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.

'via Blog this'

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.

'via Blog this'

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:


View Larger Map

Stagg / Wheaton North Doubleheader - Recap

The Marching Mustangs managed a split-decision in two competitions Saturday, at the Stagg Jamboree in Palos Hills and the Wheaton North Falcon Festival.  The band placed out of the awards  in the afternoon at Stagg, but had a much better showing in the evening in Wheaton against some of the same bands.  At Wheaton North, the Mustangs took 2nd in Class AA, and 2nd Place Overall, to eventual Grand Champion Victor J. Andrew. 
The Marching Mustangs compete again next week in Wheeling at the Chicagoland Marching Band Festival.  The Itinerary and details will be posted Sunday morning.

Listed below are links to the Competition Scoresheets and videos of the performances. Below those are links to the posts from the day.

• View Videos of the Wheaton North & Stagg Performances
• Wheaton North Falcon Festival - Final Scores (pdf) 
• Stagg Jamboree - Final Scores (pdf) 

Stagg/Wheaton Doubleheader Posts

• Wheaton North Falcon Festival - Results Announced (Updated) 
• Stagg Jamboree - Results Announced
• Sept. 17th Doubleheader - Original Article
• September 17, 2011 "Doubleheader" Intro Article

Wheaton North Falcon Festival - Results

UPDATED (Results added 9/18):
DGS takes 2nd Place in Class AA, and 2nd Place Overall as well, to Victor J. Andrew.
The band is packing and will be back at DGS around 10:15pm.  Additional details will be posted as soon as final results are available.

Class A

1. 56.85   Chesterton  (Music, Gen'l Effect, Perc.)
2. 55.85   Alan B. Shepard  (Visual)
3. 38.60   Johnsburg

Class AA

1. 74.20   Victor J. Andrew  (Music, Visual, Gen'l Effect, Perc.)
2. 70.45   Downers Grove South
3. 69.35   Lincoln-Way Central

 Class AAA

1. 69.10   Lockport  (Music, Visual, Gen'l Effect)
2. 62.95   Lemont  (Perc.)
3. 57.95   Plainfield Central

 Overall Awards:
     Drum Major: Fremd
     Color Guard: Lincoln-Way Central
     Grand Champion: Victor J. Andrew

Stagg Jamboree - Results

UPDATED - SUMMARY:  DGS places 5th in Class AA, and 8th Overall.
(Scores from ILMarching.com)

Class A

1. 51.85 - Glenbrook North (Music, Visual, Auxiliary, Percussion)
2. 49.10 - Argo
3. 45.00 - Grant Community (DM)
4. 36.90 - Reavis
5. 33.45 - Elmwood Park
6. 31.45 - Bremen

Class AA

1. 72.45 - Wheeling (Music, Auxiliary, DM)
2. 72.40 - Lincoln-Way North (Visual)
3. 62.65 - Lincoln-Way Central
4. 58.40 - Huntley (Percussion)
5. 57.70 - Downers Grove South
6. 55.20 - Naperville Central
7. 47.45 - Plainfield East

Class AAA

1. 77.40 - Marian Catholic (Music, Visual, Auxiliary, Percussion)
2. 68.30 - Romeoville
3. 57.85 - Plainfield South
4. 56.80 - Minooka
5. 52.35 - Sandburg
6. 48.50 - Fremd (DM)

Grand Champion: Marian Catholic

Competition Update

Arriving at Wheaton North.

Competition Update

We are on our way to Wheaton North. Just left Stagg at approximately 5:15PM.

Sept 17th Doubleheader–Stagg & Wheaton North

Links & Downloads:
September 17th Stagg, Wheaton North Itinerary with DGS schedule and Schedules of Competing Bands at both sites
Map to Amos Alonso Stagg High School
Stagg Jamboree Website
Map to Wheaton North High School
Wheaton North Falcon Festival Website

Congratulations to the Marching Mustangs on a successful open to this year’s season with a Finals placement at the Lake Park Lancer Joust.  (See More Details and Videos Here.)
This Saturday the band competes in a doubleheader, appearing at the Stagg Jamboree in Palos Hills at 4:00pm Saturday afternoon, and at the Wheaton North Falcon Festival at 8:00pm.  Rehearsal at DGS begins at 9:45am, and the band is expected to return home around 10:00pm Saturday night.
-- 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 --

UPDATED: The Boosters will provide dinner for students between the two shows.  Students are to bring a Sack Lunch and cash for Dinner at the Concession Stands at Stagg and/or Wheaton North. 
9:45 am – Rehearsal begins at DGS 
1:15 pm – Busses depart for A.A.Stagg HS 
4:00 pm – DGS Performs at Stagg Jamboree
5:30 pm – Busses depart for Wheaton North
8:00 pm – DGS Performs at Falcon Festival
9:00 pm – Wheaton North Awards Presentation
9:45 pm – Stagg Awards Presentation 
10:00 pm – Expected Return to DGS
-- THE BLOG WILL BE UPDATED WITH THE BAND’S ETA AT DGS (Expected Time of Arrival) AS SOON AS PRELIMINARY RESULTS ARE ANNOUNCED (approx 6pm)AND AS ADDITIONAL DETAILS ARE RELEASED --

Driving from DGS to Stagg:

View Larger Map

Driving from DGS to Wheaton North:

View Larger Map

September 17, 2011 - "Double Header" Competitions

Congratulations to the Marching Mustangs for placing 3rd in their class in Preliminary competition and 6th overall in the Finals competition at the Lake Park Lancer Joust held this past Saturday. Our next competition is a "Double Header" with the first competition being held at Amos Alonzo Stagg High School in Hickory Hills and the second competition at Wheaton North High School, in Wheaton. Attached is the Itinerary for your information

Marching Mustangs Video Clips - 2011

An ongoing collection of this year's videos made available by our boosters.
Thank you, Mr. Maquire, for documenting the entire season on video.

Saturday, October 29, 2011
ISU State Championships - Finals Performance (Courtesy Q. Maguire)


10-29-11 DGS at ISU Finals from QMaguire on Vimeo.

ISU State Championships - Prelims Performance (Courtesy Q. Maguire)


10-29-11 DGS at ISU Preliminaries from QMaguire on Vimeo.

Saturday, Oct. 22, 2011
U of I Illini State Championships Performance (Courtesy Q. Maguire)


10-22-2011 DGS at Univ. of Illinois | State Championship from QMaguire on Vimeo.


Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011
Prospect Knight of Champions Performance (Courtesy Q. Maguire)


10-8-11 DGS at Prospect Night of Champions from QMaguire on Vimeo.


Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011
Wheeling CMBF Performance (Courtesy Q. Maguire)


9-24-11 DGS at Wheeling from QMaguire on Vimeo.

Saturday, Sept. 17, 2011
Wheaton North Falcon Festival Performance (Courtesy Q. Maguire)


9.17.11 DGS at Wheaton North from QMaguire on Vimeo.


Saturday, Sept. 17, 2011
Stagg Jamboree Performance (Courtesy Q. Maguire)


9.17.11 DGS at Stagg from QMaguire on Vimeo.

Saturday, Sept. 10, 2011
Lake Park Lancer Joust Finals Performance (Courtesy Q. Maguire)


9-10-11 Finals Lake Park Lancer Joust from QMaguire on Vimeo.


Saturday, Sept. 10, 2011
Lake Park Lancer Joust Prelims Performance (Courtesy Q. Maguire)


9-10-11 Prelims Lake Park Lancer Joust from QMaguire on Vimeo.

Lake Park Lancer Joust - Recap

The Marching Mustangs successfully opened their 2011 Season at the 33rd Annual Lake Park Lancer Joust in Roselle. In Prelims, the band placed 3rd in Class AA and also tied for the Class Award for Best Visual Effect.  The Prelims Score of 68.45 ranked 7th Overall, and earned the Mustangs a berth in the Finals Round for the 3rd consecutive year. 
After another strong performance in the Finals Round, the band received a Finals Score of 68.30 and improved to 6th Place Overall.  The Finals Score and Placement are both high marks for the band at the Lancer Joust in recent years.

Listed below are links to the Competition Scoresheets and videos of the performances.  Below those are links to the posts from the day.

• Lake Park Prelims & Finals Videos
• Finals Round – Results (pdf)
• Finals Round – Score Recaps (pdf)
• Preliminary Round – Results (pdf)
• Preliminary Round – Score Recaps (pdf)

Lake Park Lancer Joust Posts

• Lake Park  - Final ETA Update
• Lake Park - Finals Results Announced
• Lake Park - Preliminary Results Details
• Lake Park - DGS Makes Finals
• Lake Park Lancer Joust - September 10th - Original Article

Lake Park Update

Just left Lake Park HS. ETA for arrival at DGS is 11:25PM.

Lake Park Lancer Joust Finals Results

Finals Round Results:

1. 77.80 Prospect (Music, Visual, Gen’l Effect)
2. 74.00 Lincoln-Way East
3. 70.55 Victor J. Andrew
4. 68.90 Hersey
5. 68.75 Wheeling
6. 68.30 Downers Grove South
7. 67.25 Lincoln-Way West
8. 66.20 Lockport
9. 65.60 Plainfield North
10. 64.50 Naperville North

The band is starting to pack for the return trip home. ETA is approx. 11:30pm. A further update will be posted once the band is on the road.

Lake Park Lancer Joust Results

Preliminary Competition Results:
Downers Grove South takes 3rd Place in Class AA in Preliminary Competition, behind Wheeling and Victor J. Andrew.  The Marching Mustangs also tie for Best Visual Effect in Class AA. 
As a result of their strong showing, the band will perform again this evening as one of the ten bands selected for Finals Round Competition.

Lake Park Results - Prelims

LAKE PARK LANCER JOUST- DGS makes finals. More details to follow shortly.
Mike K