Lake Park Lancer Joust– September 10th

Links & Downloads:
Lake Park Itinerary with DGS schedule, Driving Directions, and Schedule of Competing Bands
Map of Lake Park West High School
Lake Park Lancer Joust Website with Competition Info

The Marching Mustangs’ 2010 Season kicks off Saturday, September 10th with the Lake Park Lancer Joust at Lake Park High School’s West Campus in Roselle, IL.
Lake Park West High School is located at 500 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., where it intersects with West End Rd. Tickets for this competition are $10 for adults, $7 for children and $25 for a family consisting of two adults and 2 children.
Please note: The Competition consists of a Preliminary Performance and Finals Competition (Top 10 Bands). If the Band makes Finals, they will compete again after 7:00pm, and return to DGS around 11:30pm.

Senior Night, Mini Camp & Mr. Roselieb's Birthday!

Friday night was a very exciting night for all involved, but especially for the 2011 Marching Mustangs who unveiled their new uniforms in the new turf stadium performing their new 2011 show "River Visions". The energy in the air was invigorating. I cannot wait for the first competition at the Lake Park Lancer Joust scheduled for September 10th. The Itinerary for this competition has been developed and will be posted to this blog soon. It was also Senior night and 35 members of the Marching Mustangs were celebrated and congratulated by Mr. Roselieb and Mr. Williams and cheered on by the rest of the band and all band parents in the stands.

Saturday was just as exciting as the band learned the remaining 22 pages of the closer which is the first time ever in the history of the Marching Mustangs doing so. I overhead one of the Director's tell the band that they are starting to look and feel like a drum corp - which is a really good thing. Also, the band surprised Mr. Roselieb with a birthday celebration of cake, ice cream, balloons, a "Happy Birthday" serenade and a performance of a rendition of the Al Mater by the newly created "Walkouts."

More to come......

Cathy

South High Fine Arts: New Season, new uniforms, same excellence............

From original post by Glenn Williams, Friday August 26th
The Marching Mustangs officially unveiled their new show and new uniforms on the school's new turf field Friday night. DGS Fine Arts Department Chair Glenn Williams provides his perspectives and several pictures of the band's performance on his South High Fine Arts Blog.  Click the link below to view his post.
South High Fine Arts: New Season, new uniforms, same excellence............

Band Camp - 2011

Thank you to all of the wonderful volunteers who assisted thoughout this week. Your time and efforts are sincerely appreciated. Even though Band Camp 2011 came to a close yesterday, it is just the beginning of what is expected to be a very exciting season of the 'BIG BLUE MARCHING MACHINE." Go Marching Mustangs!!! Cathy

Go Roma Dining Fundraiser Wed. Aug. 31st

A restaurant fundraiser is scheduled for Wednesday, August 31, 2011, at Go Roma, 635 East Boughton Road, in Bolingbrook (at the Promenade Mall) from 11 AM to 9 PM.
Download the flyer here.
Go Roma will donate 20% of our sales to the DGS Marching Mustangs. You must present the attached flyer when you pay for your meal. The more people we invite, the more money the band will receive. What a great way to celebrate the start of a new school year and marching band season! So ask your family, friends, and neighbors to eat at Go Roma on August 31 and help make this a successful fundraiser.

Thursday August 18

Welcome to Band Camp, a place of tradition. The tradition enacted on this Thursday, as on many previous Thursday nights of past Camps, was Senior speeches. At the end of the 11-12 school year we will graduate 34 seniors from the marching mustangs alone. Those observant readers will have noticed a considerably later post tonight than the last few evenings. 34 senior speeches do take up a lot of time. But, this tradition has continued because it is good, and I see it as good for two reasons. One: it puts the seniors in the spotlight. Not often enough do these hard-working individuals receive applause or recognition but tonight they get both, plus the opportunity to make a tangible if not final impact on the band. And that they did, as laughter and memories flowed from the speeches of these student members. The other reason I like this tradition is in the fact that since 34 senior speeches take about 2 hours, I was able to sit next to my good friends for that amount of time. This is unheard of at any other point in the fast fast fast band camp schedule. Senior night allows the band to slow down, appreciate each other and what we all work for. Also, it lets everyone get excited for a wonderful performance the next day. I hope to see you all tomorrow, dinner is at 5:30! Thank you for reading, good night.

Josiah

Band Camp 2011 - Thursday, August 18th

There is just 1 day left of band camp, and for me, it went by quickly. However, I'm sure that the band feels differently for I haven't been in the sun for 13 hours a day..... Today was "class color" day and I share with you pictures of each the classes. These young adults are not only talented and smart, they are also very creative. I have seen many tee-shirts over the course of the years, but today, I think I have found my favorite. It was the senior class tee-shirt created by Sam Kotlicky and designed by Erin Quinn and I've attached a picture so you can see for yourself - can you figure it out? See you tomorrow at the picnic. Cathy

Bringing the Heat, but Staying Cool.

Another fabulous day in Marching Mustang World to say the least. Yesterday the band was hot, only to turn up the temperature another degree. Usually, the DGS marching band relys on the Dr. Beat to which is the machine that keeps tempo for everyone, or metronome, until at least the beginning of September. The Dr. Beat is important because it is an audible reminder to keep our feet moving at the same speed and making sure that the band stays together while playing. For the first time ever, the Marching Mustangs can play MORE THAN HALF of their show confidently and in time while looking at the drum majors only during the fourth day of band camp. Which is an incredible feat.
As a majority of you will hear on Friday, the energy in the band is absolutely contagious. The middle of our show is based off a piece entitled "Strange Humors" and it has a beat that you can't help but dance in your seat when you hear it. (:
The band has hit the ground running, and will not stop a until the second we snap our horns down on the ISU finals field.
-Marissa Jama
Clarinet Section Leader

Colorguard Update- Wednesday, August 17

Hey everyone! Today the guard accomplished a lot! We finalized the production part of our show by adding more dance and more stick work. It's a little rough now but it should be getting progressively better. We put our ballad together for the first time tonight and it's looking really great. I'm so beyond excited to see how this show is going to turn out. The final touches keep making it look better and better and individual performance will only help with the quality of the show.

Unfortunately, along with all of our effort comes some injuries and illness for our members. This week we have had more girl feeling sick and pulling and popping things that I have ever seen before. Although it's very unfortunate, in a way it's very telling of how much work we put into what we do. Let's hope that everyone is feeling healthy and strong by Friday (and the rest of the season) so we can have a great show! That's all for me today, I'll keep updating this week.
-Anna Burton
Colorguard Captain 

Band Camp 2011 (continued...)

Enjoy!

Wednesday August 17

Ladies and Gentlemen, Mustangs and otherwise. Those readers in the work force, today's blog pertains to you especially. Today at band camp, was Hump Day. Yes, the 8 to 5 work and step size lifestyles are similar indeed. Wednesday went slowly, and as we attempted to tackle slow and difficult marching and drill, it was as though we were scaling a hill. But the foundations of this band, let me tell you, are strong. And as you can tell by reading this, I survived Hump Day. I have two encouraging anecdotes for you and then I must log off for bedtime. First, I shared with my friend today that I am genuinely excited to perform for the parents on Friday evening. With all the hard work we have put in, I can stand by that for most of the ensemble. Secondly, and in a similar vein, there is a slow movement of the show, the ballad. And in the ballad there is rising action to a point of musical climax. At this point, our wonderful color guard spins and tosses simply gorgeously styled flags. I saw them perform today from my spot on the ladder and audibly gasped. It was wonderful. It will be a great performance, and I cannot wait to see you there.

Josiah

Band Camp 2011

Hello all - I'm a few days late with my blog but felt since it was mid-week, it was still is a good time to share with you how it has been going thus far at Band Camp 2011. Sunday was a little choatic at first as the excitement and frenzy of the band was felt. We had all of the returning band members staking their claim of the field in order to set up camp, and the incoming freshman members were all smiles and ready to start an experience of a lifetime. As they settled in, off it went. I know I am being redundant with a comment about the weather, but we could not have ordered a more gorgeous week and it is evident by the kids' (and staff) tans. I have taken a few pictures that I share with you now and will have more later. Please feel free to come by at any time and watch how they learn their drill and practice their music, and by Friday, you will be amazed as to how far they have come.

Tuesday August 16

Welcome all readers to day two of camp! Two things today stuck out personally and made today a very special time. Number one, the weather was perfect. Simply gorgeous out on the field, and even more so in the shade. It was summer-y and warm but not too hot to do work, it was sunny, but with some scattered cloud cover, I remarked at lunch that it was very good. Secondly, as Drum Major one of my responsibilities is to let people know when their breaks end, and remind them how much time is left so that the rehearsal can move along. I choose to do this by running across the field yelling the amount of time remaining. What was special about today was that during my run, a freshman came up and ran and yelled along with me. This was encouraging to me in that I knew that I was supported by the band, and I knew that this individual understood the importance of maximizing time, and having some fun while doing so. Energies remain high, we were able to learn 9 more pages of drill today, setting us about halfway through the show. I am excited for tomorrow after such a good day today. Thank you for your time, you will hear from me tomorrow.

Josiah

It’s Picture Time!

Download the Picture Day Order Form here.
We will have our pictures taken on Tues. August 23rd, starting at 4:50p.m.  (Practice starts at 6 p.m.)  If your section is scheduled before practice, make sure you arrive at school in enough time to get dressed.
Look below for your scheduled picture time.  The time listed below is the actual picture time!
Please report for your section’s picture time even if you are not buying any individual pictures.  We will be taking section pictures.  (You can purchase a picture of just your section.)
Things to remember:

• Bring your order form!
• Bring the payment!
• Be ready at your scheduled time.  That means uniform on and instrument in hand.  You will need them for the pictures!
• If ordering section pictures, please indicate the section on the order form.   Percussion section:  Please indicate whether you want Pit, Battery or complete percussion section picture.

Things to think about/decide before you have your picture taken:

• Do you want a full body or just upper body picture?
• Do you want your instrument in the picture?  (bring instrument for section photo)
• Hat on or off?
• Smile or no smile?
• Sections, how do you want your sections set up for the section picture?  (subject to photographer’s o.k.)      

SECTION	TIME
Color Guard	4:50
Drum Majors	5:20
Flutes	5:30
Clarinets	5:40
Alto Sax	5:50
Low Reeds	6:00
Trumpets	6:10
Mellos	6:20
Trombones	6:30
Baritones	6:40
Sousas	6:50
Pit	7:00
Battery	7:20

Color Guard:  at this time it has not been decided what you will be wearing for your pictures.   Please check with your leaders closer to the date.
You may download the picture order form here.  Please print it out and bring it with your payment on picture day.  Extra copies will be available in the band room.
If you have any questions, you can reach me at gen-pictures@mustangbandboosters.com or 630-400-2141.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation on Tuesday!
Diane Foernssler

Marching Mustangs Schedule, Week of August 22nd

An itinerary has been posted for the practices and events scheduled through the week of August 22nd. 

Download the schedule here.

Colorguard Update- Monday, August 15

Hello, everybody! I am Anna Burton, colorguard captain and blogger for the section. Things are crazy and exciting for our section, there's a lot going on! Today we completed our opener by ending with a great flag feature that is looking really good. We also began working on our soloist Becca Swick's solo in the "production" part of the show. Dancers began learning work for the same part, and flags began their choreography on "jungle sticks" as we like to call them, but in actuality they're just large poles. We will continue to add dance work and fill in the little spots and transitions that we have open, but otherwise most of our show is done!

Also this week we have a lot more staff in, which is giving us much more individual time and more experts on certain areas of colorguard work. We are progressing so quickly, and it's awesome to see how well everyone is doing.-- the freshmen especially. Look for more updates this week from me, and have a good day!
-Anna Burton

Band Camp Day 2 (Superhero Day)

Hey Everyone,

I'm Maddie Snyder and Im the sousaphone section leader in the Marching Mustangs. If one word could sum up todays events, Im pretty sure "long" would do just fine. Im always suprised how school and band camp always make the hours in the day grow longer. I guess it comes out of all the hard work we do, because today we actually learned about 9 pages of drill or so. Maybe even more. Nothings ever clear after a day of band camp, anyone can attest to that. But we had a fun packed day of basics in the morning along with drill learning. And the marching mustangs sure stayed on top of their game. We started to learn the drill to the second peice in our show "production". We had fun attempting to tribal dance while marching to our next set. But even after this day of band camp i do have a confession, even i am coming home tonight with sunburn. And beleive me when i tell you i am not alone. There was surely no shortage of beet red arms, shoulders, and legs. i think some of us have to learn that there needs to be a re-application of sunblock after 4 hours in the sun. But you learn something new everyday. But we have been having great weather, dont get me wrong. Being a senior, this is probably one of the best band camp weathers i have had so far. But its still only day two. And we still have plenty more to go. Until next time :)

Monday August 15

Hello students, parents, family friends and fans of DGS Mustangs Music! My name is Josiah Williams, and I am proud to be Drum Major of the 2011 Marching Mustangs. Today was the first full day of our camp, a full day being 13 hours from 8 A.M. to 9 P.M.. It was also Superhero day, wherein the members are encouraged to dress as their favorite hero. There were marching Batmen and Supermen and women, as well as the Flash, Green Lantern, and Spiderman. As serious and intense as marching band is in nature, it's wonderful to have the spirit day as a tradition. Another tradition we do as a band is end our music rehearsal at 9 o'clock with the warm-up chorale from Jupiter. If you are not familiar with Gustav Holst's Jupiter, I highly suggest you check it out. The chorale is simply beautiful, and the sound of the band, overwhelming. Moments like that as well as crazy running members and capes and masks remind us what this activity is all about: enjoyment. We work hard so that we can look back and enjoy. Hopefully through this blog you guys can vicariously enjoy, without having to work as hard as the Marching Mustangs. Thank you for reading, until tomorrow night!

Ladies and Gentleman, Please Start Your Engines...

Day one of DGS Marching Mustangs Band Camp 2011 is upon us and I assume that many other members of the band have been scrambling around with their parents trying to find the bug-spray, sweatshirt and other marching band necessities. That's just me? Okay...
Anyways I don't think that the band could be more blessed with the weather this week (apart from a little bit of rain) for two reasons. First, overcast means no sun and no sun means NO SUNBURN which is always a plus when we're going to be outside for thirteen hours each day. As the week goes on and the sun does come out the leadership team is making it a point to remind their section and members of the band in general to apply and reapply sunscreen this year. The second reason this weather is perfect is the cool temperatures allow for members to focus completely and not have to think about the heat.
All in all, I am very excited for this week because the level of passion and discipline in the band this year is unparallelled to any year before. That fact alone will allow us a whole be the best band we can be to get ready for the season.
-Marissa Jama
Clarinet Section Leader

Band Camp Begins–Look for Student Updates

The 2011 Marching Mustangs Season officially gets under way with the opening of this year’s Band Camp Sunday, August 14th.   This week, the band will devote over 74 hours to learning the drill and music for this year’s show, RIVER VISIONS.

Several students have volunteered to share their impressions of Band Camp and the upcoming season.  Check back throughout the week for the latest from our Marching Mustangs at Band Camp 2011.

2011 Marching Mustang Band Camp Aug. 14-19

 

Band Camp begins on Sunday, August 14th, and runs through Friday, August 19th.

 

Band Camp will take place at Lakeview Junior High, 701 Plainfield Rd in Downers Grove.
Download the Band Camp Schedule & Instructions here.

All information and reference materials will be posted here for your convenience. Check back throughout the week for any updates.  And please plan to join your student for the Family Picnic and Show Preview on Friday evening, August 19th.

Special Old Uniform Fitting–Saturday Aug. 13th

A Special Fitting Session for Old Uniforms has been scheduled for this Saturday, August 13th.

In order to fit our old uniforms for use in inclement weather, or with a muddy field at an away competition, we are requesting that all wind and percussion Marching Mustang members be fitted according to the schedule below.  Color Guard members do not need to attend this fitting.

Please Note: This is a CORRECTED DATE compared to the handout distributed to students at this week’s practice.

Seniors	10:00am – 11:15am
Juniors	11:15am – 12:30pm
Sophomores	12:30pm – 1:45pm
Freshmen	1:45pm – 4:00pm

Parents with questions about the uniforms and fittings should contact our uniform co-chair, Mary Coley, by phone at (630) 567-3418 or email at exec-uniforms@mustangbandboosters.com.