The student musicians of the DGN and DGS Jazz Bands participated in an educational clinic and concert with the internationally acclaimed Northern Illinois University Jazz Orchestra. Led by Professor Reggie Thomas, and featuring guest artist Ernie Adams (drums), the NIU Jazz Orchestra performed an exciting set that warmed even the coldest of winter nights. Congratulations to the members of the DGN and DGN Jazz programs for their outstanding performances tonight at the Tivoli theater in Downers Grove. It was a pleasure and honor for our students to open for the great Northern Illinois University Jazz Orchestra!
Congratulations to the musicians of the DGN Jazz Ensemble, DGN Jazz Lab Band, Herrick Middle School Jazz Band, Jefferson Junior High School Friends of Jazz, and the Westview Hills Middle School Jazz Band for their spirited and exciting performances at the 2019 DGN Jazz Cafe!
The 2018-19 academic year will mark the end of the "Rivera Era" with the Trojan Bands. For the past ten years, the members of the DGN Trojan Marching Band have had the pleasure of working with and learning from Mr. Alex Rivera. Mr. Rivera has made the decision to step-back from his work at DGN in order to focus additional time and energy on his expanding family at home. With his permission to share, here are some reflections Mr. Rivera posted to Facebook yesterday: As I sit in the lobby getting ready to depart from London I find myself reflecting on the end of a longer journey. For the past 10 years I’ve been working with this amazing band, and I will sadly be leaving Downers Grove North at the end of this year. This trip really marked the end of my time and I can not think of a better way to end it. I started the trip, really missing my family at home...but over the past couple of days and especially yesterday I just have been reflecting on how I am going to miss my band family at North. Being a part of this program has really been absolutely amazing and while I know it is time to move on and bring more focus on my family and my full time teaching gig at Eastview, it is hard to say goodbye and close this chapter. Thanks to all who have made the past 10 years at North absolutely amazing!
We will miss you, Mr. Rivera! Thank you for your time and dedication to the DGN Bands, and please do not be a stranger!
Congratulations to the members of the DGN Trojan Marching Band for an absolutely "brilliant" performance in the 2019 London New Year's Day Parade! The weather was absolutely perfect for the parade which led to record numbers of spectators along the route. DGN musicians were welcomed warmly by the London crowd that was estimated to be well over 500,000 spectators. We have a LOT of photos to share, HERE.
Following the parade, the arduous task of packing our instruments commenced.
In the early evening DGN Drum Majors accepted recognition plaques and framed posters from the parade organizers and London dignitaries. Then it was off to the West End to see Les Miserables!
