Des Plaines Orchestra Festival 2025 #207Now @mworchestras @mainewestfab

 

This week, our Maine West Orchestra students had the wonderful opportunity to perform alongside all of the middle school orchestra students from District 62 at the annual Des Plaines Orchestra Festival Concert! 

The energy and musicianship on stage was inspiring—from the first notes of the middle school ensembles to the finale featuring all groups combined. Each orchestra performed with confidence and enthusiasm, showcasing the incredible talent and dedication of our young musicians.

We’re so proud of their hard work and excited to see these future Warriors continue to grow in their musical journey!

If you missed the concert, we invite you to watch the livestream below!

HERE is the program from the concert.

HERE is a folder full of pictures from the concert.

Maine West Welcomes District 62 Marching Bands for an Unforgettable Night! #207Now #marchingband #marchingwarriors @mainewestband @d62schools

Maine West High School had the pleasure of hosting a spectacular Marching Band Night with our friends from District 62! Students, families, and community members came together to celebrate the artistry, dedication, and spirit of these talented musicians.

The night featured incredible performances from Maine West’s own Marching Warriors alongside the outstanding bands from District 62 middle schools. Each ensemble brought its unique energy, filling the spec gym with sound. The collaboration between high school and middle school students highlighted the vibrant band community we have in our district, inspiring younger musicians as they prepare to join the high school programs in the years to come.

Audience members were treated to an exciting mix of tunes, from high-energy pep band favorites to beautifully arranged pieces from this year's marching band show, Redemption For an Outlaw, that showcased the technical skill and musicality of the high school band. 

Events like this underscore the power of music to bring our community together and give students the chance to shine. We are proud of all the students who performed and grateful to the staff and families who make these moments possible. 

Thank you to District 62 teachers and administrators for your collaboration on this event!

HERE is a folder full of more pictures from the event.

District 62 & Maine West Band Programs Collaborate at the 2025 Band Festival #207Now #band @mainewestband @d62schools @mainewestfab

 

This morning, we had the pleasure of collaborating with 115 band students from District 62 at the annual D62/MW Band Festival! It was a fantastic celebration of music and collaboration, bringing together our high school and middle school band programs to connect, learn from each other, and showcase their talents in a supportive and inspiring environment. 

Events like these not only highlight the incredible work of our band directors but also foster a strong sense of community and excitement for the arts across all grades.

Thank you so the District 62 Band Directors - Ms. Legutki, Ms. Todd and Mr. Pisello - for your collaboration on this wonderful event!

Thank you to Maine West Band Director, Mr. Bernie Gerstmayr for your organization and leadership of today's festival!

More pictures from today's festival can be found HERE.

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

 

On Tuesday, October 22nd, Maine West had the pleasure of hosting over 130 area middle school orchestra students and their directors from Chippewa, Algonquin and Iroquois for the annual Des Plaines Orchestra Festival.

During the school day, students participated in rehearsals and workshops, with a special highlight being our guest clinician, Dr. Diego Piedra, the conductor of the Valparaiso University Orchestra.

The evening concert allowed each separate ensemble to shine in the spotlight with a piece or two performed independently, and then culminated with a mega-orchestra performance with all students performing Mechanical Monsters by Randall Standridge.

Thank you to all of the students and families for coming to West to participate in this very special community event!

Thank you to directors Kristin Vaziri, Dion Morales, Dominique Radtke and Daniella Valdez for organizing the events!

HERE is a folder full of pictures from tonight's concert. 

HERE is the concert program.

If you missed tonight's concert, please watch the livestream below:

Maine West & District 62 Middle School Bands Collaborate for Marching Band Night #207Now #band #marchingband @mainewestband @mainewestfab @62schools

 

On Wednesday, October 16th, Maine West welcomed students and directors from the three District 62 middle schools - Iroquois, Chippewa and Algonquin - to perform in the annual Maine West & District 62 Marching Band Night. 

The Marching Warriors performed their show, Mad Romance, and the District 62 students joined the Marching Warriors in performance of the Warrior Fight Song.

Thank you to all of the students and directors for coming to Maine West to share the joy of music! We look forward to welcoming all of the future Warriors to the West Band!

Click HERE to learn more about the Maine West Band, and what to look forward to when you join us at West! 

Click HERE to see many more pictures from the event!

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.

Maine West and District 62 Art Show at the Des Plaines Public Library #207Now #artshow @mainewestart @lahartanddesign2 @62Schools @mwactivities @mainewestfab

Maine West and District 62 artists will have work featured in the annual D62/MW Des Plaines Library Art Show. Work will be on display from January 19th through February 6th. Come out and enjoy the works of these talented young artists!