A special thanks to all of the art teachers: Mr. Cammarata, Ms. Kljajic, Ms. Lahart and Ms. Lloyd for organizing this wonderful celebratory event!
Today, Maine West welcomed over 275 singers from District 62 schools to the Des Plaines Choral Festival. The students participated in a variety of rehearsals with Mr. Jim Schiffer (Maine West's Choir Director) and with guest conductor, Dr. Jason Hawkins from Western Illinois University.
Maine West students talked with all the District 62 students about singing at West and the opportunities they will have in high school!
The elementary choirs, middle school choirs and high school choirs all performed their own pieces, and then combined together for a massive finale, Walk Through Life by Pinkzebra. Here is a a glimpse of this finale from the rehearsal:
Thank you to all of the music teachers for collaborating and making this event happen!
More pictures from today's festival can be found HERE.
On April 27th, students in the Percussion Techniques class had the opportunity to work with guest clinician Brandon Podjasek from North Park University. The focus of Mr. Podjasek's clinic was percussion technique. He reviewed common weaknesses in percussion technique and explained how to execute various fundamentals with proper technique, demonstrating the resulting sound when played properly. Students walked away with many useful tips that will immediately improve their playing!
Thank you to Mr. Podjasek for sharing your time and talents with the Maine West percussionists!
Thank you to Mr. Gerstmayr for making this opportunity happen!
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.
Tonight, students in the Maine West Orchestra program performed their final concert of the year, the Masterworks Concert, masterfully!
PROGRAM
CONGRATULATIONS, CLASS OF 2022!
Ms. Valdez recognized the members of the senior class for their contributions to the Maine West program, and awarded two seniors leadership awards:
Thank you to all of the parents and caregivers who volunteered with the Maine West Fine Arts Boosters tonight!
More photos from tonight's concert can be found HERE.
If you missed the concert, and would like to watch the livestream, visit the WMTH YouTube Channel HERE.
For friends, family and friends not able to be in attendance, the program will be live-streamed our the WMTH YouTube Channel HERE.
Congratulations to the students from the Maine West music programs who were inducted into the Tri-M Music Honor Society on April 25, 2022! Membership into this international Honor Society is based on three primary characteristics: leadership, service and character. The students below have all demonstrated these admirable qualities, and have accepted their nomination into this prestigious organization.
2022 TRI-M INDUCTEES