On Thursday, December 14th members of the Maine West Choir and Orchestra programs spent the day touring Algonquin, Chippewa and Iroquois Schools, as well as the Lee Manor Nursing Home. Thank you to the Maine West students for sharing your talents with the community, and a huge shout out to the leaders in District 62 who organized and supported these assembly performances. It was so nice to play for all of your students!
On Friday, December 8th, the Maine West Orchestra performed at the prestigious Illinois ASTA (American String Teachers Association) Orchestra Festival, showcasing the incredible talent and dedication of our sting musicians.
The festival, a key event in the music education calendar, brings together top high school orchestras from across the region. It's a fantastic platform for students to present their skills, learn from their peers, and gain invaluable experience performing in a nurturing environment with excellent clinicians.
The success at the festival is a testament to the hard work of our students and teachers. Thank you to Ms. Daniella Valdez for arranging this opportunity for our students!
We recently learned that Maine West singer, Irene Han, has earned All-State Honors! She will be representing Maine West at the state-level event called the Illinois Music Education Conference (IMEC), which will be held in the Civic Center in Peoria, Illinois January 24th-27th, 2024.
Irene will perform as a soprano II singer with the All-State Honors Chorus, the state's highest level student chorus. Earning a placement in the IMEC All-State conference distinguishes Irene as one of the best music students in the state of Illinois, and is a testament to years of hard work and dedication as a musician. The entire Maine West community is incredibly proud of Irene!
Today after school, Russell Adaya hosted a premiere of his newest film, "The Choraliers," in the Maine West Auditorium. The film, which focuses on the Maine West extra-curricular choral group of the same name, is the first in a planned trilogy, and had a comedic bent.
Congratulations to Russell and all of his friends who collaborated to make the film! We look forward to the next film in the series!
Tonight's Dimensions concert was a vibrant celebration of humanity and the intersecting identities of our students and community, showcasing an incredible array of music from various cultures and styles. The theme of this year's Dimensions Art Show and Concert is 'Identity,' and the concert beautifully wove the theme through each performance, highlighting the diverse backgrounds and personal stories of our students.
In touching interludes, students shared their personal "I Am" poems. These readings provided a poignant glimpse into their individual experiences and histories, further emphasizing the theme of identity.
Composer Diana Sáez graciously recorded a video, introducing her piece, 'Plena,' which was performed by the Chamber Choir.
This concert was more than just a musical showcase; it was a journey through the diverse identities that make our school community so unique and vibrant. It demonstrated the power of music to transcend boundaries, bringing us together in a shared experience of art and culture. This event was a testament to our commitment to providing students with rich, diverse experiences in the arts. We are proud to create spaces where every student can see themselves reflected and celebrated through music.
Thank you to the family, friends and fans in attendance tonight!
A special thanks to the Maine West Fine Arts Boosters and all of the parent volunteers for helping in a multitude of ways, and especially for your support of the pizza dinner to feed the over 200 students involved in tonight's production!
More pictures from tonight's concert can be found HERE.
The program can be found HERE.
Thank you to Ash Carmichael, Fine Arts Graphic Design Intern, for designing this year's Dimensions Concert logo, poster and introductory video!
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Tonight at Maine West, the Maine West Fine Arts Department hosted a dual celebration of the visual arts. The spotlight shone brightly on our talented students during the National Art Honor Society Induction, followed by a mesmerizing reception for our art show, "Dimensions: Identity."
The event kicked off with the NAHS Induction, a prestigious ceremony that recognizes the exceptional talents and academic achievements of our art students. The air was filled with pride as each inductee's name was called, honoring their dedication and hard work in the realm of visual arts. Their commitment to both art and community service was truly inspiring, showcasing the profound impact of art in our lives and in the world.
Following the induction, the evening transitioned into the "Dimensions: Identity" art show reception. This exhibition was a visual feast, displaying an array of artworks all inspired by the intersecting elements of each artist's identity. Each piece in "Dimensions: Identity" told a unique story, highlighting the diverse perspectives and skills of our student artists. The show was a vibrant tapestry of colors, forms, and ideas, and media, reflecting the depth and breadth of our students' artistic talents.
The event was more than a celebration; it was a testament to the power of art in fostering community and expression. As we mingled, shared stories, and admired the artworks, the sense of community was palpable. Parents, teachers, and students alike shared in the joy of artistic achievement and the anticipation of future creative endeavors.
This evening was a reminder of the vital role the arts play in education and in our lives. We are incredibly proud of our students and grateful for the support of our community in nurturing these young artists. Here's to many more nights of celebrating the beauty and power of the visual arts!
More pictures from tonight's events can be found HERE.
