Congrats All Staters!

Congrats to Alyse, Evan, and Megan on their performance today in the Illinois All-State Band!

Can You Help at the Class of 2019 Open House?

We are seeking current band students who would like to help us make a positive impact on current 8th graders who will be attending the Incoming Freshman Open House (Class of 2019) next week.  

The Open House is on Thursday, February 5.  We need volunteers to work at both the Elective Fair, and also volunteers to help us make presentations in the Band Room that night.  

If you think you could help us, please follow the link below, and fill out the short form.  We will then look at the volunteer pool, and try to put together a team of speakers and helpers that night that represents a great cross-section of our Band program.  (Various grades, instruments, sender schools, etc.)

Please complete the form no later than Saturday, January 31.

Thanks for your consideration!  

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1VBmeGyUnJafOIWgbt07XBE4kLdMtbegFqJ7NTF-O4mw/viewform

Congrats Winter Guard!

The DGN Winter Guard is off to a strong start, competing this afternoon at Waubonsie Valley High School's "Louder Than Words." Today's show marks the opening weekend for the Midwest Color Guard Circuit. 

A special thanks is extended to the DGS Winter Guard for their collaboration and helpful attitude. It is wonderful to see the two schools assisting one another today with props and tarps. 

BT

(Sent from iPhone)

DGN Pep Band / 8th Grade Night

Congrats to the DGN Pep Band for a spirited performance tonight as the Trojans defeated OPRF!

BT

(Sent from iPhone)

Music Exchange - Wayzata High School

DGN was pleased to welcome the Wayzata High School Band to campus today. The Wayzata Wind Ensemble, under the direction of Dr. Donald Krubsack, performed excerpts of their Chicago Tour program. The DGN Wind Ensemble performed two selections that will performed in New York on March 2.

Thank you Dr. Krubsack, and the talented members of the Wayzata band program for sharing your music with us today!

Peter Wilson with DGN Symphonic Band in Preparation for Carnegie Hall

Violinist Peter Wilson was on campus this evening to work with the DGN Band in preparation for the upcoming "New York Nouveau" concert at Carnegie Hall.  Dr. Wilson will be a featured soloist with the DGN Symphonic Band on the March 2nd program.  

With less than 40 days remaining to the concert, excitement is really starting to build.  Thank you, Dr. Wilson, for sharing your musicianship with us tonight!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pep Band Reminder

Reminder to DGN Pep Band members of our upcoming performances, including one THIS coming Friday night.  Rehearsal in the Band Room at 6 PM, with a performance in the gym starting at 7 PM (tip-off at 7:30 PM).  We will be welcoming 8th graders from our "sender school" programs.

Friday, January 23: DGN V-Boys vs. OPRF (7:30 PM) (8^th Grade Night)

(6:00 PM call time – game at 7:30 PM)

Friday, February 6: DGN V-Boys vs. Glenbard West (7:30 PM)

(6:00 PM call time – game at 7:30 PM)

Friday, February 13: DGN V-Boys vs. York (7:30 PM)

(6:00 PM call time – game at 7:30 PM)

Tuesday, February 17: DGN V-Boys vs. Hinsdale Central (7:30 PM)

(6:00 PM call time – game at 7:30 PM)

DGN Bands Honored at Purdue University Jazz Festival

DGN Jazz musicians were honored at the 25th Annual Purdue University Jazz Festival with a myriad of accolades, including a Division 1 Rating by the Jazz Ensemble.

Congratulations to the following students who garnered Outstanding Soloist Awards:

Alyse Bondarowicz, Bari Sax/Flute
Jackson Hansen, Alto Sax
Michael Hardy, Piano (2 awards)
Eirene Kowal, Vibraphone
Emily Little, Trombone
Matt McCoy, Alto Sax (2 awards)
Zach McCoy, Drums
Anthony McMahon, Tenor Sax
Nate Rapach, Trumpet
Caleb Schmurr, Trombone
Catherine Smerz, Bass (3 awards)
Marz Tingzon, Alto Sax

Swingin' at FitzGerald's

The joint was jumpin' tonight at the famed jazz club FitzGerald's as the DGN Jazz Ensemble performed a full 55 minute set out in front of the terrific Chicago Grandstand Big Band.

It would be impossible to find or create a more authentic "performance assessment" to measure the musical growth of these talented students during Semester 1. The audience agreed as patrons cheered for band members to receive an 'A' for their Semester Final.

Many thanks are extended to FitzGeralds and the Grandstand Big Band for the invitation to perform this evening.

Jazz Cafe 2015

Congratulations to the student musicians of the DGN Jazz Ensemble, DGN Jazz Lab Band, Jefferson Junior High "Friends of Jazz" and the Herrick Middle School Jazz Band - as well as soloist Ms. Catie Hickey - for their performances on Friday night!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Official NYNouveau Store!

Want an official tour shirt or hoodie?  Cap?  Travel mug?  PJs for the overnight bus ride?  Or how about an official replica poster from our performance (like those that will be displayed at Carnegie Hall)?

We are pleased to announce the opening of our online store for students and family members to purchase "NYNouveau" official merchandise.  

This online store, run by Cafe Press, will be our portal for students who wish to order official apparel, and various souvenirs (caps, travel mugs, etc.)

All orders will be processed directly through Cafe Press, and fulfilled through direct shipping to your home.

While most orders will ship within 24-48 hours, we encourage families to order in January to ensure items arrive in time for the tour.

Click here for the store, or visit: www.cafepress.com/nynouveau

DGN Jazz Cafe Tonight!

You will not want to miss tonight's DGN Jazz Café! Let the hot sounds of jazz (and hot coffee) warm your soul during Polar Vortex 2.0.

The concert officially kicks off at 6:30 PM with performances by Jefferson Junior High and Herrick Middle Schools ... but the DGN Jazz Ensemble will perform a "pre show" set at 6:15.  

BT

(Sent from iPhone)

Music Excerpts for Semester 1 Finals

Specific music excerpts for Band Finals have been sent to each student's CSD99 email address. Check your email!

Carnegie Poster On The Way ...

The large 40"x80" poster that will advertise #NYNouveau - a concert featuring the Bands of Downers Grove North and South High Schools at New York's famed Carnegie Hall - is on the way to the Big Apple where it will be displayed at Carnegie beginning February 2.

Community Music Making

DGN Band students (past, present, and future) kept their musical skills warm over the Winter Break with a variety of community performances.

Members of the "Heavy Metal Brass Quintet" (current students T. Griffin, K. Griffin, J. Casey - alumnus B. Casey - and future DGN Band student B. Perillo) performed for a packed audience at Holy Trinity Church in Westmont.

The DGN Bands extends a "Happy New Year" to all students. We look forward to seeing you again tomorrow!