IMEC Preparation with Mark Bettcher

Last spring the DGN Jazz Ensemble was honored with an invitation to perform this coming January (2014) at the Illinois Music Education Conference in Peoria.  Students continue their work in preparing music for that important performance, and tonight the band welcomed Chicago-area trombonist, Mark Bettcher, as a guest jazz mentor.  Mr. Bettcher, who is the Director of Jazz and Orchestras at Dundee-Crown High School, is the third of seven guest-conductors who have agreed to serve as mentors to the band leading up to the January 23rd performance.  

Every student in the ensemble benefitted tonight from Mr. Bettcher's musical guidance and attention to stylistic detail. Thank you, Mr. Bettcher, for making the long trek tonight to DGN, and inspiring us with your musicianship!

 

 

 

 

DGN ---> TROJANS Transition Video from ABC-7

Big Day - and Night - for DGN

Friday was a big day - and night - for North High, beginning with the ABC-7 Fly-Over, and ending with a Trojan Football victory on the road to propel DGN into the "Elite Eight" of the IHSA State Football Playoffs.





Thank you to the membership of the Trojan Marching Band for their dedication to promoting school spirit through their involvement in both events. And a big thanks is also extended to our band parents ... many who got up extra early to shuttle their students to school, helped chaperone the road trip, or returned late to chauffeur students back home. North High appreciated your continued commitment to your child's involvement in the DGN Bands!

Video from ABC-7

ABC-7 Sends Thanks!

 My name is Doug Whitmire and I’m the Executive Producer of the morning news on ABC7. I wanted to take a moment to thank Mr. Kasik, the DGN staff and all of the DGN students who got up early this morning, braved the cold, and took part in our Friday Flyover. It looked great on t.v., and all of us are very impressed with the live movement the students did to change their formation live on the air. Great stuff!

Thanks again and we all look forward to working with you and your district in the future.

Have a great weekend and Go Trojans!

-Doug

Hot Chocolate

Mr. Teague and Mr. Miller are anxiously anticipating the opportunity to partake in a cup of hot chocolate with you tomorrow morning ... at 5:30 AM!

See you at the Fly-Over!!!!

Thank You A Cappella Choir and Wind Ensemble

Thank you to the musicians of the A Cappella Choir and Wind Ensemble for your marvelous work today in support of the Veteran's Day Assembly program.  Your musicianship, and your professionalism, were fabulous.

 

I was standing next to Dr. Sorensen at the end of the program when an 80-year old Veteran approached.  He commented that he has been to dozens of Veteran's Day programs at high schools and colleges all over the country, and that, "North High has defined 'the bar' that all other schools only hope they might achieve."  He was absolutely effusive in his complements about the entire ceremony, including your music.

 

I told the members of the Wind Ensemble today that I wished each of you could have had the experience of standing where I stood today during the program.  From my vantage point I could see directly into the eyes of many of our distinguished guests.  It was so evident in watching their reactions to the choral music, and the instrumental music, that they were deeply moved by your performances.

 

A special thank you to Megan Hung for her work accompanying the A Cappella Choir, and to Joe Pacheco and Tommy Donnelly for their performance of "Echo Taps." 

 

Well done all!

 

With appreciation,

 

B r a y e r   T e a g u e

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Band Families = Generosity

DGN Band families have done it again, coming through in a big way to
support the "Giving Tree" efforts. When all of the donations were
totaled this afternoon, band students had raised $1,439.00 to support
families in need.

Congratulations to the Wind Ensemble class for averaging the highest
level of giving with over $11.00 per student.

We are incredibly proud and appreciative of the generosity exhibited
by ALL our DGN Band members.

Giving Tree Update: Please give generously tomorrow!!!

Total Number of Families we adopted:  3

Total Number of Children we adopted:  16

Total Money Raised (Day 2 of 3):  $388.02 ($1.72/per person average)

Fundraising Goal (for 3 days): $1,125 ($5/per person)

Percentage of Goal Achieved: 34%

Playoff Road Trip - Details & Excused Absence Request Form

Detailed information about the Marching Band road trip to the Playoff game this Friday night has now been sent to parents/guardians, via email.  It has also been sent to all band student email addresses.

The PDF file may also be found at this link:

https://app.box.com/s/c7wq05xfojp8w2ixvk5c