9.19.2024

Orchestra Informance @mworchestras @mainewestfab #207Now #musiceducation

 

Tonight at the Orchestra Informance, students in the Maine West String Orchestra, Philharmonic Orchestra and Symphony Orchestra demonstrated what it is like to rehearse and play in an orchestra for family members sitting nearby within the ensemble. 

Well done, everyone! We can't wait to hear the pieces you played at the concert in October!

Thank you to all of the families who came out tonight, and to Ms. Daniella Valdez for organizing the event!




8.20.2024

Two Maine West Drama & Choir Students Selected for All-State Musical Production! #207Now #allstate #musicaltheatre @mainewestdrama @mainewestchoir @illinoistheatreassociation @mainewestfab

 

We recently learned that TWO Maine West Drama and Choir students - Irene Han and Jaiden Maisonet - have been selected by competitive audition for the Illinois Theatre Association's All-State production of The Prom!

Selection for the ITA All-State production distinguishes these students as some of the best actors and singers in the state of Illinois! We are so proud of you, Jaiden and Irene, and can't wait to see you perform at Theatre Fest in January 2025! Thank you to Mr. Harmon and Mr. Schiffer for mentoring these students toward this success!



5.16.2024

Music Awards Celebration Honors a Year of Achievement in the Band, Choir and Orchestra Programs #207Now #awards #community @mainewestband @mainewestchoir @mworchestras @mainewestfab

 

Tonight, music students, teachers and their families celebrated a year of achievement in the band, choir and orchestra programs at the 2024 Music Awards Celebration. The night was filled with acknowledgments of exceptional leadership, musicianship and spirit in the music program. Especially poignant were the speeches by the students, all of which spoke to what the music program means to them, and why it is such an important part of their lives. Perspectives from freshmen through seniors were shared, and it was evident that - no matter where a student is on their journey - their experience in the music program is a significant part of making them who they are and helping them to achieve their goals.

Enjoy the speech given by Addison Stutheit below:

Congratulations to all of the music students on a wonderful year in the music programs at West!

A huge thanks to Mr. Bernie Gerstmayr, Mr. Jim Schiffer and Ms. Daniella Valdez for organizing such a wonderful celebration of achievement and community for the music students and families at West!

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

5.14.2024

Congratulations to the Fine Arts Department Senior Award Winners! #207Now #classof2024 #excellence #graduation #seniors @mainewestfab

Tonight, at the annual Senior Honors Night, we celebrated the accomplishments of the Class of 2024! There were so many impressive achievements by this graduating class, and we are incredibly proud to announce the recipients of the Fine Arts Department Senior Awards for 2024:


Additionally, a number of seniors were scholarship recipients:

Maine West Fine Arts Boosters Scholarships
-Bethsy Galvan Acevedo
-Brooke Capper
-Asher Carmichael
-Maria Leonor Murillo
-Addison Stutheit

ICONIC Legacy Dance Scholarship
-Ava Williams


5.09.2024

Band and Choir Spring Concert #207Now #band #choir @mainewestband @mainewestchoir @mworchestras @mainewestfab

 
Congratulations to the students in the band and choir programs on their incredible performances at this evening's Spring Band & Choir Concert!

In addition to performing music that demonstrated a tremendous amount of musical growth over the course of the year, students in the Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra and Combined Choirs premiered a piece commissioned by the Maine West music program by composer Elena Specht, entitled "The Power of Music." This commission, written for Maine West with input for the lyrics by Maine West students Colin Jones and Nyxx Chavez, was made possible by a generous grant from the Maine Township High School Foundation. Thank you to the D207 Foundation for making this experience possible for our students and community!

Seniors in the band and choir programs were honored with awards for their contributions to the programs throughout their four years at West.

Thank you to the parents who volunteered with the Maine West Fine Arts Boosters at this concert!

The program from tonight's concert can be found HERE.

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

A huge thanks to Ms. Rebecca Fisher and the WMTH staff for streaming tonight's concert! A livestream of the concert can be viewed below!

Addie Webb, student conductor
Sam Rubio, composer of the piece, "For the Swing of It" performed by the Jazz Band
Haven Wallgren-Lemmerman, student conductor



5.08.2024

2024 Drama Awards & Thespian Induction Ceremony #207Now #drama #thespian @mainewestdrama @mainewestfab

 

Tonight we celebrated a successful year in the Maine West Drama program through the 2024 Drama Awards and Thespian Induction Ceremony. Mr. David  Harmon, Mr. Peter McManus and Ms. Judy Klingner all presented awards to students for their exceptional achievements throughout this school year. 

Congratulations to all of the drama students on your achievements! A special thanks to the seniors who have been amazing and devoted leaders to the program!

More pictures from the 2024 Drama Awards and Thespian Induction Ceremony can be found HERE.

Thank you to our video production interns for livestreaming the Drama Awards! Their livestream can be found below:



2024 AP Art Exhibit #207Now #AP #arteducation @mainewestfab

 

Maine West High School's AP Art Exhibit is an incredible demonstration of the creativity and talent possessed by the student artists. Until May 17th, the C-Wing Art Suite is home to a truly stunning and captivating collection of portfolios and artworks in a variety of media.

The exhibit features not just the final pieces, but also the personal artist statements that provide insight into the inspirations and creative processes behind each body of work. As you wander through the gallery, you'll be awestruck by the skill and vision on display.

From finely rendered drawings and vivid paintings to avant-garde sculptures and cutting-edge mixed media pieces, the students' portfolios showcase an impressive mastery of techniques. But technical proficiency is just the start - these artists have tapped into their unique creative voices to produce profoundly expressive and thought-provoking works.

We are incredibly proud of the work produced by our student artists! You are encouraged to come by the Art Suite before the 17th to see the work for yourself!

Students who have AP Studio Art Portfolios on display are:

Nora Brown
Asher Carmichael
Nyxx Chavez
Caitlyn Gillespie
Vianey Gonzalez
Kayle Griffin
Natalia Habczyk
Abigail Hernandez
Weronika Kmiec
Brandy McDonald
Maria Leonor Murillo
Linzey Lucas
Leena Lugo
Alani Perez
Donovan Rowland
Yasmine Saini
Gabby Szewczyk
Grace Vana

Congratulations to all of the student artists and their teachers - Mr. Rick Cammarata, Ms. Natalya Kljajic, Ms. Felicia Lahart and Ms. Melissa Lloyd.

More pictures from the 2024 AP Art Exhibit can be found HERE.