Friday, October 29, 2010

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! 

Thursday, October 28, 2010

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

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

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.

Friday, October 22, 2010

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!

Thursday, October 21, 2010

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

Monday, October 18, 2010

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.

Friday, October 15, 2010

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).

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

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

Sunday, October 10, 2010

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/

Friday, October 8, 2010

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!


Monday, October 4, 2010

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