DGN Jazz Ensemble Tapped for Performance at 2014 State Convention

2012-2013 DGN Jazz Ensemble

The Illinois Music Education Association announced this week that the DGN Jazz Ensemble has been selected to present a concert at the 2014 Illinois Music Education Conference.

"This is a tremendous honor for North High School," said Fine Arts Department Chairperson Brayer Teague, who also leads the band.  "Dozens of Junior High, High School, and College music ensembles from across the state of Illinois submit performance applications for the state convention each year.  It is a real credit to our student musicians that DGN has been honored with an invitation to perform next year."

Members of the 2012-13 Jazz Ensemble spent time this past January and February preparing music for the application recording.  Bill Miller, co-director of the Jazz program at North High, served as the Audio Engineer for the project.  "The students worked very hard on the recording, and we are very proud that their efforts were recognized by the Illinois Music Education Association," said Miller.  "We are excited the band will have this opportunity to prepare for the state conference in 2014."

DGN Jazz Ensemble Class of 2013

Teague continued by crediting the members of the current senior class.  "We have a great group of seniors who have been tremendous leaders in our program.  While they will not have the opportunity to be a part of the performance in Peoria next January, their imprint on the band will be an important part of our preparation next fall.  Simply put, we wouldn't have received this invitation without their tireless work and dedication."

With more than 3,500 active members, the Illinois Music Education Association is one of the largest affiliates of NAfME: The National Association for Music Education, over 75,000 teachers strong.  ILMEA is, by far, the largest Fine Arts education organization and among the largest in the nation.  The 2014 Illinois Music Education Conference is expected to draw thousands of music educators, clinicians and exhibitors from across the nation to Peoria, IL during the four-day event.