to determine the appropriate amount:

$60 (Winds/Percussion who have ordered new shoes)

$45 (Color Guard who have ordered new shoes)

$35 (Winds/Percussion who have NOT ordered new shoes)

$20 (Color Guard who have NOT ordered new shoes)

The length of time it takes a student to move through the fitting process varies, but families should plan on it taking at least an hour.  Some students might want to walk to lunch following the morning practice, and then come back a little bit later in the afternoon.

All students should be in line no later than 2:00 PM on their assigned day.

Band Camp Begins - Section Color Night

Nearly 200 student musicians took the field last night to mark the official start of Band Camp 2014. It was great to once again see and hear the energy, spirit, enthusiasm, and musicianship of the DGN Trojan Marching Band.

Welcome to Newcomers & Formers alike!

Band Camp Is Off and Running (or Marching) Looking Forward to Seeing our Formers!

This morning began the first official day of band camp for the full Trojan Marching Band.  Our Leadership Team welcomed approximately 70 Newcomers came together for a great morning of introductions and beginning to learn the fundamentals of marching.

Tonight we are looking forward to seeing our "formers" return to join in the fun.  Tonight is also "Section Color Night"  All Marching Band members are encouraged to dress in their traditional section colors - if you have any questions, contact your Section Captain.

See you tonight at 5!  (But if you're on time, you're late!!)

Can't Wait To Meet You!

We are ready - and excited - to welcome our 2014 Newcomers to the DGN Trojan Marching Band!

See you Thursday morning!

Band Camp Starts Thursday!

We have had 28 wonderful student leaders here at DGN over the course of the past week preparing for the start of Band Camp on Thursday.  The members  of the Color Guard and Drum Line have already been hard at work in “mini camps” this week.  We are very excited to welcome all NEW students on Thursday morning, and all returning members on Thursday evening.

·         Thursday, August 14^th, 8:00 AM:  All new Marching Band members (which includes all new band members who have not applied for a “Fall Sports Exemption”).

·         Thursday, August 14^th, 5:00 PM:  All former members return.

  

Look for the “2014-15 Kick Off Mailing” link in the upper-left corner of this page if you have misplaced the information sent home earlier in the summer.

From the April mailing …

Instrument Lyres

Each member of the Marching Band (with the exception of Percussion - see below) must PURCHASE an instrument lyre from a local music store.  This lyre, which attaches to your instrument or arm, will hold your music flip folder in place during music practices.  YOU WILL NEED THIS LYRE BEGINNING THURSDAY, AUGUST 14.  Lyres may be purchased at many local music stores (including BandSource in Downers Grove), however we suggest you call ahead to make sure they have your instrument lyre in stock.  It is recommended that you take your instrument with you when you go to buy the lyre, in order to assure a correct fit.  Lyres range in cost, depending on the instrument, but are generally only a few dollars.  It will be your own personal responsibility to keep track of your lyre, and to replace it if it is lost or broken.  (A hint to clarinet players: clarinet lyres break more easily than other instruments.  You may want to consider purchasing two, so that you have a back-up.)  You are advised against leaving your lyre in your slot, as it may get lost.  The best bet is to keep it in your case or locker.  Flutes:  Your lyres are a little different than most instruments, and we recommend you purchase an arm-lyre called, “The Flutist Friend.”

Percussion:  You are expected to maintain a three-ring binder containing all your marching band music.  Music should be kept in clear plastic pages that attach to your binder.  Binders are to be kept in your locker, and brought to each music rehearsal.  Under normal circumstances, percussion music must be MEMORIZED for each performance.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Bill Miller & Brayer Teague

Leadership Academy

DGN Marching Band Leaders spent Saturday in a Leadership Academy, preparing for the upcoming Marching Band Season. Thank you to our dedicated Leadership Team members for a great day of learning!