4.18.2024

Opening Night of YOU CAN'T TAKE IT WITH YOU - A Smashing Success! #207Now #theatre #drama @mainewestdrama @mainewesttechcrew @mainewestfab @mwactivities

 
Tonight, the talented students of Maine West High School brought the house down with their vibrant performance of the classic comedy, "You Can't Take It With You." The play, written by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart, is a beloved staple of American theatre, and our students did it justice with a delightful mix of humor, chaos, and heartfelt moments.

The stage was alive with energy as each actor embraced their quirky character, from the fireworks-making patriarch of the Sycamore family to the ballet-dancing Essie. The chemistry among the cast was palpable, making the eccentricities of each family member all the more endearing and hilarious.

A special shout-out goes to the set design team, under the direction of Mr. Peter McManus, who transformed our stage into a bustling New York household, cluttered yet cozy, which perfectly complemented the play's 1930s setting. Their attention to detail did not go unnoticed, adding an authentic touch that transported the audience right into the heart of the story.

The direction by Ms. Judy Klingner was impeccable, guiding the young actors through fast-paced dialogue and complex comedic timing with ease. It was evident that every student involved, both on stage and behind the scenes, put in tremendous effort and passion, making this production a standout success.

Bravo to everyone involved for a memorable evening of laughter and community!

A special shout out to Maine West Fine Arts Boosters and all of the caregivers and community members who will volunteer to help throughout this production - We Can't Do It Without You!

Don't miss this hilarious show! There are two more performances left:

Friday, April 19th at 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, April 20th at 7:00 p.m. 

Get your tickets in advance at bit.ly/MWBoxOffice (case-sensitive)!

HERE is the program for this production.

HERE are additional pictures.


4.08.2024

2024 Maine West TV and Film Showcase and Awards #207Now #filmmakers #mediaarts @wmth_west @mwactivities @mainewestfab

 
Tonight, the Maine West TV, radio and film students and their families celebrated a year of success at the annual Maine West Film TV & Showcase and Awards Night. The evening featured select student-produced films and honored a number of students who, throughout this school year, have demonstrated excellence in the media arts and leadership in the Maine West TV, radio, film and WMTH programs. 

Congratulations to all of the students who were involved in the media arts this year...you did incredible work! Congratulations, as well, to their dedicated teacher, Ms. Rebecca Fisher on all of her students' accomplishments, and a big thank you to her for organizing tonight's celebratory event!

A huge thanks to all of the family and friends who came out to tonight's Maine West TV & Film Showcase. Your support of our students is so appreciated!

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



4.05.2024

Improv Warriors Show #207Now #improv @mainewestdrama @mainewestfab @mwactivities

 
On Thursday, April 4th, the IMPROV WARRIORS, a student led improv troupe within the Maine West Drama Club, had their final improv show of the school year, delivering improv skits that had everyone laughing hysterically! Congratulations to all of the students who performed, and to drama teacher, Mr. David Harmon on a successful year of improv!




4.04.2024

Maine West Media Arts Students Receive Prestigious Recognition #207Now #mediaarts #broadcasting #excellence @wmth_west @mainewestfab @mwactivities

We recently learned that several Maine West students are receiving recognition for their work in our Media Arts film and TV program! 

Several Maine West film students have received National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) award nominations. These are also considered "Student Emmy Awards," and distinguish these students as some of the best student filmmakers in the Midwest. In order to be nominated, these students' projects placed them in the top 2-5 projects in the submission category.

The students will learn whether or not their project win the category at the upcoming Midwest Media Education Association Film Festival on April 26th. Student Emmy winners receive a crystal pillar and will be invited to the NATAS Silver Circle Dinner on May 3rd to be presented the award. They will also be eligible to move on to compete nationally.

The following Maine West Students are nominated for a Student Emmy Award:

FANTASTIC FEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM: JIBARITO TIME
Jude Santos, Brooke Capper, Mickael Drimboi, Alesandro Fajardo, Addie Webb, Marjorie Padar 
Arts and Entertainment

SAY SOMETHING PSA
Damian Liakapolous 
PSA

MOUNTAIN VIEW ADVENTURE CENTER COMMERCIAL
Joe Chamlin, Owen Wedge, Bryan Leon, and Alesandro Fajardo
Commercial

BILL FIRESIDE'S HONOR FLIGHT DOCUMENTARY
Daniel Meckes 
Non Fiction


Additionally, several Maine West filmmakers have learned that their projects have been accepted in the Screen Test Student Fest Film Festival!

The following projects will be played at the festival:

Through Her Eyes - Brooke Capper and Marjorie Padar 

Fantastic Feasts: Jibarito Time - Mickael Drimboi, Brooke Capper, Addie Webb, Alesandro Fajardo, Jude Santos, Marjorie Padar 

Unrequited - Jude Santos and Alesandro Fajardo 

Bill Fireside’s Honor Flight - Daniel Meckes 



We are very proud of these student's achievements this year! Congratulations to all of the student filmmakers, as well as their incredible teacher, Ms. Rebecca Fisher!

3.21.2024

Winter Band Concert #207Now #band #musiceducation @mainewestband @mainewestfab @mwactivities

 

Congratulations to the student musicians and band director Mr. Bernie Gerstmayr on tonight's successful Winter Band Concert! Highlights from tonight's program, which featured repertoire from a range of styles and genres, but all relatively recently composed pieces, included the Symphonic and Concert Band's performance of Encanto by Robert Smith - a classic band piece - Percussion Techniques' performance of Freerider by Patrick Speranza and the Wind Ensemble's performance of Omar Thomas' Mother of a Revolution (what a cool piece!).

Tonight's program can be found HERE.

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

Thank you to WMTH, Ms. Rebecca Fisher and the Video Production Interns for your work filming and livestreaming tonight's concert! 

WMTH's live stream can be found HERE and the video production livestream can be found HERE.


Thank you to the caregivers who volunteered with the Maine West Fine Arts Boosters tonight! We couldn't do it without you!

3.18.2024

Tri-M Music Honor Society Induction Ceremony #207Now #honors @mainewestchoir @mainewestband @mworchestras @mainewestfab

 
Today, 24 students were inducted into the Tri-M Music Honor Society chapter at Maine West High School. The Tri-M Music Honor society is an international honor society that was founded at Maine East High School in 1935, and has a rich history in the district, as well as world-wide. 

Tri-M's president, Addison Stutheit, gave an inspiring speech, encouraging students to find meaning in their music by using it as a vehicle to connect with others.


Congratulations to the current and newly-inducted members of Tri-M, as well as the faculty advisor, Mr. Jim Schiffer, on a wonderful induction ceremony!




3.16.2024

Winter Guard Community Performance and Awards Banquet 2024 #207Now #colorguard #winterguard @mainewestband @mainewestfab @mwactivities #wgi #mwcgc

 

Today, the 1st ever Maine West Winter Guard and Coach Kaitlyn Colyer presented their end-of-season Winter Guard Community Performance and Awards Banquet. This year's Winter Guard team has done amazing work learning all of the techniques required of a color guard, and in its first season - impressively - they were able to perform at two contests in the Midwest Color Guard Circuit: Hersey and Minooka. 

None of this could have happened without a dedicated team, an inspiring coach, and supportive caregivers. Congratulations to both the team and Coach Colyer on finishing a wildly successful first ever season of Winter Guard at Maine West!

More photos from today's community performance can be found HERE.

Please enjoy a video of this year's show below.