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.

'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

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.

2nd Annual DGS Band Boosters Golf Outing and Dinner

Come Golf with your Friends -- including Band Alumni!
Download the Golf Outing Reservation Form here.

The 2^nd Annual DGS Band Booster Golf Outing will be held on Sunday, July 31, 2011 at Twin Lakes Golf Course (9 Holes) in Westmont. The first group is scheduled to tee off at 12:00 pm (Noon). 

Reservation Deadline is July 17, 2011.

Later that afternoon, after that great golf game, the Boosters are hosting a buffet dinner with a cash bar at Gatto’s Restaurant on Main Street in Downers Grove starting at 5:00 p.m.

Participating in the golf portion of this event is available to everyone, including DGS alumni, so we encourage you to invite your family and friends to join us for a day of fun and friendship. If you don’t have a foursome we will be more than happy to arrange one for you. Participation in dinner is for those 21 years old and above.

COSTS:

• Golf only: $20.00 per person – includes 9 holes of golf and 2 soft drink beverages of your choice.
• Dinner only: $20.00 per person – includes a buffet style dinner (with cash bar). NOTE: Dinner is an Adults Only event. Persons under 21 will not be allowed to participate.
• Dinner & Golf together: $40.00 per person.

Sponsorships:  Sponsor a hole for $100 per hole. Only 9 available – so get your preferred hole early!
Raffle:  Any and all donations for the raffle are also welcome.

Download the Golf Outing Reservation Form here.

Refunds will be given in the event of cancellation due to weather of the golf portion only -- Dinner will be held regardless of weather

For questions or for more information about donations or sponsorships, please contact our event coordinators, Wally Olewinski and Cathy Jama, at:
gen-specialevents@mustangbandboosters.com 

THANK YOU – LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YOU FOR A GREAT DAY!!

2011 Show Shirt Design Contest Announced–Entries Due By Tuesday, June 21st

Each year the band t-shirt or “Show Shirt” has a student created design on the front.  All students are invited to submit their design for this year’s show, “River Visions”.

                Design Specifications
Text:             2011 Marching Mustangs - River Visions 
Size:               Print your electronic design on an 11” by 8½” sheet (horizontal or landscape) 
Medium:     If you use pencil, colored pencils, or markers, etc. please scan your design and submit it as a jpeg or pdf file 
Colors:          Up to 5 colors can work including black and/or white

Submissions can be sent to Mr. Roselieb – croselieb@csd99.org
or Mrs. Jama – cathyjama@comcast.net

Please submit your completed show shirt design by e-mail by
Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Show Shirt Design Contest Flyer

Seniors: All Student Account Refund Requests Due by May 15th

Important Links:
Updated Student Account Balances 
Student Account Refund Request Form 
More Info from the Boosters Website
email the VP-Student Accounts

Student Account Balances have been updated through May 6th, including earnings from this year’s Plant Sale and April Market Day.  You may check your Student Account Balance here.

As a reminder, May 15th is the deadline for graduating seniors to request reimbursement from their Student Account.  Seniors may also request that any balance in their account be transferred to the account of a younger sibling in next year’s band programs.

Student Account funds may be used for any band-related fees (fundraising expectations, fees, lessons, equipment, music camps, trips, etc.)  To obtain reimbursement, simply submit a completed Student Account Refund Request Form.  Completed forms may be dropped off in the Band Room Mailbox in the Communication Center, or sent by email to the VP of Student Accounts at Exec-StudentAccts@MustangBandBoosters.com

For additional information on Student Accounts (what they are, how they accrue, etc.) please visit the Student Accounts Page of our Band Booster website.

April Issue of FANFARE Newsletter Posted

A new issue of the Fanfare Newsletter has just been released. Fanfare is published about 6 times per year and includes a variety of important, interesting information for DGS’ Band Families.

Click the following to: go directly to the April Issue of Fanfare.

To browse prior issues of Fanfare dating back to 2003: go to the Fanfare Newsletter Page

For further information about the Fanfare Newsletter, or if you have ideas for an article in a future issue, please email Kathy Gabric.

Marching Band Scholarships Available–Deadline April 15th

The following was sent via email by Cathy Jama, Band Booster President

For those of you who have made the decision to join the DGS Marching Mustangs, I would like to offer you the opportunity to apply for a Marching Band scholarship from the Mustang Band Boosters. 

Applications are now being accepted through April 15, 2011 for the Marching Band scholarship which has a value of up to $200 that is applied towards your Marching Band fee.  The application may be found on the DGS website at:  http://www.csd99.k12.il.us/south/.  Search for Fine Arts under the Academics tab at the top of the page and when you get to the Fine Arts page, click on the Band Blackboard tab on the right-hand side.  (Or click here to go directly to the Band Blackboard page.)  The scholarship application and information is found on the Band page under the scholarship tab.

However, in order to be eligible for a scholarship, a student must have fulfilled a minimum of three (3) volunteer opportunities, i.e. "Service Credits" as indicated below.   Such Service Credits must be completed prior to the final payment deadline date of June 10, 2011.  The Service Credits are tracked by the Vice President of Membership with input provided by the various Directors and/or fundraiser chairperson. 

Upcoming opportunities to earn Service Credits are Market Day, Plant Sale or Band Director and/or other volunteer opportunity assistance, to name just a few.   Even though you are still at your respective schools, you are considered a Marching Mustang and may participate in these fundraising events to obtain your Service Credits.

If interested, please send the completed application to:

Craig Roselieb
Downers Grove South High School
1436 Norfolk Street
Downers Grove, IL  60516

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Regards,

Cathy Jama
Band Booster President

Spring Plant Sale in Full Bloom–Orders Due April 8th

Spring is coming, and so is our Annual Plant Sale

This year’s Annual Plant Sale has officially begun! Order Forms, Sales Information, and full Plant Descriptions with pictures are now available on the Band Boosters website at http://www.mustangbandboosters.com/plants.

The sale is open to all students in the Band, Choir and Orchestra Programs. This is an important fundraiser for the Band Boosters and a great way to build the balance in your Student Account. For all students, 50% of the profit is credited directly to the seller’s Student Account and the other 50% goes to the Mustang Band Boosters’ General Fund.

This year orders are due on Friday April 8th, giving you time to sell through Spring Break and Easter. Plants will be available for pick-up at DGS on Saturday April 30th, the week before Mother’s Day. Take advantage of any warm weather before then by selling to your relatives, friends, neighbors, teachers, co-workers, etc. Remember to mention that we will hold all checks until April 8th, so it’s OK to get your order in early. It also helps to offer to deliver the plants to the people who buy them from you.

Once again we’re offering your favorite annual flower flats, geraniums, wave petunias and more! In addition to the most popular selections, we’ve added some new colors and combinations, and are also offering bell peppers and several tomatoes for the very first time!

If you have any questions, please feel free to call us at the number listed below, or email us at Gen-Plants@MustangBandBoosters.com

Bill & Charlene Kubik
Plant Sale Co-chairs
(630) 985-2860