2024 Des Plaines Orchestra Festival #207Now #orchestra #musiceducation @mworchestras @62schools @mwactivities @mainewestfab

Today, Maine West had the pleasure of hosting the Des Plaines Orchestra Festival, where string students from Algonquin Middle School, Chippewa Middle School, Iroquois Community School, and Maine West High School showcased their incredible talents. This festival was not just a performance but an enriching educational experience, as students participated in clinics throughout the day, honing their skills and learning from each other.

The highlight of the clinic was the invaluable guidance provided by Dr. Yvonne Davila-Cortes, our esteemed guest clinician. Her expertise and enthusiasm truly elevated the learning experience for District 62 orchestra students.

This evening's Des Plaines Orchestra Festival Concert was a testament to the hard work and dedication of all the students and their instructors. Each orchestra brought its unique flair, culminating in a stunning collaborative performance of the piece, Battle Charger by Dion Morales. Mr. Morales is not only a composer, but he is the director of the Chippewa Middle School Orchestra! 

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the students who participated today, as well as their teachers - Mr. Dominique Radtke, Mr. Dion Morales, Ms. Kristin Vaziri and Ms. Daniella Valdez - for making this educational experience and performance possible. 

HERE is a link to the livestream if you would like to watch the concert.

HERE is the program from tonight's concert.

HERE are more pictures from today's Des Plaines Orchestra Festival.

A huge thank you to the Maine West Fine Arts Boosters for supporting tonight's event. We hope that many more of our parents and caregivers will consider supporting the arts by contributing to the Maine West Fine Arts Boosters through financial and/or volunteer contributions.

2023 Des Plaines Orchestra Festival #207Now #musiceducation @mworchestras @D62Schools @mainewestfab

The annual Des Plaines Orchestra Festival, a collaborative event between Maine West and Community Consolidated School District 62 middle schools - Chippewa, Algonquin and Iroquois - was a wonderful success! 

Each group performed one piece independently, and then the concert ended with a massive performance of the combined groups playing Gaelic Castle by Soon Hee Newbold. You can watch a video of the finale below.

A digital concert program can be viewed HERE.

Thank you to the District 62 students and their directors for spending the day at Maine West and for all of your wonderful energy throughout the day of rehearsals, sectionals and clinics. Thanks to the directors for all of the planning and logistical work to make today a success.

We look forward to welcoming all of the future Warrior String players and their families to Maine West!

More pictures from tonight's concert can be found HERE.

Maine West Welcomes D62 String Players to the Des Plaines Orchestra Festival! #207Now #orchestra #musiceducation #futurewarriors @mworchestras @62schools

Today, Maine West welcomed students from the area Des Plaines middle schools: Chippewa, Algonquin and Iroquois to the Des Plaines Orchestra Festival. Each school performed one piece and Ms. Valdez gave some valuable feedback and performance tips and then rehearsed with each ensemble. The Maine West Orchestras then performed some pieces from last night's Masterworks Concert. 

The orchestra students and teachers were treated to a wonderful performance by guest artist, Caitlin Edwards, who also spoke to the students about her journey and career as a musician. Thank you for sharing your time and talents with us, Ms. Edwards!

This morning's event was a wonderful celebration of music, and we are looking forward to welcoming all of the District 62 string players to the Maine West Orchestra in the years to come!

More pictures from the Des Plaines Orchestra Festival can be found HERE.