Record Number of DGN Musicians Head to All-State Show

Eighteen student musicians from Downers Grove North High School have earned 19 All-State Honors in the 2013-2014 Illinois Music Education Association All-State Band, Choir, Orchestra, Jazz Band, ‘Future Music Educators Symposium’ and Composition Contest. Performance auditions were held in October 2013 at Carl Sandburg High School; musical compositions were evaluated by professional musicians and composers from across the country.

“We are really thrilled for these students and their families,” said Brayer Teague, Fine Arts Department Chair at North High.  “Many people helped these students achieve this success, beginning with their very first elementary school music teachers and extending to their private-lessons teachers today.  North High is very proud to have these incredible musicians representing District 99 at the All-State level.”

The All-State Band, Choir, Orchestra and Jazz Band will convene for a series of rehearsals in Jan. 22–25, 2014.  Their concerts will be held at the Peoria Civic Center on the evening of Jan. 24, and the afternoon of Jan. 25. Composers will be honored at an awards ceremony on the morning of Jan. 25.

ALL STATE CHOIR: 
Anna Burton (12) Alto II
Emmy Cook (12) Soprano II
Alison LeBeda (11) Alto II
Zach Ligmanowski (12) Tenor I
Martin Whitmore (11) Tenor II

ALL STATE ORCHESTRA STRINGS: 
Timothy Edwards (10) Cello
Liam Morgan (10) Cello
Katherine Portman (12) Violin
Amelia Smerz (10) Cello
Samantha Young (11) Cello

ALL STATE WINDS & PERCUSSION (CLASSICAL): 
Kevin Atwater (11) Clarinet (Band)
Ben Casey (12) Tuba (Band)
Tommy Donnelly (12) Trumpet (Orchestra)
Katherine Goldsmith (12) Clarinet (Band)
Katherine Severt (11) Oboe (Orchestra)

ALL STATE WINDS & PERCUSSION (JAZZ): 
Rob Kulik (12) Drum Set
Spencer Schillerstrom (12) Tenor Sax

FUTURE MUSIC EDUCATORS SYMPOSIUM: 
Allison Kirkegaard (11)

ALL STATE MUSIC COMPOSITION: 
Spencer Schillerstrom (12) 1st Place - Jazz Improvisation

Follow the group's successes at DGN Band Blogspot.