Maine West Students and Director Honored at the Illinois Theatre Festival! #207Now #excellence @mainewestdrama @illinoistheatreassociation

At this year's Illinois Theatre Festival, Maine West students Penny Wurster and Avery Rizzi and spring play director Ms. Judy Klingner received recognition for their outstanding work.

Penny Wurster participated in the Tech Olympics competition, which asks students to complete a variety of tasks related to technical theatre accurately and in as little time as possible. Penny was able to complete a quick costume change by herself in record time - 18 seconds - placing second in the costume change category! Well done, Penny!

Avery Rizzi was selected by competitive audition into the All-State Improv Team, performing with an elite high school improv team for an audience of over 200 people! Avery said of her experience, "It was cool, especially being the only person in the district represented on the team. It was fun to meet so many people from all over the state!" Well done, Avery, on earning a spot on the state Improv Team! We are so proud of you!

Ms. Judy Klingner was awarded the Legacy Award for her tremendous contributions to theatre education in the state of Illinois. Ms. Klingner taught drama for 34 years, retiring from Fremd High School in 2019. She has held a number of leadership positions with the Illinois Theatre Association, and is currently the President-Elect. Maine West Fine Arts is thrilled to have Ms. Klingner on its artistic staff as the spring play director, and we are so proud that she has been honored by the ITA for her tremendous contributions! Congratulations on this well-deserved honor, Ms. Klingner!

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!

Maine West & District 62 Bands Collaborate in the 2024 Band Festival #207now #band #musiceducation @mainewestband @D62schools @mainewestfab

 

Today, Maine West welcomed middle school students from Iroquois Community School, Chippewa Middle School and Algonquin Middle School to participate in the 2024 Maine West & District 62 Band Festival. 

Each middle school band program performed a piece independently, and then all band programs combined together to perform a piece together. Mr. Gerstmayr provided some valuable, individualized feedback to each of the middle school ensembles to help them in their preparation of their pieces.

Thank you to Mr. Bernie Gerstmayr, Maine West Band Director, Ms. Missy Legutki, Algonquin Band Director, Mr. Brian Gavilan, Chippewa Band Director, and Ms. Stephanie Strzalka, Iroquois Band Director for working together to organize this wonderful event for Des Plaines are band students! 

More pictures from today's Band Festival can be viewed HERE.

Congratulations to Nico Raya - Winner of the T-Shirt Design Contest! #207Now #digitalart @mainewestart @mainewestfab

Congratulations to Nico Raya on winning the Advanced Digital Art T-Shirt Design Contest! This year's contest drew a number of incredible student design submissions. After a school-wide vote, Nico's design was selected as the top design! Limited quantities of the t-shirt are available now in the Maine West Bookstore! Get yours today!

 

Empty Bowls Project 2023 #207Now #giveback #community @mainewestart @mwactivities @mainewestfab

 

We are delighted to share the success of the Maine West Fine Art Department’s recent community service initiative, the 2023 Maine West Empty Bowls Project. On December 1, 2023, the Fine Arts Department held an Empty Bowls event alongside an all-staff Chili Cook-off Competition. This unique collaboration involved forty of our Ceramics & Design students and the Art Faculty, who crafted 70 beautiful ceramic bowls. These bowls, combined with delicious chili prepared by our staff as part of a staff Chili Cook-Off Competition and cornbread made by Maine West Culinary students, created a memorable experience for all involved. The event was further enriched by the volunteer efforts of our National Art Honor Society and Advanced Ceramics students. Everyone's dedication was instrumental in bringing this project to life.

We are thrilled to announce that the proceeds from this year's Empty Bowls Project are being donated to the Self-Help Closet & Pantry of Des Plaines. It's our hope that this donation will aid their vital work of assisting Des Plaines residents in need.

A HUGE thank you goes out to Ms. Felicia Lahart, Maine West Art Teacher, for her vision and for spearheading all of the organizational details required of this great event.

Maine West's Choir and Orchestra Performs for District 62 and Lee Manor #207Now #musiceducation #partnerschools @mworchestras @mainewestchoir @mainewestfab

 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!