RBTV Presents The Art of Raku

Check out the video created by RBTV to see our ceramics students experience the raku firing process.

Congratulations Winter Art Award Winners

Click on the video to view the art award winners!

Instrumental Update

Hello Music Community,

It was great to see you all at our Holiday Concerts. Thank you for all the kind emails and letters! We were very pleased with the students’ performances! In addition to the evening performances the students performed two assemblies for the entire student body; both went exceptionally well. Be sure to check back here for recordings of the concerts.

On Saturday morning the Rob Parton Big Band rehearsed in the RB band room. RB students were treated to his open rehearsal featuring some of the nations most talented musicians. At the end of the event students had the opportunity to talk to the musicians and ask them questions. Thanks to Rob Parton for thinking about holding his rehearsal at RB.

Also on Saturday, several RB Musicians performed at the La Grange Park holiday walk. Students performed with Mr. McOlgan at the La Grange Park Village Hall. Thank you to all who performed and all who were in attendance.

This coming Wednesday all RB musicians will be excused from third hour to hear Michael Colgrass, a Pulitzer Prize winning composer and RB graduate, speak about his career and compositions. This is a tremendous opportunity for our students!

Also on Wednesday, the Chamber orchestra will be presenting their Holiday Recital. They will be performing music by Bach, Mozart, and Corelli, as well as some holiday favorites. The recital will begin at 7:00 PM at St. Peter and Paul’s Lutheran Church at the intersection of 31^st and DesPlaines in Riverside.

Audition music for Symphonic Band has been distributed. Any current cadet band or concert band member is eligible to audition for Symphonic Band. Please see Mr. Baum or Mr. McOlgan if you didn’t receive your music, or you would like help preparing your audition.

Congratulations to Andrew Payton who recently purchased his own C Tuba. It sounds great!

Also congratulations to Cassidy Fritsch and Molly Chaney who performed at Symphony Center last Sunday with the Chicago Youth Concert Orchestra.

Please keep us up to date with all your accomplishments!

Musically yours,

Mr. Baum and Mr. McOlgan

baumj@rbhs208.org, mcolgank@rbhs208.org

12.14.10 | RB Winter Art Show & Empty Bowls Event

The RBHS Fine Art Dept. is hosting the annual WINTER ART SHOW  Tuesday December 14th 6-8pm in the Art Pit on the second floor of the school. This show is open to the public and will exhibit work by our visual art students. View invite for more information!

For the first time we are also hosting an EMPTY BOWLS event during the show.  Art Club and ceramics students have created and donated pottery to fill with food, sell to the community, and then pass on most of the proceeds to the Greater Chicago Food Depository. In the spirit of the Empty Bowls organization, we are raising money to fight hunger on a local level. You can view our event on the national calendar and read more about the cause at http://www.emptybowls.net/.

Shenannigan's Show is a Go

RB's Improv Troupe, Shennanigans, presents "Welcome to My Tollbooth: An Improv and Sketch Show"

Come and watch this hilarious group of students perform:

Friday, December 10th @ 7:00p
Saturday, December 11th @ 7:00p

All performances will be in the Little Theatre

Shennanigan's is also currently featured in The Landmark newspaper, click here.

Dancers perform in Riverside and Brookfield for the Holidays

RB's Repertory Dance Ensemble performed a holiday concert at the Riverside townhall on Friday, December 3rd and the Brookfield Village hall on Saturday, December 4th. The dancers enjoyed performing to music of the holiday season and inviting members of the community to dance with them on stage. A special thank you to Arlene Rovner of Brookfield and Brian Brennen of Riverside for inviting the dancers to perform at the annual holiday celebrations.

A Fun Weekend for Singers

The Madrigals started their musical weekend on Friday evening when they sang at the Riverside Holiday Stroll to help welcome Santa to Riverside!  On Saturday, the Madrigals began their performance day in the morning when they sang before the matinee performance of "A Christmas Carol" at Drury Lane in Oak Brook.  They were invited to watch the play and everyone thought it was a beautiful production!  We were excited to see Haley's mom, Jamie Dawn Gangi, in the production!  After a delicious lunch at Burger King the Madrigals sang at the Brookfield Recreation Dept.  They finished their performance day with a very nice concert at the North Riverside Library.  Thanks to all the parents and friends who attended these concerts. 

Concert Chorale was singing in Riverside on Saturday afternoon.  They volunteered to ring bells for the Salvation Army.  Of course, they were able to entertain people who donated by treating them to a Carol or two.

Winter Holiday Concert

Embrace the winter season with RB's Holiday Concert.  All RB music groups will be performing at this spectacular event. 

Show Times:
Wednesday, December 8 @ 7:00p in the Auditorium
Thursday, December 9 @ 7:00p in the Auditorium

Tickets: $5 Available at the door 

Let it snow, let it snow!

Riverside's Holiday Stroll filled with the RB Arts

Students Rebecca Niemiec, Jorie Lima, and Sam Friend worked together to create this photo cutout that will be on display at the upcoming Riverside Holiday Stroll. 

Madrigal Singers will perform by the tree in Centennial Plaza from 5:15-6:00p

Repertory Dance will perform at 6:30p at the Riverside Township Hall.   

Go Fine Arts!

RB Art at Brookfield's Holiday Stroll

RB Artists will have their mural on display at the upcoming Brookfield Holiday Stroll.  Alvaro Zavala and Megan Kennedy led a group of art club students to create this festive painting.  Enjoy! 

Artwork Returns to RB

Five panels from Riverside's Arcade building have returned to RB for permanent display.  The panels were painted by art students and show the community in the fall.  This amazing piece is located just inside the new main entrance.  Enjoy! 

RBHS Theatre announces 'The Wiz'

The stage is set for our spring musical, The Wiz.  Ease on down to RB for shows on March 17-19.

The Wiz is an adaptation of the original The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.  Suffering from life's struggles, Dorothy finds herself transported to the land of Oz where she meets a few new friends in an effort to return home.

Musical workshops are open to ALL students:
Choir Room
Monday, December 13
Girls 3:15 – 3:45 p.m.
Boys 3:45 – 4:15 p.m.

Tuesday, December 14
Boys 3:15 -3:45 p.m. Music
All 3:45 – 4:00 p.m. Acting Workshop
Girls 4:00 – 4:30 p.m. Music

AUDITION DATES
Tuesday, January 11 – Singing
Wednesday, January 12 – Singing
Thursday, January 13 – Dancing
Friday, January 14 – Call Backs

Instrumental Update

Dear Instrumental Music Community,


Congratulations to all music students who represented RB at this year’s IMEA District festival. It was an exceptionally great year with 19 choir students, 4 band students and 3 orchestra students participating from RB. Dovas Lietuvninkas, Kevin Dinh, and Molly Chaney all sat first chair in their sections!

Last week we held our annual feeder school band festival. Over 80 eight graders joined us for full day of rehearsals and community building. It was very exciting to see our 8th graders so spirited about being a part of band next year; we look forward to seeing them soon!

December 1st, will be “We are RB”. Both Jazz Band and Jazz Ensemble will be performing during the evening. Although this is an evening targeting 8th graders, all are welcome to attend our performances this evening.

We are busy preparing for our Holiday Concerts. This year the concerts will be held on the evenings of December 8th and 9th beginning at 7:00 PM. Pre-orders for tickets went home with all music students today and are due back by December 3rd. Tickets will also be available at the door, but to guarantee entry, please consider pre-ordering.

Thank you to all the mothers who have been helping to fit the band students in their concert attire. Men wear tux’s (provided by the school), black dress shoes and socks, tux shirts, and bow ties. Ladies wear black skirts (provided by the school), black dress shoes, and white blouses that cover to the elbow at a minimum. Once the mothers have fitted students with their uniforms, the students should take them home. If you need us to order a shirt or a bow tie, please let us know.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Mr. Baum and Mr. McOlgan

baumj@rbhs208.org mcolgank@rbhs208.org

Congratulations to the Music Department

The RB Music Department was well represented at the IMEA Music Festival this past Saturday.  Nineteen members sang in the Senior choir, four in the band and three in the orchestra.  Mrs. Marelli was the piano accompanist for the Senior Choir, directed by Dr. David Rayl of Michigan State University.  Mr. McOlgan accompanied with Mrs. Marelli for the final piece, "El Vito".  Congratulations to everyone!

Band: Kevin Dinh, Cassidy Fritsch, Dovas Lietuvninkas, Ben Mitchell
Orchestra: Molly Chaney, Kelsey Dickenson, Sarah Otmanski
Choir: Trent Baer, Ben Bergstrom, Andrew Brondos, Haley Buntrock, Taylor Dalton, Nathan Dimaano, Tre Edwards, Eileena Giurini, Tom Linehan, Max Marciniak, Sara Nie, Andrew Payton, Becky Pendola, Araon Perfect, Kyle Perfect, Kristin Ripoli, Clarissa Shaw, James Wang, Kaylee Weinert

The Good Doctor is a Hit!

Audiences cheered for RBHS Theatre's rendition of Neil Simon's The Good Doctor.  Images of the show can be viewed on our Photo page or click here.  Great work cast and crew!  

Vocal Jazz at IMEA

Congratulations to Clara Shaw.  She was selected to participate in the IMEA Jazz Vocal Ensemble this past Saturday, November 13.  As one of only 32 students in the group, it was quite an honor to sing in this fine group.  The Festival was hosted by Fenton High School. Dr. Steve Widenhofer of Milliken University was the director of the Vocal Jazz Ensemble. 

Bulldog Music Fundraiser November 16

You are invited to attend the First Annual Bulldog Music Fundraiser.  The recital which will feature students, parents and faculty members will begin at 7 p.m.on Tuesday evening, November 16,  in the RB auditorium.  Mr. Baum on bari saxophone, Mr. Monti on guitar, and Mrs. Marelli on piano will all be featured along with parents and students.  Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for students.  Funds will help defray costs of the upcoming choir trip to Orlando, Florida.

Portraits Inspired from Visiting Artist

Over the past several weeks Drawing/Painting III and AP Studio art students have been using Skype to work with artist Gwenn Seemel.  Each student created a portrait learning from Gwenn's unique style.  Enjoy!

Learn about the RB Fine Arts

RB Theatre Presents The Good Doctor

The Theatre Department will perform Neil Simon's The Good Doctor on Friday and Saturday.  The show is a series of comedic short stories based on the Russian writer Chekhov.  Show times are Friday at 7:30p, Saturday at 2:00p, and Saturday at 7:30p.  Hope to see you!

RBHS Music Department Makes Semi-Finals

Congratulations to the RB Music Department who, along with 130 school nation wide, and 13 schools state wide, where selected to move into the semi-final round of the prestigious Grammy Signature Schools Competition. Students and faculty will now be working to submit a recording for the audition committee to consider for the next round. Last year 12 schools were selected as a Grammy Signature School. Good luck Bulldogs!

Online Student Art Gallery

Take a moment to view RB student artwork on our new online gallery.  The images will be updated with new artwork during the fall, winter, and spring seasons.  You can access the gallery from the RBHS home page, the Fine Arts website, or by clicking here.

All of the pieces are a result of the hard work by students and staff.  Great work artists! 

Ceramics News: Raku Firing @ RBHS 11.12.10

Big news! Our advanced ceramics students are building an outdoor kiln to fire their pottery in at RBHS on Friday November 12th! With the help of visiting artist Tim Pfiffner and Ms. Bartelson, these artists will be on site performing this process throughout the day, while our beginning students have the privilege of viewing this fascinating scientific and creative process live.

Raku is an ancient Japanese pottery firing technique whereas you glaze pottery, fire it in a kiln for about a half hour, remove the pieces with tongs while they are extremely hot, drop it in a garbage can full of combustible materials, smother the flames with the lid, and lastly quench the works in water for an iridescent finish… if it is still in one piece. If that peaks your interest, you can read more about raku firing, watch a demo, or stop the east side of the school in two weeks to see the magic yourself!

view gallery

Also, take a moment to view our current online Ceramics Gallery of student work, and mark your calendar for the RBHS Winter Art Show the week of December 14th in the Art Pit. Enjoy!http://rbhsfineartsdepartment.shutterfly.com/4444

Repertory Dancers Perform at University of Chicago

On Friday, October 22nd RB's Repertory Dance Ensemble participated in Chicago's Dance Slam . "Chase," choreographed by Girodano dancer Robert McKee was performed by nine dancers. Dancers performed on the campus of the University of Chicago at the historic Mandall Hall Theatre. The dancers enjoyed performing for a sold out audience and sharing the stage with other local dancers. The dancers ended their evening by walking around campus and taking in the sights of beautiful buildings and pedestrian walkways. It was a memorable evening enjoyed by all. Congratulations to our dancers on another stellar performance.

Twenty-Nine Dancers go to the Joffrey Ballet

On Thursday, October 21st twenty-nine dance students attended the Joffrey Ballet performace of "All Stars." "All Stars" was performed at the Auditorium Theatre in downtown Chicago. The evening consisted of four different ballets featuring choreography by Jerome Robbins, George Balanchine and Christopher Weldon. The next day in class dancers discussed the athleticism and beauty of the Joffrey dancers and choreographed a movement phrase inspired by the evening's performance. Many of the dancers are looking forward to returning to see the Joffrey Ballet perform America's #1 ballet, The Nutcracker.

Choir News

Congratulations to the following students who were selected to represent RB at this year’s IMEA District 1 festival: In Vocal Jazz Ensemble: Clara Shaw.  For Choir: Trent Baer, Ben Bergstrom, Andrew Brondos, Haley Buntrock, Taylor Dalton, Nathan Dimaano, Tre Edwards, Eileena Gurini, Thomas Linehan, Max Marciniak, Sara Nie, Andrew Payton, Becky Pendola, Kyle Perfect, Aron Perfect, Kristin Ripoli, Clarissa Shaw, James Wang, and Kaylee Weinert. For Band: Kevin Dinh, Cassidy Fritsch, Dovas Lietuvninkas, Ben Mitchell. For Orchestra: Molly Chaney, Kelsey Dickeson, and Sarah Otmanski. The Jazz Festival will be held on November 13 and Choir, Band and Orchestra on November 20. 

Be sure to tune in to the RBEF Telethon tomorrow, October 23.  The Madrigals will perform between 2 and 3 and Men's Ensemble will perform between 3 and 4.  And you may even see a choir director in the "Dancing with the Staff" segment at about 2:15.  Her dance partner is none other than Jacob Palka!

Last Friday, the choirs were treated to a performance by "The Pikers", an a cappella group from Washington University in St. Louis.  Chris Halline, a 2010 graduate, is singing with the group.  It was such fun to hear the group and to see Chris again!

The Parent/Student Recital is planned for November 16.  If you would like to perform in this exciting fundraiser, please fill out an application next week.  Entry fee is $5.00.  We would also appreciate backstage help as well!

Photo 3 Students Art Show Opening

The first Visual Art Department Art Show of the semester is featuring the Photo 3 students photo artwork.  Please stop by and see the wonderful images and enjoy a coffee at the same time.
Friday Oct 21, 2010, 4pm - 6pm at Locha Mocha, 8836 Brookfield Ave in Brookfield.  Show will run until Nov 5, 2010.

Weekly Music Update

Dear Music Community,


Congratulations to the following students who were selected to represent RB at this year’s IMEA District 1 festival: For Band: Kevin Dinh, Cassidy Fritsch, Dovas Lietuvninkas, Ben Mitchell. For Orchestra: Molly Chaney, Kelsey Dickeson, and Sarah Otmanski. For Choir: Trent Baer, Ben Bergstrom, Andrew Brondos, Haley Buntrock, Taylor Dalton, Nathan Dimaano, Tre Edwards, Eileena Gurini, Thomas Linehan, Max Marciniak, Sara Nie, Andrew Payton, Becky Pendola, Kyle Perfect, Aron Perfect, Kristin Ripoli, Clarissa Shaw, James Wang, and Kaylee Weinert.

Last Sunday the Chamber Orchestra performed it’s first recital of the year. The orchestra performed works by Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg and Molly Chaney performed a solo. Congratulations on a wonderful job!

Thank you to Jim Colombo and the Hauser Jazz Band for hosting the Annual Hauser Jazz Festival last Tuesday. Both the RB Jazz Band and Jazz Ensemble were invited to perform along with the Gross Jazz Band and the Hauser Jazz Band at this year’s festival. You hip Jazz Cats sound great!

Friday during school all performing ensembles will have their pictures taken. The Marching band will be wearing their marching uniforms; all other ensembles are to wear concert dress attire.

This Friday Night will be senior night at the home football game. Parents of Seniors in Band should arrive to the football field at 6:45 to be honored along with your senior.

Saturday is the RBEF Telethon, be sure to tune in around 4:00 to hear the Jazz Ensemble perform, and around 5:00 to hear the Chamber Orchestra perform. Mr. McOlgan will also be performing throughout the day with various singers. Jazz Ensemble members should arrive to school by 3:30, Chamber orchestra members should arrive to school by 4:30.

Congratulations to David Monreal who recently purchased a brand new Selmer Reference Alto Saxophone.

Please keep us informed of all your musical accomplishments!



Sincerely,

Mr. Baum and Mr. McOlgan

baumj@rbhs208.org McOlgank@rbhs208.org

Repertory Dance Performs at Dance Slam

On Friday, October 22nd the RB's Repertory Dance Ensemble will perform Chase, choreographed by guest choreographer Robert McKee at the historic Mandall Hall Theatre in Chicago. Go to http://www.dancechicago.com/for tickets. Be sure to use code DC2010 for a 5.00 discount. Tickets will not be sold at the door. Be sure to purchase your tickets in advance.

It's Dance Chicago's award-winning interactive dance competition with a non-stop beat! Each work is five minutes or less and the audience votes for the winners! Famous Chicago and National choreographers and dancers got their start here. Who is providing the next generation of star power? - Come and decide for yourself. This is the biggest Chicago dance competition of the season - from breaking to ballet! FAST AND FURIOUS.

Fall Choir Concert Set to Air on RBTV

The Fall Choir Concert will air Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 7:05pm.  All of our choirs will be performing including Bass/Treble Choir, Concert Chorale, Chamber Choir, and Madrigal Singers.  Our talented students can be viewed on http://www.rbtv.tv/, channel 16 (Comcast users), and channel 99 (AT&T U-verse users).

Weekly Instrumental Update

Dear Instrumental Community,


Congratulations to all the students who auditioned for IMEA district Festival last night at Hinsdale central High School. IMEA provides students with an honors music festival with some of our nation’s best directors. Results will be posted soon, look for more updates.

This Friday night we will be hosting 8th graders for Band Night. The feeder school band students will join us as we march around the track, on the field for Pre-Game, and in the stands as we cheer on our team and community!

The Hauser Jazz Festival is next Tuesday October 19th, at 7:00 PM at Hauser Jr. High. The night will feature the bands of Hauser Jr. High, Gross Middle School, and both jazz bands from RB. Be sure to invite all your friends!

On October 22nd we will have our last home game where our seniors and their parents are honored. Parents of seniors, please plan on attending and look for more details to come on this event.

Practice tonight has been postponed until 6:30. We will be finished no later than 8:00 PM. It is very important that all students attend to prepare for Fridays performance. This will be our last practice of the season.

Congratulations to Alex Muntean who auditioned and was accepted into the Western Springs School of Talent Education. Alex will be performing with Allegro, an ensemble that incorporates movement with music.

Sincerely,

Mr. Baum and Mr. McOlgan

Baumj@rbhs208.org McOlgank@rbhs208.org

Portrait Artist Set to Visit RB

American portrait artist, Gwenn Seemel, will be visiting RBHS via online video starting October 25th. Ms. Seemel will meet with the Drawing/Painting III and AP Studio Art students on several occasions to share her experiences and innovative style. Over a three week period, each student will work with Ms. Seemel to create a portrait of their own. Be sure to check back for updates and images of the student work.

Visit Gwenn Seemel's website at http://gwennseemel.com/

Fall Orchestra Concert

View the video below to hear the RBHS Orchestra perform Hoedown.  Congratulations to all musicians on a great performance!

Fall Choir Concert

View the video below to see the RBHS Chamber Choir perform a traditional American hymn, Down to the River to Pray.  Look for the full concert from RBTV coming soon.  Congratulations to all choir members on a great show!

The RBHS Choirs have been accepted to sing at Disney World!  They will perform on Sunday, February 20 and attend a Disney Workshop on Saturday, February 19.

Parents, please consider volunteering your time to help with our fundraisers.  The Worlds Finest Chocolate Candy sale will begin later this week and we need a few parents to help with it.  We are also considering a Poinsettia sale.  We can really use any and all help you can offer.

Tomorrow, October 5, students from S.E. Gross, Hauser and Komarek Schools will visit RB and work together with our choirs.  We always look forward to having the Junior Highs visit and make music with us.  The RBHS Choirs will present the first concert of the season at 7:00 p.m.  We hope you can be in attendance!

Weekly Instrumental Update

Dear Instrumental Music Community,


The orchestra is busy preparing for their festival coming up this week on Thursday. The theme for the festival highlights American composers and their music. Students will miss third, fourth, and fifth hour classes to rehearse with the Hauser Jr. High Orchestra, watch a presentation by a professional bass teacher, and eat lunch. The day is always a lot of fun. To cap off the festival, there will be a concert that evening at 7:00 PM in the auditorium, all are encouraged to come!

Jazz Ensemble students were presented with a unique opportunity last Friday to work with John Dorhauer, a Chicago area composer and arranger. Mr. Dorhauer donated one of his original pieces to RB at the beginning of the year and came to RB to work with the Jazz Ensemble on his tune. We look forward to performing it on October 19th at the Hauser Jazz Festival at 7:00 PM.

The schedule for auditions for IMEA has been posted outside the band office. Permission slips will be distributed tomorrow during all ensemble rehearsals. Please sign and return by Friday so that we can order our bus.

October 15th and October 22nd are the last home games of the season. On the 15h we will be inviting all 8th grade band students to join the RB marching Band on the field for pregame and in the stands during the game. They will also be treated to a pizza party prior to the game at 5:00 PM in the Choir room. If you know an 8th grader, please encourage him or her to come out to this fun filled evening.

On October 22nd, the parents of seniors in band will be honored prior to the game. If you are the parent of a senior please keep that evening open and be on the lookout for more details to come.

Congratulations to Ben Mitchell who completed his Eagle Scout Project. Ben provided landscaping for the Scottish Home. He will be achieving the rank of Eagle very soon.

As always, please keep us informed of your accomplishments so we may share them with the community.

Sincerely,

Mr. Baum and Mr. McOlgan

Baumj@rbhs208.org Mcolgank@rbhs208.org

Vocal Music Department News

Today our students received a packet of information with details about the upcoming Disney World Trip. The dates are Friday, Feb. 18- Monday, Feb. 21. Please look at the packets and attend the parent meeting on Thursday, Sept. 30 at 7 p.m. I will answer any and all questions about the trip. I hope your students willbe able to join us on the trip. It will be a wonderful musical experience for all!

Our students are busy preparing for their upcoming IMEA District 1 auditions. We continue to have rehearsals on Monday evenings at 6:30 for IMEA Choir music. Those auditioning for Vocal Jazz Choir can attend help sessions at 7:15 a.m. on Wednesday mornings or at 3:15 on Thursdays. I also have sign up sheets for one-on-one sessions for the next few weeks. Being at IMEA is so inspirational for the students who attend. I want everyone to have that experience!

There are several help sessions our students can attend outside our school. Tomorrow, Sept. 25, West Leyden HS will have sessions from 8 - 9 a.m. for girls and 9 - 10 a.m. for boys. They will work on Choir and Jazz music. If you want to attend, just go! It will be interesting to work with students from different schools!

Have a great weekend!
Mrs. Marelli

Ms. Suzanne Bartelson Displays Artwork at Chicago Gallery

Congratulations to Ms. Suzanne Bartelson, art teacher and professional artist, for the installation of her artwork at the Arcade Gallery in Chicago. Ms. Bartelson was awarded the Albert P. Weisman Grant, which allowed her to create her installation piece entitled 'pastmatters?' Her piece combines a 50-foot hallway with 5 audio channels on a three-minute loop. Ms. Bartelson explores how the past informs one's identity and her family's immigration to Chicago. The moments shared in this piece help the storyteller and listener gain perspective while fostering a sense of community through the universal themese of communication, family history, and surviving adversity.

Ms. Bartelson's work will be on display until October 14th. The Arcade Gallery is located at 618 S. Wabash, Chicago, Illinois.

Links to her work: http://www.pastmatters.net/ and www.blurb.com/books/1591555

Marching Band - Homecoming 2010

View the video below to see the Marching Band perform at the Homecoming football game. Congratulations to all members on a great show.

Instrumental Music Update

Parents sit back and enjoy a private concert from the marching band at last Thursday's Parent Night. Thank you to everyone who came!

Dear Instrumental Music Community,
What a great week we just had! Spirit week has come and gone, and the music department was marvelous! All the groups are off to a great start; take a look at our shutterfly photos from the last week in Jazz Ensemble and Orchestra!
Thank you to all the Families who came out to our first ever Parents night! It was a blast to see you all run through the show. I hope you enjoyed the evening as well. Be sure to take a look at the pictures on the shutterfly site!
Friday night was our Homecoming game. The marching band performed exceptionally well both in the stands and on the field. Several parents commented after the game that the band really contributes to the community atmosphere. Great job band!
Looking ahead, there will be a Music Sponsors meeting Tuesday evening in the choir room at 7:00 PM.
Orchestra festival will be on October 7th, the students are working hard on their parts and sounding great !
The Next home game will be Jr. High Night on October 15th. We look forward to working with all the 8th graders.
Congratulations to Dovas Lietuvninkas for being accepted to the Merit school of Music Wind Symphony.
Congratulations to Rafael Ruiz who just purchased a new Black Trumpet!
Our low brass teacher, Tom Kociela just had a life changing experience playing with the CSO on Sunday. The free concert was held at Millenium Park to celebrate the arrival of Riccardo Mutti as the new conductor of the orchestra. Tom played for a group estimated to be well over 30,000 people. Several students had the opportunity to attend and said they were amazed! Great job Tom!
Congratulations to Kelsey Dickenson, Alex Muntean, Anna McGonagil, Maggie McLaughlin, Molly Chaney, Kevin Dinh, Kyle Perfect, Scott Duda, Kelly Glavin, Jeremy Baiocchi, Dovas Lietuvninkas, Ben Mitchell, Adrien Witek, Paul Krause, Andrew Payton, and Brian Robertson who all received principal chairs for their respective sections!

Sincerely,
Mr. Baum and Mr. McOlgan
baumj@rbhs208.org and Mcolgank@rbhs208.org

Weekly Instrumental Music Update

RB Bulldog Marching Band Students Play the Fight Song for the reviweing stand and ABC 7's Janet Davis at Saturday's Von Steuben Day Parade.

Hello All,

Last Saturday the band participated in the Von Steuben Day Parade and German Festival. We had favorable weather despite concerns earlier in the day over rain. The students marched under cloud cover, and then changed into their street clothes and enjoyed the sun filled German Day Festival. The Bulldog Marching Band marched for thousands of appreciative fans shouting out in glee, “Go RB!” At the end of the parade the students played our Fight Song for the review booth, while Mayor Daley wasn't there, ABC's Janet Davis was! Many thanks to our chaperones, Paul and Debbie Cox, Dina Tardi, Carrie Sherman, Sue Sawyer, and Liz Cudecki, we couldn’t have done it without you! Check out the pictures on the shutterfly site!

Auditions are wrapping up for both band and orchestra. Looking ahead, the orchestra will perform its first concert on October 7th at 7:00 PM. The concert will be held in conjunction with the feeder school Orchestra Festival being held that day. We look forward to seeing you there!
On Thursday we will be holding a Parent Night open rehearsal. Students should come at 6:00 PM, parent should then join us on the field at 7:00 PM. Parent who come will be guided through the show by their students, and then be treated to a private performance of our show.

Friday is the big homecoming performance for band. The band will usher the entire student body to the football field for the pep assembly. That Night all band members should arrive to school at 5:30 PM to prepare for the performance that night. Come out, cheer with us, and cheer us on as we perform our Motown themed half-time show.

Congratulations to Neil Donegan who hosted a recital at his house last Friday night. Neil performed several works from the Suzuki method as a culminating event for the summer. Great job!

Please keep us up to date with all of your musical accomplishments!

Sincerely,
Mr. Baum and Mr. McOlgan
baumj@rbhs208.org mcolgank@rbhs208.org

Weekly Instrumental Update

RB Graduate Sam Lauritsen at the Chicago Jazz Festival performing his own original composition

Dear Instrumental Music Community,

We’re off to a great start! We had our first Home Game performance that looked and sounded great, the orchestra is working hard for their first concert (October 7th), and the jazz groups are swinging away on their music! It was also a pleasure to meet all of you last night!

Both the Orchestra and the Symphonic Band are currently holding auditions for chair placement.

As we look ahead, this weekend is the Von Steuben Day Parade! Students should arrive to the band room at 11:30 AM to change into their uniforms and load the busses. Come out and cheer us on as we march to Lincoln Square, and then join us for the festivities of the German Day Festival.

The first Tri-M Meeting will be held next Tuesday at 7:15 AM in the band room. Come “Try M” and see what this club is all about!

We would like to invite all parents and guardians to next week’s (September 16th) marching band practice for Parents Night. Come experience what your students experience while on the field! Parents who are interested should arrive to the field at 7:00 PM. Students need to arrive by 6:00 PM.

Many students are busy preparing their IMEA Etudes and Scales for auditions on October 12th. It’s not too late to get the music and have it prepared for the auditions, if you are interested please see Mr. Baum and Mr. McOlgan as soon as possible! This year the auditions will be held at Hinsdale Central High School.
Many of the private lesson teachers have begun teaching for the year! We have a great private studio program featuring some of Chicago’s most talented musicians. All of them are great teachers and can help your student realize his or her potential in music. If interested, please contact us!

Congratulations to former student Sam Lauritsen (2007) who had the opportunity to play at this year’s Chicago Jazz Festival. Sam played with the Roosevelt University Jazz Combo, and even played some of his own original tunes!

Also Congratulations to Drew Kohler, Tre` Edwards, and Chris Buh who were nominated by their peers to Homecoming Court.

Sincerely,

Mr. Baum and Mr. McOlgan
baumj@rbhs208.org mcolgank@rbhs208.org

Weekly Instrumental Update

Dear Instrumental Music Community,
It’s great to be back!
Last week the marching band had a terrific camp. They learned the entire half time show and pre-game in three days! On the fourth day, the students cleaned up the formations and worked with the Puppets who will be joining us for the third tune of the show. Many thanks to the parents who helped us to celebrate our accomplishments with a pizza party, and to the music sponsors for providing the pizza. Be sure to check out our shutterfly site for pictures from camp!
Thursday night will be the first marching band practice. Practice will be from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
On Friday all Marching Band students should wear their polo’s to school for the pep rally that day. Students will be excused from 7th hour to prepare for the assembly.
Friday is also the first home game. All band students should report to the band room at 5:30 PM to change into their uniforms and rehears the show.
The permission slip for the Von Steuben Day parade and festival went home yesterday. Please sign and return the form as soon as possible. The Parade will be on September 11th, and always promises to be fun. Last year the band and German club even got to march before Mayor Daley!
Congratulations to Joe Aieta and Kristen Tomecek who both attended Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp this summer, Sarah Otmanski and Kevin Dinh who attended the Illinois Summer youth Music Camp, Lucia Mancini who toured Europe with the Blue Lake International Choir, and Molly Chaney who toured Europe with the Blue Lake International Orchestra. All Students had a great opportunity to learn and practice music! Please feel free to ask us, or these students for more information about summer camps!
Musically yours,
Mr. Baum and Mr. McOlgan
baumj@rbhs208.org mcolgank@rbhs208.org

Instrumental Update

Hello all,

We're back and off to a great start at band camp! With two days behind us we have thirty sets learned and two songs down. Ahead of us we have one more half time tune, Pre-game, and lots of fun! Check out more pictures on the picture website. Congratulations to all the students who are making this year's band camp a huge success!

Reminder: Thursday is picture day! Students should wear their polo's and bring their instruments. Seniors will have a picture taken at 9:25 AM. Everyone (including seniors) will have their picture taken at 11:10 AM. Everyone should show up 15 minutes ahead of time.


We are also in need of Uniform helpers. We need to measure all the students and have them fitted into uniforms by the first game on August 27th. Please contact us if you are available to help!

Congratulations to Alex Spirios who recently bought a new bass clarinet! Please keep us up to date about all your achievements.

Musically Yours,
Mr. Baum and Mr. McOlgan
baumj@rbhs208.org Mcolgank@rbhs208.org

Instrumental Update

Hello,

The schedule for fall sports pictures has been posted. All pictures will be taken on Thursday August 19th. Students should wear their polo's and bring thier instruments. Seniors will have a picture taken at 9:25 AM. Everyone (including seniors) will have their picture taken at 11:10 AM. Everyone should show up 15 minutes ahead of time.

We are in need of help for Band Camp. We need parents to help hydrate the students during camp. If you are free from 2:00 - 8:00 and would like to help, please contact us!

We are also in need of Uniform helpers. We need to measure all the students and have them fitted into uniforms by the First game on August 27th. Please contact us if you are available to help!

Musically Yours,
Mr. Baum and Mr. McOlgan
baumj@rbhs208.org Mcolgank@rbhs208.org

Instrumental Update

Hello all!

We hope your summers are going well and you are enjoying your time off. Both Mr. McOlgan and Mr. Baum are eager to see you soon and get back to teaching music. Congratulations to all of you participating in the area's many fantastic music camps!

We wanted to take this time to remind you that Marching Band Camp will be held August 16th - August 20th from 2 PM until 8 PM. since we will be going later in the evening, please bring dinner. Also remember to bring and drink plenty of water.

Also, Symphonic Band members should be preparing their audition pieces. More information on scheduling auditions will be given at Band Camp.

see you all soon!

Sincerely,
Mr. Baum and Mr. McOlgan
baumj@rbhs208.org McOlgank@rbhs208.org

Come and see the new mural at RB!

On Thursday (July 15th)from 12:30 - 3:30pm there will be a small reception for the new mural being displayed in the hallways of RB. Stop by for food, drinks, and to talk to some of the student artists involved in creating this new mural. The mural is incomplete, but the portion the students worked on will be revealed. Alumni students of RB Christy Kral and Natalie Shugailo will be completing the mural, which is scheduled to be finished by July 24th. Everyone is welcome! Please stop by and support the work that these students have accomplished in such a short time.

Mural Workshop Gallery

Please click on the image to view photos of the new mural being created during the RBHS Summer Mural Workshop

Summer Mural Workshop

For two weeks RBHS students are working with RBHS alumni to complete a new mural for the walls of the high school. Along with the alumni, students have been using art to leave their mark in the hallways of RB, while learning about the different techniques involved in painting a mural.The mural is located in the hallway near the music department and is facing the outdoor courtyard. Please check in to see the progress being made!

Ceramics & Metalworking Workshop Gallery

Click photo to view studio production and art work from Summer 2010 RBHS workshop artists.

Summer Ceramics Workshop!

Twenty area junior high and high schools are attending the RBHS Ceramics Workshop this week and next creating and glazing pottery and sculpture, learning new techniques, and experimenting with metalworking processes. Stay tuned to view photos of their finished work next week...

Weekly Instrumental Update

Members of the RB Marching Band, Orchestra, and Jazz ensembles pose outside the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on their recent trip to Cleveland. Check out more pictures on our Shutterfly Page.

Dear Instrumental Community,

Wow! What a great trip to Cleveland! Students left for Cleveland on Friday after school. Saturday morning started out with a trip to see the house where "A Christmas Story" was filmed. students then were treated to a lunch and Cruise on Lake Erie and the river. after the cruise students toured the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. We then had dinner at Fat Fish Blue and the Jazz combo played for the dinner crowd. Then Saturday night we attended the Cleveland Symphony's presentation of Bruckner's 8th Symphony. On Sunday we traveled to Cedar Point where the marching band performed and then had the rest of the day to enjoy the park. Thank you to all the chaperons who helped supervise on the trip, Lena, our tour director, and our bus driver Jon for getting us everywhere safely.

Students interested in auditioning for IMEA next year should see Mr. McOlgan or Mr. Baum about acquiring their audition music and scale sheets.

All audition music for next years chair auditions have been distributed to all students in Symphonic Band next year.

All concert uniforms need to be returned by Friday so that we can send them into the cleaners. Many students have yet to return their uniforms, so please check at home for our tuxes or skirts.

Our entire calendar for next year has been posted on the Fine Arts Google Calendar. Please visit this site to stay current with all of our performances and practices.

The band call time for the graduation ceremony is 6:00 PM. All students in band are required to attend. Students should wear white dress shirts and black dress pants.

Calling all community musicians! We need you to join us for the July 3rd Parades. Practices for the parades are every Monday night starting June 16th from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. all are welcome, so invite your friends.

Congratulations to Cassidy Fritsch, Dovas Lietuvninkas, Sarah Otmanski, and Molly Chaney who were all excepted into the Chicago Youth Symphony Concert Orchestra. This is a tremendous opportunity for these fine young musicians!

Sincerely,

Mr. Baum and Mr. McOlgan

baumj@rbhs208.org Mcolgank@rbhs208.org

Feeder School Dance Festival

Fourty-five students from Hauser Junior High came to RBHS for its first feeder school dance festival. The students took a hip hop dance class with Ms. Haines, learned choreography from senior Repertory Dance Ensemble dancers and performed for one another. The day was a huge success. Congratulations and thank you to everyone who participated.

Students Critique Art Show

In the last few days of the RBHS Spring Art Show, Fine Art Survey students in the Visual Art rotation observe artwork and compose written critiques about a piece of their choice. The show will be on exhibit through the end of the day this Thursday, May 27th, for public viewing. Congratulations to all exhibiting artists and award recipients on another successful show!

Weekly Instrumental Music Update

Members of the RBHS Chamber Orchestra performed Vivaldi's Four Seasons on May 18th.

Hello Music Community

Congratulations to the entire music department for performing beautifully at last week's Apollo Awards Concert. Also congratulations to all the students who won major awards and to our new Apollo Award recipient Stephanie Duve!

Also congratulations to the Chamber Orchestra who performed Vivaldi's Four Seasons last Tuesday night at Ascension Lutheran Church in Riverside. This was the first recital of its kind given by the Chamber Orchestra. All the soloists and orchestra sounded sublime!

Looking forward, tomorrow is ensemble picture day, students are reminded to bring the proper attire for their pictures. All Bands:polo and a pair of khakis, Orchestra: black dress bottoms, white dress tops, dress shoes, Jazz Band: should be dressed nicely, Jazz Ensemble: Blacks.

On Friday members of the instrumental music department will be traveling to Cleveland for the bi-annual music trip. While there we will tour the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, hear the Cleveland Symphony Orchestra, and travel to Cedar Point Amusement Park. This promises to be a very fun and exciting weekend!

As always, please keep us up to date with all of your musical accomplishments.

Sincerely,

Mr. Baum and Mr. McOlgan

baumj@rbhs208.org mcolgank@rbhs208.org

RB Bulldog's Give Back

Follow the link below and read an article from the Suburban Life covering the collaborative project between the RBHS Reading, Writing, Art & Audio Editing classes. The students worked together to create illustrated children's book that will be published and then donated to local hospitals. If you are interested in purchasing a book please contact Jon Grice at gricej@rbhs208.org .

http://www.mysuburbanlife.com/riverside/news/education/x1560868845/Students-creativity-gives-back-to-children

RBHS Spring Art Show

The annual Spring Art Show will be opening in the RBHS Art Pit Tuesday May 25th, 6:00 - 8:00pm.

The show will remain on display through Friday May 28th, exhibiting and awarding work by visual art students in the categories of Functional Ceramics, Sculpture, Drawing, Painting, Computer Art, Digital and Traditional Photography, Photography Series, Animation, and Portfolio.

RB Hosts State Dance Festival

On Saturday, May 8, 2010 RB hosted the Illinois H.S. Dance Festival. Over 500 guests visited RB to take dance classes, teach master classes, attend dance performances, eat in the lunchrooms and participate in teacher roundtable discussions. The day was a HUGE SUCCESS.

RB’s dancers did a great job playing the role of hostess. They answered questions and escorted guests around the building. It was obvious the students were proud of their new school and happy to be sharing it with other dancers.

Each student attended four technique classes (ranging from modern, ballet, tap, Latin ballroom, improve, partnering, jazz, hip hop, yoga, stretch or Fosse) and attended two live dance concerts.

The Illinois H.S. Dance Festival committee was delighted with RBHS and it’s facilities. A special thank you to Building and Grounds, Mary Todhunter, April Engelhart, Denise Delgado, Bill Frey, James Baum, Debra McClaughlin, Jessica Svacier, Madelyn Doyle, Pat Collazo, Laima Aleksa, Claudia Alvarez and Janelle Divittorio for helping make the festival a success.

Next year’s festival will be held at Oak Park River Forest High School.