Spirit Wear orders are due by Thursday, December 1st !

Just a Reminder -

Please complete and turn in your order form with your payment to the mailbox in the band room. Click on the link to download either the jazz band order form or the general mustang band order form.

The order forms are also available in the band room. Orders will be in before Christmas break.

Jazz Spirit Wear Order Form

Mustang Band Spirit Wear Order Form

If you have any questions, please contact Sharon Gresik at gsnsgresik@sbcglobal.net.

Thanks,

November 24th - McDonald's Thanksgiving Day Parade

Links & Downloads:
November 24th Parade Day Itinerary
Marching Band Day of Event Information
Parade Staging Map with Unit Numbers
Thanksgiving Parade Handbook

The Downers Grove South Marching Mustangs will appear in this year's McDonald's Thanksgiving Parade, televised on WGN TV.  The day's Itinerary, and supporting information, have been released and are available at the links posted above.

Summary of Itinerary - Thursday, Nov. 24th:
  6:45am   Arrive at DGS and change into Uniforms
  7:30am   Depart for Chicago
  8:00am   Television Coverage of Parade Begins on Ch.9, WGN TV
  8:15am   Arrive at Staging Area, E. 8th St & Wabash Ave.
10:00am   Downers Grove South Marching Mustangs, Unit #84B
11:00am   Parade TV Coverage Ends, Band Departs for DGS
12:00pm   Estimate Time of Arrival at DGS

NOTES:

Be sure to eat a good breakfast before arriving at DGS in the morning – lots of protein!
Please represent your band, school and community with pride and respect in everything you do, all weekend.
You will ride the bus in full uniform minus the hat, plume and gloves (in your hat box on your bus).
Your instruments will ride in cases with you on your bus. Cases and hat boxes will stay with the busses.

SPECIAL NOTE:

Don’t forget to remind all of your friends and family around the country to tune in for the broadcast of the parade from 8:00am-11:00am CST. The parade will be broadcast on WGN Channel 9 Chicago and WGN America.  Check your local listings for WGN America's channel number.  The parade will also be rebroadcast on Thursday, November 24th from 1:00pm-4:00pm in the Chicago area on CLTV.

Gourmet's Delight Cheesecakes are Back!

The Cheesecakes that everyone loves are back!   The Mustang Band Boosters are once again selling delicious Gourmet’s Delight cheesecakes, just in time for the holidays.   Samples of most of the offerings will be available outside the Auditorium at the Band Concerts on November 8th & 15th.  (This fundraiser is open to students in any of the DGS Music Programs.)

This year we are offering a variety of cheesecakes in two sizes –

Regular: These large 9” cheesecakes weigh from 3-1/2 to 4 lbs., and are pre-cut into 14 servings – available in 14 varieties.

Mini: These 7” cheesecakes weigh approx. 2-1/4 lbs., and are pre-cut into 6-8 servings – available in 7 varieties.

Download the Order Form for Regular (9” size) Cheesecakes
Download the Order Form for Mini (7” size) Cheesecakes
Download the Selling Tips / Information Flyer
View Cheesecake Details on the Gourmet’s Delight Website

• Paid Orders are due no later than Monday, November 28th, (after Thanksgiving). 
• All checks should be payable to the MUSTANG BAND BOOSTERS.  
• Orders with payments should be placed in the Band Mailbox on the Communication Table outside the Band Room.  
• Be sure to include all of your information on the order form, including Name, Student ID#, email, Phone #, and your Organization (Band, Choir or Orchestra). 
• Cheesecakes will be available for pick-up on Friday, December 9th from 5pm-7pm in the Student Café at DGS.

Cheesecakes are available in the following sizes and varieties:

Variety	Regular	Mini
Cherry	--	x
Chocolate Chip	x	x
Cookies & Crème	x	x
Key Lime	x	x
Strawberry	x	x
Traditional	x	x
Turtle	x	x
Blueberry	x	--
Chocolate Marble	x	--
Mint Chocolate Chip	x	--
Pecan Caramel	x	--
Pineapple Coconut Crème	x	--
Pumpkin	x	--
Raspberry Fudge	x	--
Variety (7 flavors)	x	--

We will earn $5.50 for each regular cheesecake and $4.00 for each mini cheesecake sold. Funds are split evenly between the student's music organization and the student’s individual account. For more information, please contact our Cheesecake Coordinator,
Kathy Miles at Gen-Cheesecakes@MustangBandBoosters.com or by phone at 630-863-0768.

Tom & Eddie’s Fundraiser Supports District 99 Education Foundation

For 9 days in November, from Fri. 11/4/11  through Sat. 11/11/11, Tom & Eddie’s Restaurant in Lombard will donate 10% of net sales to the District 99 Education Foundation.   Grants from the Foundation directly support activities at both South & North High Schools in Downers Grove.  Glenn Williams, South’s Fine Arts Department Chair, provided one such example: “The D99 Foundation was quite supportive during the recent German exchange, providing funds for the orchestra visit in the fall.”

Download a flyer with more details here.

Tom & Eddie’s is located at 348 Yorktown Center in Lombard.  Students from North & South High Schools will assist with serving on both weekends.  TribLocal.com posted an excellent article with more on the District 99 Education Foundation, this fundraiser, and Tom & Eddie’s Restaurant.  View the article from the following link:

Eat a burger to raise money for District 99 Education Foundation — Lombard news, photos and events — TribLocal.com

For more information, call 630-705-9850 or visit http://www.tomandeddies.com or http://www.facebook.com/TomandEddies.

ISU Championships Results & Recap

Results Summary:
What a night!  The Marching Mustangs started the day at 9:30am on the field at DGS, knowing they would be one of last bands to perform in ISU Prelims at 5:51pm.  What they didn’t know in the morning was they would also close out the Finals Competition at 10:46pm, over 13 hours after they started. 
Last night we heard that DGS placed 2nd in Class 6A behind Lake Park.  The Mustangs were also awarded best (General) Effect in the Class.  The 2 bands, together with Prospect and O’Fallon from Class 5A, were the highest scoring bands in the Large Schools group, and would join Marian Catholic, Lincoln-Way North, and Plainfield North from the Small Schools group as the last bands to compete in Finals.
Finals Competition began at with Class 1A Champion IVC at 7:30pm, and ended with our Marching Mustangs.  When Finals Results were announced, we learned that DGS placed 4th Highest of all bands in Finals Competition, behind only Lincoln-Way North in 3rd, Prospect in 2nd, and Grand Champion Marian Catholic.
The Official Results have just been released (links to the actual files are posted below). 

• In Prelims, with a score of 81.10, DGS placed 4th highest of all 45 bands in the State Championships behind only Lake Park, Prospect and Marian Catholic.  These were the only bands to score above 80.00 in Prelims.
• DGS’ Prelims score was just 0.40 points behind Lake Park for 1st Place in Class 6A!
• In Finals, 5 bands were awarded scores above 80.00, the Top 4 mentioned earlier and Lincoln-Way North. 
• The Marching Mustangs improved their score to 83.55 to take 4th Place Overall in Finals Competition.
• Lincoln-Way North improved more than 7 points to take 3rd Place, with Lake Park rounding out the Top 5 in 5th.

Download the Prelims Scoresheet (2 pgs)
Download the ISU Finals Scoresheet
See Video of DGS in Prelims Competition
See Video of DGS in Finals Competition
Link to Original Article

Let's Provide A Warm Welcome Tonight!

PARENTS: Planning on picking up your Marching Mustang tonight?  Let's really show them how proud we are by giving them a warm welcome back home. 
Please arrive a few minutes early - 2:00am should be fine - and stand outside your car so we can all greet them with our applause as the busses return. 
Congratulations to Mr. Roselieb, the Staff, Boosters, and to all our Marching Mustangs on a terrific year, and an unprecedented 4th Place in State finish!

The Marching Mustangs are on the road- ETA approx 2:05am.

Band was last to perform, still packing. Will advise ETA when they are on the road.

ISU Finals Results:  Updated with Scores

1. 89.15  Marian Catholic - Grand Champion
2. 86.15  Prospect
3. 85.05  Lincoln-Way North
4. 83.55  Downers Grove South
5. 83.15  Lake Park
6. 82.95  O'Fallon
7. 77.05  Victor J. Andrew
8. 76.60  Lockport
9. 76.10  Lincoln-Way East
10. 76.00  Normal West
11. 75.50  Plainfield North
12. 75.25  Morton
13. 72.65  Lincoln-Way Central
14. 67.50  Illinois Valley Central

DGS TAKES 4th PLACE IN FINALS!!! What a great night & finish to a Great Season! Congratulations to All.

While awaiting results- Reminder Fall Awards Banquet Tues Nov 1st, tickets avail at the door. And congrats to Football Team on last nite's playoff win!
(Photo courtesy of ILMarching)

DGS set to take the field for ISU Finals Competition. Will post scores & details as soon as available. GOOD LUCK!
Photo below courtesy of ILMarching:

In Prelims, DGS takes 2nd Place to Lake Park in Class 6A. DGS also awarded Best (General) Effect in Class 6A.  DGS scheduled to perform last in Finals at 1046 pm. Likely means band scored among Top 7 of all bands in Prelims!  At the very least, one of the Top 4 bands in the Large Schools group - 5A & 6A, along with Lake Park, and Prospect and O'Fallon from 5A. 

WOW!!!
Terrific performance! Looked & sounded great!

DGS now taking the field. New uniforms look great at Redbird Stadium!

DGS has arrived at ISU.

The Marching Mustangs are on the road to ISU- Good Luck to all & do well!

October 29th - ISU State Marching Band Championships

Updated Sat. Oct 29th:

LIVE ISU UPDATES via TWITTER posted at right ==>

Our updates from DGSMBB, and those from ILMarching.com, will be posted live on the Twitter feed to the right. Please look there for updated info regarding the schedule, results, and our band’s return to DGS. To follow this information on your cell phone, text “FOLLOW dgsmbb” and “FOLLOW ilmarching” to 40404.

Original article follows below:

Links & Downloads:
October 29th ISU Itinerary with DGS schedule and Schedules of Competing Bands 
Map and Directions to ISU's Hancock Stadium
ISU State of Illinois Marching Band Championships Website


Congratulations once again to our Marching Mustangs on their Best In Class, and Top 5 Overall performance at the Illini Marching Band Championships this past weekend, and on their strong showings at all the competitions this year.  Click Here to see a Recap of the Illini Results.  (See Recent Posts And Updates at the top of the blog for links to recaps of all the contests.)

To wrap up this Competition Season, the Marching Mustangs travel to Illinois State University in Bloomington on Saturday, October 29th for the ISU State of Illinois Marching Band Championships. Rehearsal at DGS begins Saturday at 9:30am, and the band performs at 5:51pm in preliminary competition.  Preliminary Round Results are announced shortly afterward, at 6:30pm.  If the band makes Finals, they will perform once again some time after 7:30pm.  Final Awards are to be announced around 11:00pm, and the band is expected to return home early Sunday morning at approx. 1:30am.

-- The Blog will be updated throughout the weekend with the Band's Results (approx. 7:30pm), Departure from Bloomington, Expected Arrival at DGS, and any other information as soon as details are announced --

Summary of Itinerary (see full itinerary for all additional details)

Saturday, October 29, 2011

 9:30am -- Rehearsal begins at DGS with stretching in stadium

12:00pm -- Final Run-Through - Pit begins packing trailer – All eat sack lunch brought from home

 1:30pm -- Depart for Normal, IL

 3:30pm -- Arrive at ISU Stadium Southwest parking lot – Change into uniforms (bathrooms in stadium if needed)

 5:41pm -- Report to gate

 5:51pm -- Class 6A Performance
 
 6:35pm -- Awards and Finals announcement

 6:45pm -- Move back to busses (dinner and/or warm-up for possible finals performance – TBD)

 7:30pm -- Finals Begin

11:00pm -- Final Awards

11:30pm -- Depart for Home

 1:30am -- Estimated arrival time at DGS

NOTES:

Bring a sack lunch for after rehearsal; be sure to eat a good breakfast before arriving at DGS in the morning

You will receive dinner from Avanti’s in Normal, IL, furnished by the Band Boosters

Please represent your band, school and community with pride and respect in everything you do, all weekend
-- The Blog will be updated throughout the weekend with the Band's Results (approx. 7:30pm), Departure from Bloomington, Expected Arrival at DGS, and any other information as soon as details are announced --

Driving from DGS to ISU's Hancock Stadium:


View Larger Map

Best wishes to DGS today at ISU, and Congratulations on a terrific marching season!
Mike K

U of I Celebration

We had a great time celebrating our 1st Place win at U of I last Saturday night. Please enjoy a few pictures from the dance. Good Luck to our Marching Mustangs at ISU!

Cathy

Illini Comp ETA Update

11:08am Update:  Band at I-80 eta 1145am.
9:20am Update:  The busses are loaded and the band is on the way home, expecting to arrive at DGS around 12:00 Noon.  A further update will be provided once the band is closer to Chicago.

Illini Marching Band Championships–Results & Recap

Updated, with scores, links to scoresheets, link to video.

• View a video of the Marching Mustangs' Performance
• Download the complete Scoresheets: Classes 4A-6A // Classes 1A-3A
• See the original article

9:10pm Large School Results Just Announced:
DGS takes 1st Place in Class 6A, 4th Place in the Large Classes Group, and 5th Place Overall at the Illini Marching Band Championships.  The Mustangs also received Caption Awards for Best Auxiliary, Best Visual, and Best Music in Class 6A.  Placements follow below.  The band now adjourns to a well-deserved party in Champaign before returning to the hotels.  Check back later for any additional updates tonight, and for an updated ETA Sunday morning.

Large School Grand Champion: Prospect

Class 6A
1. 90.05  Downers Grove South  (Aux, Visual, Music)
2. 86.50  Waubonsie Valley  (Perc)
3. 82.90  Neuqua Valley

Class 5A
1. 93.85  Prospect  (Aux, Perc, Visual, & GC)
2. 90.60  Hersey  (Music)
3. 89.80  Stagg

Class 4A
1. 91.60  Lincoln-Way West  (Visual, Music)
2. 88.90  Dunlap
3. 88.40  Bloomington
…  Rock Island  (Aux, Perc)

Small School Grand Champion: Morton

Class 3A
1.  90.90  Morton  (Visual, Aux, Perc, & GC)
2.  87.90  Limestone Comm  (Music)
3.  83.70  Highland

Class 2A
1.  89.70  Macomb  (Music)
2.  87.70  Eureka  (Aux)
3.  87.70  Illinois Valley Cent  (Visual)

Class A
1.  75.00  ROWVA  (Music, Visual, Aux, Perc)
2.  70.40  Tri-Valley
3.  68.10  Blue Ridge

Tues. Nov 1st Fall Banquet & Raffle

The Marching Mustangs' Annual Fall Banquet will be held at the DGS Cafeteria on Tuesday, November 1st.  Download the Registration Form Here.  Registration begins at 5:30pm.  Dinner by Gatto's will be served at 6:15pm, followed by the Awards Ceremony at 7:30pm.  Advance tickets are available at $15 each only until October 27th -- After that date, tickets will be available at the door at $18 each.
The Marching Mustangs will again hold a Raffle Basket Bonanza.  Download the Raffle Basket Flyer Here.  Each section is encouraged to donate a basket for raffle at the event (families & friends are also welcome to prepare & donate a raffle basket).  Raffle tickets will be sold at registration and during dinner for $1 each, or 6 tickets for $5.
For more information, or any questions, please contact our Fall Banquet Chair, Mary Claire Kastenholz at gen-fallbanquet@mustangbandboosters.com

Important Links:
Fall Banquet Registration Form
Raffle Basket Flyer
Questions? email us at: gen-fallbanquet@mustangbandboosters.com

October 22nd - U of I Illini Marching Band Championships

Links & Downloads:
October 22nd Illini Itinerary with DGS' schedule, and Schedules of Competing Bands 
Map and Directions to University of Illinois
2011 Illini Marching Band Championships Website
Schedule of Competing Bands

Congratulations again to our Marching Mustangs for their terrific performance at the Prospect Knight of Champions -- 1st Place and Best General Effect in Class AA, and 3rd Place Overall in the meet.

• Read the Summary of the Prospect Knight of Champions Competition
• See Recent Posts And Updates at the top of the blog for recaps of all this year's contests. 

Best Wishes for Continued Success as the band sets it sights on the last two competitions of the year.  After a week off for Homecoming, the Marching Mustangs travel to the University of Illinois in Champaign on Saturday, October 22nd to compete with 46 other bands at the 2011 Illini Marching Band Championships.  Rehearsal at DGS begins Saturday at 7:00am, and the band performs at 2:56pm.  After an overnight stay in Champaign, the band is expected to return home around 12:30pm Sunday afternoon.

-- The Blog will be updated throughout the weekend with the Band's Results (approx. 9:00pm), Departure from Champaign, Expected Arrival at DGS, and any other information as soon as details are announced --

View the Full Itinerary Here

Itinerary Highlights

Saturday, October 22, 2011

7:00 AM Rehearsal begins at DGS with stretching
8:30 AM Final Run-Through -
9:30 AM Depart for Champaign, IL – Eat lunch on busses en route
12:30 PM Arrive at U of I Memorial Stadium – Change into uniforms (bathrooms are portable if needed)
2:46 PM Report at South Gate
2:56 PM Class 6A Performance
3:10 PM Band Exits stadium and returns to parking lot to pack and change out of uniform
4:15 PM Arrive at Hotel – check in, instruments and personal effects all into rooms (except equipment stored in trailers)
4:30 PM Shower Time etc. then change into evening attire (comfortable light clothing – school appropriate)
5:30 PM Load busses to depart for Green Street - U of I restaurant area (dinner in small groups, bring money)
7:00 PM Reload busses after dinner at drop off checkpoint
7:15 PM Arrive at Dance Hall parking lot and walk to stadium
8:10 PM Marching Illini Performance and Award announcements (DM’s report by 8:30 in uniform)
9:15 PM Walk back to Dance Hall – Dance begins
10:00 PM Pizza is served
12:00 PM Return to Hotel
1:00 AM Curfew to Rooms

Sunday, October 23, 2011

8:00 AM Breakfast – Check Out – Load Busses
9:30 AM Depart for Home
12:30 PM Estimated arrival time at DGS

NOTES:

• Bring a sack lunch for the bus ride, and be sure to eat a good breakfast before arriving at DGS in the morning.
• Bring a small overnight bag – (it all has to fit on your bus!)
• Bring money for Saturday dinner.  Your late night pizza party and Sunday morning breakfast are included.
• Please represent your band, school and community with pride and respect in everything you do, all weekend.
• All uniforms are loaded in cases per section color, and loaded on Hunsinger trailer along with hat boxes

-- The Blog will be updated throughout the weekend with the Band's Results (approx. 9:00pm), Departure from Champaign, Expected Arrival at DGS, and any other information as soon as details are announced --

Driving from DGS to University of Illinois:


View Larger Map

2011 Marching Mustang Competition Results Recaps

Listed below are links to the Results Recaps for each of this year's competitions.

• October 29th -- ISU State Championships
• October 22nd -- Univ of Illinois Championships
• October 8th -- Prospect Knight of Champions
• September 24th -- Wheeling Chicagoland Marching Band Festival
• September 17th -- Stagg / Wheaton North Double Header
• September 10th -- Lake Park Lancer Joust

DGS Homecoming Schedule Released

The schedule for Homecoming Activities has been released and is shown below.
  Click here to download a printable copy of the schedule. 

DGS Homecoming Schedule

Friday – October 15, 2011
Marching Mustangs annual hallway and courtyard homecoming pep rally
7:15 am Students report to band room by wearing show shirts and jeans or shorts (Seniors w/ senior shirts)
7:25 am March through hallways – playing fight song
7:35 am Courtyard concert and "Bagels with the Band" faculty will be there
8:00 am Report to class on time (pit will get passes)
8th Period -- Assembly, Coronation & Parade
1:21 pm Marching Mustangs and Jazz Ensemble report to band room to change
     Marching Band dress in uniform pants and show shirts
     Jazz Ensemble will dress as we did for homecoming show (Straighten Up and Fly Right)
1:40 pm Marching Band moves to first 3 rows of senior section/Jazz ensemble moves to gym set up
1:56 pm Jazz Ensemble begins playing in gym at as students arrive
3:00 pm After coronation, marching band leaves out the back to grab instruments and uniform
    coats, and then will walk over to Springside St. behind the stadium press box.
    JE marching band members change quickly and join the band when ready
3:15 pm Parade steps off at with Lakeview.     MM will bring up the rear of the parade, concluding by 4pm
    DGS will play "I Like It, "Fight Song" , and "Dynamite."
Homecoming Football Game

4:00 pm Marching Band returns to band room to change out of uniform and eat dinner (provided)
4:30 pm Scott Oliver will meet with interested students about Drum Corps auditions for 2012
5:15 pm Re-dress and begin stretching by 5:30 pm
5:45 pm Rehearsal begins on sophomore field – including on field performance of "Dynamite"
7:10 pm Move to varsity field to begin pre-game sequence
8:15 pm Halftime performance will conclude the McDonald’s Thanksgiving Turkey dancing to "Dynamite"
10:00 pm Game concludes – band dismissed after uniforms are properly stored away

Prospect Knight of Champions Results & Recap

Summary:
The DGS Marching Mustangs took 1st Place in Class AA, and 3rd Place Overall, at the Prospect Knight of Champions.  The band also received the award for Best General Effect in Class AA.  The Marching Mustangs' score of 74.30 was the 3rd highest overall, behind Class AAA bands Plainfield North (76.55), and Grand Champion Lincoln-Way East (79.70).  Placements shown below from Saturday have been updated with scores.  The band now takes a week off for Homecoming, before traveling to the two final competitions -- Oct. 22nd at the University of Illinois in Champaign, and Oct. 29th at Illinois State University in Bloomington.

• View a video of DGS' Performance at Prospect HS
• View the complete Competition Scoresheet (pdf)
• Oct 8th - Prospect Knight of Champions Original Article

8:20pm ETA Update:  The Band is on the way home - ETA at DGS is 9:00pm.

7:47pm Results:  DGS Marching Mustangs awarded 1st Place in Class AA.
DGS also awarded Best General Effect in Class AA.  Further details, and an update on the band's ETA will be posted when available.

Preliminary results:
Class AAA

1. 79.70  Lincoln-Way East  (Auxiliary, Music, Visual, Gen'l Effect)
2. 76.55  Plainfield North
3. 73.25  John Hersey
   ...
   Romeoville (Percussion)

Class AA

1. 74.30  Downers Grove South   (Gen'l Effect)
2. 73.25  Waubonsie Valley   (Music, Auxiliary)
3. 71.60  Wheaton-Warrenville South
   ...
   Lincoln-Way Central (Visual),  Batavia (Percussion)

Class A

1. 65.00  Lincoln-Way West   (Visual, Music, Percussion)
2. 61.75  Wheaton North    (Gen'l Effect)
3. 61.15  Sandwich   (Auxiliary)

October 8th - Prospect Knight of Champions

Links & Downloads:
DGS Takes 1st in Class AA -- RESULTS & RECAP

October 8th Prospect Itinerary with DGS schedule and Schedules of Competing Bands 
Map and Directions to Prospect High School
Prospect Knight of Champions Website


Congratulations again to our Marching Mustangs on their strong showings through the first four competitions this year.  (See Links at the top of the blog for recaps of each contest.) After a week off, the Marching Mustangs return to competition Saturday, October 8th in the Prospect Knight of Champions at Prospect High School, 801 W. Kensington Road in Mt. Prospect. 

Rehearsal at DGS begins at 10:15 am; the band performs at 5:15 pm, and is expected to return home around 9:00 pm Saturday night.  Students are reminded to eat a good breakfast before arriving in the morning, bring a sack lunch to eat at practice, and bring money for dinner at the Concession Stands at Prospect HS.

-- THE BLOG WILL BE UPDATED AROUND 8:00 PM WITH THE BAND’S RESULTS, AND WITH UPDATES TO THE BAND'S ETA AT DGS, AND ANY OTHER INFORMATION AS SOON AS DETAILS ARE ANNOUNCED --

 10:15 AM               Rehearsal begins at DGS with stretching      
 12:45 PM               Final Run-Through - Pit begins packing trailer – All eat sack lunch brought from home
  1:45 PM                Load busses (see bus groups below)
  2:15 PM                Depart for Prospect High School
  5:15 PM                DGS Performs
  7:30 PM                Class A and AA Award Ceremony – (DM’s report by 7:00 pm)
  9:00 PM                Arrive at DGS and unload – put uniforms away
Download the Full Itinerary Here

-- THE BLOG WILL BE UPDATED AROUND 8:00 PM WITH THE BAND’S RESULTS, AND WITH UPDATES TO THE BAND'S ETA AT DGS, AND ANY OTHER INFORMATION AS SOON AS DETAILS ARE ANNOUNCED --

Driving from DGS to Prospect HS:


View Larger Map

October 1st Special Rehearsal Schedule

A special all-day rehearsal will be held Saturday, October 1st at DGS, from 8:00am to 5:00pm, with a 45 minute lunch break at 12:15pm.  Download the Itinerary here.


Throughout the day, the band will have the privilege of working with, performing for, and being critiqued by several respected music instructors, including Ken Snoeck, Director of Lake Park HS Band (Retired); Dan Belongia, Director of Illinois State University Marching Band; and Kevin Lepper, Percussion Instructor at VanderCook College of Music.

October 1st Special Rehearsal Schedule

Morning: Ken Snoeck, Lake Park HS Director - Retired

  8:00 am   Stretching Begins outside near band room
  8:15 am   Basics begin in the Stadium
  8:35 am   Wind and Percussion Warm-up begins in Stadium
  8:55 am   Break #1
  9:00 am   Opener run and cleaning with Mr. Snoeck – Drill 1 - 27
  9:55 am   Break # 2
10:00 am   Production run and cleaning with Mr. Snoeck – Drill 28 - 51
10:55 am   Break # 3
11:00 am   Closer run and cleaning with Mr. Snoeck – Drill 52 - 75
11:50 am   Run whole show
12:00 pm   Final Comments from Mr. Snoeck

12:15 pm Lunch

Afternoon: Dan Belongia, Illinois State University Marching Band Director
Kevin Lepper, Percussion – VanderCook College of Music

  1:00 pm   Re-Stretching on Varsity Field
  1:15 pm   Full Run of Show for new guests
  1:25 pm   Initial comments
  1:40 pm   Break #4
  1:45 pm   Color Guard – Re-write of Production I – and other cleaning (baseball field)
                  Woodwinds – Music Rehearsal with Mr. Belongia – North end zone
                  Pit & Battery – Rehearsal with Mr. Lepper – South end zone
                  Brass – Drill Cleaning and attention to visuals – Varsity Field with Tech Staff
  2:45 pm   Break # 5
  3:00 pm   Color Guard – continue cleaning etc. (baseball field)
                  Brass – Music Rehearsal with Mr. Belongia – North end zone
                  Pit & Battery – continue rehearsal with Mr. Lepper – South end zone
                  Woodwinds – Drill Cleaning and attention to visuals – Varsity Field w/Tech Staff
  4:00 pm   Break # 6
  4:15 pm   Rehearse Production I – with new Color Guard Changes
  4:40 pm   Final Run of whole show
  4:50 pm   Final Comments from Mr. Belongia and Mr. Lepper
  5:00 pm   Dismissal

U of I Chaperone Request

We are busy preparing for our overnight trip to the University of Illinois for the 2011 Illini Marching Band Championships. There currently 47 bands scheduled to compete at this event.

We are need of about 20 people to be a chaperone / pit helper. Please review the attached flyer for further information. I will be holding an informational meeting on Tuesday, October 4 from 8:30PM - 9:00PM in the Band Room to answer any questions you may have. Remember that it would be difficult, if not impossible, to put on an event like this without your assistance!!!

Download the U of I Chaperone flyer.

South High Fine Arts

South High Fine Arts: "More John Mackey at South High School

Composer John Mackey continued his residency at South High School, engaging in a question and answer dialog with Concert Band and Symphonic Band. Wind Symphony performed Xerxes and gained immediate feedback and insight from the composer..."

Click the link at top for the full article and pictures from the South High Fine Arts Blog.

'via Blog this'

South High Fine Arts

South High Fine Arts: "John Mackey's residency at South High School in Downers Grove continued this morning as he spent time coaching student composer Zach Plata and a chamber woodwind ensemble..."
Click the link at the top for the full article and pictures from the South High Fine Arts Blog.

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South High Fine Arts: Composer John Mackey visits South High School in Downers Grove

South High Fine Arts: Composer John Mackey visits South High School in Downers Grove:
"Composer John Mackey http://www.ostimusic.com/ is engaging in a "mini-residency" at South High School in Downers Grove on September 27-28, 2011. This evening, Mr. Mackey attended his first marching band rehearsal ever, experiencing his music being realized on the field by the Marching Mustangs..."

Click the link at top for the full article and pictures from the South High Fine Arts Blog.

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John Mackey Days

Today and tomorrow, the DGS Bands will have the privilege of working with John Mackey, the composer of several pieces for both Marching Band and all Concert Bands. Please join us tonight at the Marching Band practice to meet Mr. Mackey and see how he interacts with our Marching Mustangs. Bring an umbrella and a blanket to stay warm!

John Mackey Days – Rehearsal Schedule

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

2:15 pm Arrive at Chicago O’Hare Airport – American Airlines – Flight 1835
3:30 pm Check-in at the Lisle Hyatt Hotel
4:30 pm Dinner with staff
6:00 pm Marching Band Rehearsal begins in Stadium
6:50 pm Break # 1
7:00 pm 1st Run of show
7:15 pm Initial Impressions of the music and show development
7:25 pm Music rehearsal on Kingfishers (opener)
7:45 pm Music rehearsal on Strange Humors (production 1)
8:05 pm Break #2
8:15 pm Music rehearsal on Blue Hour (production 2)
8:35 pm Music rehearsal on Closer
8:45 pm Final Run – Comments
9:00 pm Section Leader meeting
9:30 pm Return to Hotel

Wednesday, September 27, 2011

7:15 am Breakfast at Hotel
8:00 am Check-out and travel to DGS
8:30 am Rehearsal with Zach Plata Chamber Group
9:45 am Rehearsal concludes
10:00 am School day begins
10:35 am Concert Band Rehearsal – Q & A with the composer
11:15 am Wind Symphony Rehearsal – Xerxes
11: 50 am Wind Ensemble Rehearsal – Kingfishers Catchfire
12:40 pm Marching Mustangs – Q & A with the composer
1:00 pm Lunch at DGS
1:25 pm Symphonic Band Rehearsal – Q & A with the composer
1:45 pm Depart for Chicago O’Hare Airport
3:20 pm Depart for Boston – American Airlines Flight – 2098

Wheeling CMBF Results & Recap

Summary:
The DGS Marching Mustangs were awarded 2nd Place in Class AA at Wheeling HS' Chicagoland Marching Band Festival.  The Mustangs ended in 5th Place overall, less than a point from finishing in the Top 3.  The band received awards for Best Drum Majors and Best Music in Class AA.

• View a video of DGS' Performace at Wheeling
• View the Competition Scoresheet (posted 9/27)
• Sept 24th - Wheeling CMBF Original Article

11:30pm Update: Added scores, and placements for Class AAA.
8:40pm ETA Update: The band is on the road and should arrive at DGS approx. 9:30pm.
8:22pm Results Announced:
DGS Marching Mustangs awarded 2nd Place in Class AA, behind Victor J. Andrew, and 5th Place overall.  DGS also takes Class Awards for best Drum Majors and Music in Class AA.  Band will be leaving shortly, updated ETA will be posted when available.

Preliminary results:
Class A

1. 58.35  Glenbrook North  (Auxiliary, Gen'l Effect, Music)
2. 55.90  Lincoln-Way West  (Percussion)
3. 50.50  Alan B. Shepard  (DM)

Class AA

1. 72.55  Victor J. Andrew  (Percussion, Gen'l Effect)
2. 72.00  Downers Grove South  (DM, Music)
3. 68.10  Waubonsie Valley
   ...
   Stagg  (Auxiliary)

Class AAA

1. 80.90  Prospect
2. 73.95  Morton
3. 72.95  Lockport

Sept 24th - Chicagoland Marching Band Festival in Wheeling, IL

Links & Downloads:
September 24th Wheeling Itinerary with DGS schedule and Schedule of Competing Bands 
Map and Directions to Wheeling High School
Wheeling HS Bands CMBF Website


Congratulations to the Marching Mustangs on a long day of doubleheader competition, starting with the Stagg Jamboree and ending with a 2nd Place finish overall at the Wheaton North Falcon Festival. (See More Details and Final Scores Here.)
On Saturday, September 24th, the band competes at the Chicagoland Marching Band Festival at Wheeling High School, located at 900 S. Elmhurst Road in Wheeling. Rehearsal at DGS begins at 12:00 Noon.  The band performs at 6:30pm, and is expected to return home around 9:00pm Saturday night.  For those planning to attend as spectators, tickets are $10 for adults, $7 for Students, and $25 for a family of 4.
-- THE BLOG WILL BE UPDATED THROUGHOUT THE DAY WITH THE BAND’S RESULTS, THEIR ETA AT DGS, AND ANY OTHER INFORMATION AS SOON AS DETAILS ARE ANNOUNCED --

12:00 pm – Rehearsal begins at DGS 
 3:45 pm – Busses depart for Wheeling HS
 6:30 pm – DGS Performs
 7:45 pm – Class A & AA Awards Presentation  
 9:00 pm – Expected Return to DGS

Students should bring money for dinner at the Concession Stands at Wheeling, bring a snack for the bus ride, and eat a good breakfast AND lunch before coming to DGS.

-- THE BLOG WILL BE UPDATED THROUGHOUT THE DAY WITH THE BAND’S RESULTS, THEIR ETA AT DGS, AND ANY OTHER INFORMATION AS SOON AS DETAILS ARE ANNOUNCED --

Driving from DGS to Wheeling HS:


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