Maine West's Irene Han Earns All-State Honors in Music! #207Now #Excellence #musiceducation #IMEC2024 @ILMEA @mainewestchoir @mainewestfab

 

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!

The Premiere of R. Adaya's Film, "The Choraliers" #207Now #filmmaker @wmth_west

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!

Dimensions: Identity Concert a Sonic Celebration of Humanity #207Now #musiceducation @mainewestband @mworchestras @mainewestchoir @mainewestfab

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!

Dimensions: Identity Art Show & National Art Honor Society Celebrate Visual Artists' Achievements #207Now #arteducation @mainewestart @mwactivities @mainewestfab

 
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.

Celebrating the Stars of West's Got Talent! #207Now #talent @mainewestdrama @mainewestband @mainewestchoir @mworchestras @mwraices @mw_desidhamaka

What a night to remember! The annual West's Got Talent show was a smashing success, showcasing the incredible talents of our high school students. From soulful vocal performances to jaw-dropping dance routines, the performances were filled with moments that left us all in awe.

Our students put in countless hours of practice to perfect their acts, and it showed. The dedication to their craft was evident, and we couldn't be prouder of the hard work they've put in. The talent show is more than just a stage to perform; it's a platform for our students to express themselves and share their passions with the community.

A special shoutout to the teachers and staff who helped make this event possible: David Harmon & Lisa Jacob, co-directors, Jim Schiffer, vocal director, Jennifer Mullen, music arranger and orchestra director, Peter McManus, technical director, and Bobby Bonslater, audio technical director. Your support and guidance have been instrumental to the success of West's Got Talent. 

We're also grateful to the parents and community members who came out to cheer on our performers. Your enthusiasm and applause fueled the energy in the room!

A special thanks to Pati Coy, box office manager, and the volunteers with the Maine West Fine Arts Boosters. We couldn't do it without you!

The program from the show can be found HERE.

Over 1000 photos from the show can be found HERE.