RB Winter Art Show | 12.28.11-12.02.11

  The annual Winter Art Show is on display in the RBHS Art Pit! Stop by to vote for the VIEWERS CHOICE AWARD at the Artist Reception  Thursday 12.01.11 5:30-7:30pm to congratulate the exhibiting artists and 2011 winners.

  The show will remain on display through Friday December 2nd with work by visual art students in the categories of Functional Ceramics, Sculpture, Drawing, Painting, Computer Art, Digital and Traditional Photography, Photography Series, and Body of Work.

Professional Choreographer teaches Repertory Dance Ensemble

Donnette Cannonie, a nationally and internationally known choreographer, choreographs a dance that will be performed at RB's Winter Dance Concert on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2011. The dance was inspired by student's ideas and the struggles of making a life decision. Donnette worked with the dancers during 4th period for six days. In the picture above Donnette Cannonie (center) talks to Alaina Sliz, about her transition from the stack of suitcases. To see more photos check out snapshots.mysuburbanlife.com/1332241

Choir Concert Tonight!

The RB Choirs will present the first concert of the school year tonight at 7 p.m. in the RB auditorium.  The Madrigal Singers, Chamber Choir, Concert Chorale and Treble/Bass Choir will perform pieces they have worked on since the beginning of this school year.

In addition, Krisin Ripoli, Cynina Mason and Lex Richter will perform "Mama Who Bore Me" from the musical "Spring Awakening". 

This morning, the Choirs from S. E. Gross, Hauser and Komarek Schools will visit RB from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.  They will have the opportunity to sing with the RB choirs and see what we do in choir every day!  We welcome all the Jr. High Students!

Choir members are all working diligently on their IMEA music.  Auditions are next Tuesday, October 11 at Carl Sandburg High School.  Audition times will be posted today.  All of the music students will take a bus to Sandburg together.  Good luck on your auditions!

Instrumental Music Update

Dear Instrumental Music Community,


Thank you to the 35 band students who played for the Class of 1966 Reunion on Saturday, and the parents who helped with carpooling. Members of the class of 1966 have been raving about how great you sounded and how wonderful it was to have you at their reunion.

Despite the poor weather, the band looked and sounded great! Our presence in the stands was excellent and the 8th graders really seemed to enjoy their time with us. Many thanks to the parents who helped buy and distribute the pizza and soda, as well as the parents who helped distribute water and set up the drum major podiums.

IMEA Audition times have been posted. More information about when the bus will be leaving and returning will be made available shortly. Auditions will be held at Carl Sandburg High School on Tuesday, October 11th.

A message from Lena regarding the Tour: the deadline for your trip deposit has been pushed back to October 17th.

On November 5th, we will be hosting the IMEA Junior High Festival. We will have about 300 junior high students and their directors on campus that day. As such we will need everyone’s help the night before, and on that day to make everything run smoothly. Signups and more information will be made available shortly, however please mark your calendars now.

This Thursday is the RB Orchestra Festival. We will be joined by 50 junior high students from Hauser to play music inspired by war. The concert will begin at 7:00 PM. Hope to see you there!

Sincerely,

Mr. Baum and Mr. McOlgan

Instrumental Music Update

Hello everyone!

Congratulations to Sam Romo who purchased a vintage Buffet R13 Clarinet this weekend! It's always exciting when one of our students saves their own money to buy a professional instrument. Sam is a student of Colleen Corning, RB's clarinet teacher, who helped him find the right instrument.

Also, Congratulations to Alex Buffo who had the opportunity to play Taps at Soldier's Field recently for the Illinois Warrior Summit.  Alex played on stage beside country singer Rockie Lynne.  Alex is part of the group "Buglers Across America" who provide buglers for different events, mostly funerals of veterans, and every once in a while something different and fun like this.

This Saturday the Marching Band will be participating in the Von Steuben Day festival and parade. Come show your support for the band and love for all things German at our most memorable parade in the fall!

IMEA auditions are fast approaching. If you need help of any sort please don't hesitate to see Mr. McOlgan or Mr. Baum.

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

Fine Arts Survey Students Create Beats with Shel Silverstein

Students in Mr. Baum's 1st hour Fine Arts Survey Class discussed the components of a good beat then tried their hands at composing their own beats setting Shel Silverstein's poetry to music. Enjoy!

Instrumental Update

RB Musicians shine outside the walls of RB!

 

Many Music students at RB choose to go to summer music camps around the world over the summer as a means of deepening their understanding of music. Here is just a sampling of what RB Musicians have accomplished this summer:

•  Drum Major Vicki Curtin marched her way into the top 8 marchers at drum major camp during the final march off.
• Anna Menendez won a scholarship. She was named Camper of the Week at Laurence University’s summer music camp. This honor grants Anna a scholarship to the camp next year, it also grants the same scholarship to another RB student!
• Adrienne Witek Also attended Laurence University’s camp and was placed into the top Theory Class.
• Mitchell Herman attended Oberlin’s summer music camp and studied electronic composition.
• Lucia Mancini, Molly Chaney, and Kelly Haughland all attended the Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp.
• Maurice Hubbard was chosen to play in this summer’s Rockford Youth Symphony.
• Andrew Payton attended the Indiana University College Audition Prep. Camp and was named the top Tuba player at the camp.
• Cassidy Fritsch attended a camp organized as a joint effort between Curtis Music Conservatory, Julliard, and the Manhattan School of Music. While there, Cassidy was named first chair oboe in the top band, and first chair Cor Anglais in the top orchestra.
• Cathryn Cowell was chosen to represent America in the international Flaud Competition in Ireland. She competed among the world’s finest Irish fiddle players!

 

Congratulations and thank you for representing RB so well around the world. We are proud of all of you!

 

 

 

Instrumental Update:

The marching band practice that was scheduled for tonight has been canceled due to schedule conflicts. Next week’s practice has been moved to Wednesday to avoid the same schedule conflict. The practice will be from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM. It is imperative that everyone be present at this practice as it’s our only practice since camp prior to our first game.

 

The Honors Chamber Orchestra held its first practice of the year on Monday night. The group will be working on pieces by Haydn, Mozart, and Mahler to begin the year.

 

Despite rain on the first day of marching band camp, this year’s camp was the most successful camp that we have had. The students learned 57 sets in two days and two hours! Be sure to come out on September 2nd to root on the band and check out all their hard work. Thank you to the music sponsors for providing the pizza party at the end of camp! Also thank you to all the mothers who are currently fitting the entire band for Marching Band uniforms, the band would not look as great as they do without your help.

 

Sincerely,

 

Mr. Baum and Mr. McOlgan

 

baumj@rbhs208.org mcolgank@rbhs208.org

 

RB Music Department shines in 4th of July Parades

Thank you to everyone who came out to make this year's parades very special. We had 154 participants!!! Members of band, orchestra, and choir, alumni, current RB students, future RB students, parents, and community members all came together to make this years 4th of July Parades exceptional. Take a look at the pictures on the shutterfly site, and if you have pictures you would like to add, please email them to baumj@rbhs208.org

4th of July Marching spectacular!

Hello,
All those who are marching in the 4th of July parades should arrive to the band room by 7:45 AM so we can distribute T-shirts, warm up, and load the buses. A special thank you to the Brauer Family for letting us use their pickup truck to transport the low strings through the parade. also thank you to all the parents who have volunteered to help distribute water, and the Music Sponsors for supplying the water.

We look forward to seeing those of you who cannot march with us along the parade route!

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

Dance Happening Postponed to FRIDAY, MAY 27th at 3:30

Due to the weather, Repertory Dance Ensemble will perform the Environmental Dance Happening piece on Friday, May 27th at 3:30. Please meet on the front lawn.

An Environmental Dance Happening

Inspired by the post-modern era of modern dance, Repertory Dance Ensemble choreographs an envrionmental piece on the front steps of the school. Please join us on Thursday, May 26th at 3:30 to witness RB's very own Dance Happening! The raindate is Friday, May 27th at 3:30.

Mural Update

The 8 Corners mural is underway and painting has begun...Congratulations and good luck to Mr. Gehl's Drawing/Painting II class. 

Dancing in Grant Park

After attending the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performance twenty-two dancers headed over to Grant Park and Buckingham Fountain to play improvisation games and restage choreography inspired by the Alvin Ailey performance. To see more photos visit the Fine Arts Department shutterfly account.

Riverside Arts Weekend

Concert Chorale will perform Saturday, May 21st at the Riverside Art Fair.  They will be singing at the train station beginning at 3:15.  Please come!

Spring Choir Concert - 'Wicked'

Enjoy a clip from the Spring Choir Concert. Annie Krug and Taylor Dalton perform For Good from 'Wicked.'

Spring Choir Concert - Hairspray Medley

Enjoy a medley from the musical Hairspray

Spring Art Show Winners

Enjoy the video!

Dancers attend Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performance

In honor of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater celebrating it's 50th anniversary of Alvin Ailey's Revelations students studied the masterpiece in class. On Thursday, May 19th twenty-two students will witness the grace, artistry and athleticisim as they attend a live performance of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performing Revelations at the Auditorium Theater in Chicago.

Choir Spring Concert

The RBHS Choirs will present their Spring Concert on Tuesday, May 17 at 7:00 p.m. in the auditorium.  Entitled, "The Show Must Go On!", the concert has a Broadway theme this year.  Come enjoy music from "Hairspray", "Phantom of the Opera", "Mamma Mia!" and more.  Many students will be featured in solos and ensembles.

Art Show and Choir Concert on Tuesday 5/17

The annual Spring Art Exhibit will be displayed on Tuesday, May 17th.  Please join us for a reception from 6-8p.  The Viewer's Choice Award will be announced at 7:00p.  Desserts will be provided by Mrs. Farlee's Family and Consumer Science Students. 

Come early for the art show and then head off to the Choir concert, "The Show Must Go On"

Enjoy the RB Arts!

The Brookfield Mural is Underway...

Drawing and Painting II students will team with the Brookfield Beautification Committee to create a large scale mural with artist Sonata Kazimieraitiene.  Stay tuned for more details...

RB Orchestra Attendes Open Rehearsal of the CSO With Yo Yo Ma!

Yo Yo Ma and Stephen Lester play a duet for the audience prior to answering students' questions.

On Thursday May 12th, RB Orchestra Students attended a field trip to hear Ricardo Mutti and Yo Yo Ma rehearse with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra at Symphony Center. Susan Synnestvedt, mother of Alex and Maddy Muntean, performs with the orchestra, it was nice to see a familiar face in the orchestra, RB students even applauded as she entered the stage! Students were delighted to hear Mason Bates’ The B Sides, a modern piece that used electronic instruments and percussion effects to create dance club inspired classical music. Then Yo Yo Ma came out to rehearse the Schumann Cello Concerto. He played the piece entirely from memory flawlessly and with finesse and charisma that only a musician of the highest caliber can do. At times he would close his eyes and play with a sensitivity that won the hearts of the audience in a few notes, at other times he performed fiery bursts of notes, adding an exclamation point by jumping out of his seat. Needless to say, the RB students were amazed! The rehearsal concluded with the Strauss Aus Italien. Mutti’s carefully choreographed visualizations brought out the best of the orchestra, at times he even engaged the audience into the rehearsal. To cap off the afternoon, Yo Yo Ma and Stephen Lester led a Q&A session with the audience. RB students Olivia Lauritsen and Findlay Ross both had the opportunity to have Yo Yo Ma answer their questions.

Olivia Lauritsen asks Yo Yo Ma and Stephen Lester when they decided to become a professional musicians.

This was a great opportunity for the orchestra students of RB. We are very lucky to have one of the worlds best orchestras right here in Chicago! Everyone should take advantage of this world class institution, check out www.cso.org for tickets and program information. Also take a look at other photos from the trip on our pictures page.

Instrumental Music Update

Dear Instrumental Music Community,


May is always an exciting month in the music department. On May 1st both the Jazz Band and the Jazz Ensemble played at This Must Be the Place in Lemont. Both groups played a high energy swinging sets to a packed room. The Jazz Band then went on to repeat their set at Hackneys of Palos Hills for yet another packed crowd and professional musicians on May 4th. Thank you to both venues for supporting music education and to Tom Fox and the Brass Tacks Big Band for featuring our students.

Congratulations to Kevin Dinh and Ben Mitchell who have been selected to perform for Senior Awards Night this Wednesday along with Megan Welch and the Seniors of Madrigals. The evening will begin at 7:00 PM with pre-ceremony music provided by Sarah Otmanski and Maggie McLaughlin, and Mr. McOlgan.

On Thursday the Orchestra will be going on a field trip to hear an open rehearsal of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra featuring Yo Yo Ma!

All music ensembles will be photographed on the morning of May 19th. Students should arrive to school by 7:45 in their concert attire. The photo will be taken in the auditorium, more information about ordering this photo, or ordering photos taken earlier in the year will be made available at a later date.

On May 21st the Jazz Band and Chamber Orchestra will be featured along with a Choir at the Riverside Arts Fair. The Jazz Band will begin at 2:00 PM and the Chamber Orchestra will begin at 2:45 PM. We hope to see many familiar faces in the crowd!

On May 24th at 7:00 PM the Chamber Orchestra will hold its final recital of the year at Ascension Lutheran Church in Riverside. The group will be playing two contemporary pieces as well as the 4th movement from Tchaikovsky’s Serenade for Orchestra.

The Apollo Awards will be held on May 26th, not May 19th as listed in the student handbook. This is an evening where we celebrate all of our musical accomplishments of the year and award our outstanding musicians. The evening starts at 7:00 PM in the main Gym, and is followed up with a reception to be held in the Cafeteria.

Graduation will be held on June 3rd. All band students need to meet at 6:00 PM that evening dressed up.

Congratulations to Kevin Dinh, Ben Mitchell, Sarah Otmanski, and Sam Romo who all played with the Protégé Philharmonic this weekend at Navy Pier. This is an outstanding orchestra featuring many of Chicago’s most talented young students.

Please keep us informed of all your musical accomplishments!

Sincerely,

Mr. Baum and Mr. McOlgan

baumj@rbhs208.org mcolgan@rbhs208.org

Life Drawing in Drawing II

Click here to see pictures of life drawing from the Drawing & Painting II students. 

Madrigal Singers perform Michael Jackson's "Beat It"

Madrigal Singers perform "I'm Yours"

ORCHESIS DANCE CONCERT-THIS WEEKEND

Join the RBHS Orchesis Dance Company this Friday, April 29th and Saturday, April 30th in the Main Auditorium at 7:00pm for a stellar performance of DANCE. Student choreographers include Rachel Ackerman, Vilija Aleksa, Brigitte Collazo, Meredythe DiViottorio, Louise Gangware, Sarah Jane Gembara, Allison Hornung, Hannah Langosch, Kayla Muldoon, Alaina Sliz, Caroline Stanko, Rima Lintikas AND GUEST HIP HOP CHOREOGRAPHER KATY KEMPEN. Tickets are 4.00 for students and seniors and 6.00 for adults. Children 6 and under are free.

Madrigal Concert!

The Madrigals will present a concert of vocal jazz, pop and Broadway on Tuesday evening, April 19 at 7:00 p.m. in the Little Theater.  You're invited!

Instrumental Music Update

Thank you to everyone who wrote such nice letters and emails in response to our Spring Concert last Thursday. The evening was splendid, and the kids sounded fantastic! Mr. McOlgan was especially moved by all the parents and students who took the time to meet his mother that night.


Our field trip to see “Working” is Wednesday. Students will leave school 5th hour and should therefore be prepared to eat lunch at school. If you haven’t turned in your permission slips please turn it in A.S.A. P.

The Apollo awards will be held on May 26th in the Main Gym and not on May 19th. Please adjust your calendars.

Congratulations to Joe Wilkinson who played an outstanding audition at Elmhurst College. After the audition Joe was informed by the school that they really wanted him and are prepared to match any scholarship from another school.

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

Listen to Mary Poppins!

Enjoy listening to music from the RBHS Instrumental Concert

Character Counts Artwork!

Click here to enjoy the photos of artwork inspired by the pillars of Character Counts!

Congratulations Samantha Friend!

Congratulations to Samantha Friend for being awarded a full-ride scholarship to participate in a three week art camp held at the School of Visual Arts in New York City.  Sam received this award from the Scholastics Art and Writing organization.  She qualified after receiving a Gold Award for her photograph at the Regional Scholastics Art Competition held in January. 

http://www.schoolofvisualarts.edu/
http://www.artandwriting.org/

Instrumental Music Update

Dear Instrumental Music Community,


The Spring concert is upon us. Join us this Thursday evening at 7:00 in the auditorium. Students should be gathering their concert attire tonight to make sure they are ready for Thursday. The call time for students to arrive is 6:15.

Thank you to all who attended Jazzapalozza V. It was a great evening of jazz featuring guest artist Sam Lauritsen. Sam is a RB graduate who performed on the very first Jazzapalozza and is now finishing his degree in Jazz Performance at Roosevelt University’s Chicago College of Performing Arts. Both RB Jazz groups sounded great. Thank you to everyone who brought treats to share, especially Mrs. Baum’s lemon squares.

The Jazz Groups will be featured at This Must Be the Place on May 1st. The Jazz Ensemble will open the evening at 6:00 PM followed by the Jazz Band. Please call 630-243-1500 for reservations.

The Jazz Band will open for the Brass Tracks Big Band at Hackneys in Palos Heights on May 4th. Their set will begin at 7:00.

Mark your calendars for the Apollo Awards which will be held on May 19th at 7:00 PM. All music students will perform, and we will honor our outstanding students.

Sincerely,

Mr. Baum and Mr. McOlgan

baumj@rbhs208.org mcolgank@rbhs208.org

2011 Jazzapalooza

Click here to see pictures from Jazzapalooza.

Guest Hip Hop Choreographer teaches at RB

The week of March 14th twenty-one Orchesis dancers worked with professional hip hop and contemporary dancer Katy Kempen. Recently, Katy toured with R. Kelly and Jay-Z where she performed with various award winning artists. Katy shared her stories of being a professional concert dancer and a dancer traveling on tours. RB dancers can not wait to perform Katy's dance at this year's Orchesis show on April 29th and 30th.

Choir Concert Performance!

Choir Concert Performance!

Choir Concert!

Please come to a concert presented by the choirs of RBHS, Wednesday March 23 at 7:00 p.m. in the Auditorium.  The concert will feature World Music, including "Jai Ho" from the movie "Slumdog Millionaire".  We will also present the DVD the choirs made when they performed in Disney World.  Hope to see you at the concert!

Instrumental Update

Dear Instrumental Music Community,

Congratulations to everyone involved with the musical “The Wiz.” The pit sounded great, the crew performed amazingly, and the cast was exceptional. We hope you had the opportunity to


“ease on down the road” to see the amazing work of the students in the music and drama departments.

On March 5th many of our students participated in the IHSA Solo and Ensemble Contest. Between the choirs, bands, and orchestra students 162 Division 1 medals and 52 Division 2 medals were won. Great job Bulldogs!

The Jazz Band will be performing at This Must Be the Place in Lemont on May 1st and at Hackneys May 4th. Please make reservations if you plan to attend the May 1st concert, we look forward to seeing you there!

The Bands and Orchestras are busy working on their music for the spring concert. This year the concert will be on April 14th at 7:00 PM.

Congratulations to Molly Chaney who has been accepted to Interlocken Music Festival this summer.

Congratulations to Ben Mitchell and Sam Cox who just achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in troop 24. We are all very proud of you both!

Sincerely,

Mr. Baum and Mr. McOlgan

Fine Arts Department Accepts Award

 
On Thursday, members of the Fine Arts department traveled to Springfield, Illinois to accept the Illinois Alliance for Arts Education School of Distinction Award.  Mindy Haines also accepted the award for Dance Educator of the Year.  Congratulations RB Fine Arts!

Art Students @ Metro Suburban Conference Event

On Wednesday, 7 RBHS art students were selected to attend the Metro Suburban Conference Art Festival.  Students displayed their artwork and attended workshops given by professional artists.  Conference art teachers also met to collaborate on curriculum.                                                                                     

Participating students included Paige Bottari, Krystyna Serhijchuk, Lila Hernandez, Olivia Lauritsen, Emily Kedzie, Dan Curtin, and Bailey Csech. 

Art Show @ RAC

Click here to view pictures from the art show at the Riverside Arts Center. 

RB Choir Featured in The Suburban Life

Click Here to read about the Choir trip to Disney World in The Suburban Life.

Art Show @ The Riverside Art Center

Our annual AP Art Show will be exhibited at the Riverside Art Center.  The opening reception is set for Friday, March 11th from 6:00-9:00pm.  The artwork will remain on display through April 23rd.  Featured artists include our current AP students and our 2011-12 AP students.  See you there!

Featured AP Students:

Jacob Curtin

Cassie Cook

Alessandra Panasky

Anne Sventy

Jennifer Grasser  

Featured Upcoming AP Students:

Michael Abbatacola

Salem Baer

Karla Bley

Thomas Cichon

Samantha Friend

Natalee Garza

SarahJane Gembara

Aneliese Gibson

Mara Henk

Jessica Huebner

Caitlyn Kasper

Katie Linhart

Sandra Lopez

Grace Moore

Maddie Muntean

Tatiana Reaves

Collin Roberts

Hannah Roppo
Grace Salerno
Sophia Soluri
Amanda Stamm
Alvaro Zavala

Tickets are on Sale!

RBHS Choirs

We're back!  Just think!  At this time last week, we were running around Disney Hollywood in 80 degree weather!  The choirs had a great time playing, working and performing in Disney World.  They were attentive and enthusiastic about the workshop on Saturday morning.  The performance at Downtown Disney on Sunday was very well attended.  As people passed by, they stopped, and they STAYED for our performance.  I think that says a lot about the students' singing.  By the middle of the concert, all the seats were filled and there were 4 or 5 rows of people standing.  Congratulations to the choir students! 

Congratulations to Megan Welch!  Megan won 1st place in the Tower Chorale Vocal Competition.  She sang "I Don't Know How to Love Him" from "Jesus Christ, Superstar".  Megan will receive a vocal scholarship and will perform on a concert with the Tower Chorale in May. 

We're looking forward to a very busy March. 

March 5 - IHSA Solo and Ensemble Contest

March 18, 19, 20 - "The Wiz"

Tickets are on sale in the business office!

March 23 - Choir Concert

Hope to see you at any or all of these events!

Instrumental Update

Hello Instrumental Music Community,


The February concert season has come to an end. It’s a bit weird to not have a concert tonight after three Thursdays in a row with concerts. The first concert was the Battle of the Big Bands featuring the RB Jazz Ensemble, the second concert was the Winter Band Concert, and last week we closed out the season with the Winter Orchestra and Chamber Music Concert. All three concerts were spectacular! Thank you to everyone who came out to support our musicians.

Permission slips have been distributed for Solo and Ensemble contest to be held on March 5th at Reavis High School. We just received the times today; students can look on the music office windows to find their times.

Be sure to tune in to WFMT (98.7 FM) this Saturday at 10:00 AM for a live broadcast of the Merit School of Music Wind symphony featuring RB students Dovas Lietuvninkas, Adrienne Witek, and Andrew Payton. If you can’t listen at that time, the show will be repeated on March 3rd later in the evening. The program is called “Introductions” and features the talents of Chicago’s brightest young musicians.

Connor Fagen, guitarist for Jazz Band recently performed for a full house at Fitzgerald’s Night club in Forrest Park. The club has recently begun a Sunday open teen mic. Marco Severini, Tyler Straka, and future RB Drummer Adrian Murphy performed last week at the night light in Berwyn. Thank you for representing RB with your talents!

Please keep us up to date with all your accomplishments.

Sincerely,

Mr. Baum and Mr. McOlgan

Enjoy Music from the Orchestra Concert

Hear Singing in the Rain performed by the RBHS Brass Ensemble. 

Art Student Wins 1st Place

Congratulations to junior Maddie Muntean for receiving the Award for Excellence given by the West Suburban Artist Guild.  Maddie's work earned 1st place out of 200 other pieces and has now been accepted into the Best of the Best art exhibit hosted by the Alliance of Fine Arts.  Maddie was the only artist to receive this honor.  Her painting titled 'Candied Sushi' will be on display at the Peabody Mansion in Oak Brook from March until May.  Congratulations Maddie!

Dancers Perform at Brook Park Elementary

On Thursday, February 10th Repertory Dance Ensemble performed an educational art outreach program for 115 4th graders at Brook Park Elementary School. The dancers performed a variety of different dance styles while teaching about the art of dance. The program also included audience participation and one lucky Brook Park student by the name of Ashley was chosen to choreograph on the RB dancers. Congratulations, Ashley.

Lastly, a special thank you to Brook Park teacher Joanne Janetopoulos for inviting RB to perform for her students. It was a wonderful day.

To see more photos of the performance please visit http://rbhsfineartsdepartment.shutterfly.com/697

2011 Winter Band Concert - Symphonic Band

Hear the Symphonic Band perform "Symphonic Dance No. 3" by Clifton Williams.

2011 Winter Band Concert-Symphonic Band

Hear the Symphonic Band perform "When the Stars Began to Fall" by Fred Allen

RBHS Fine Arts has Joined Facebook!

Read about departmental updates on our new Facebook fan page.  Just type in RBHS Fine Arts and enjoy announcements, photos, videos, and more.  Help us out by 'liking' our page and spreading the word!   

Visitors to the Choir Room

The Madrigals enjoyed a recent performance of "No Comment", an a cappella group from the University of Illinois.  The group entertained us with a great concert, including a medley from the musical "Spring Awakening", "Shark in the Water" and covers of other popular songs. 

Concert Chorale is learning a folk song from Poland - in Polish, of course!  Stephanie Olszewski's grandmother has been kind enough to come to our classroom twice this week to tutor all of us in Polish diction.  It isn't easy!  But we think it will all be worth it in the end. 

How many days until we leave for Disney World? 9!!! But who's counting?  Seventy seven people that I know of.... 

If you're in Florida that weekend, come hear the choirs on Sunday, Feb. 20 at 5:45 p.m. at the Water Side Stage in Downtown Disney.  On Saturday, the choirs will also participate in a Disney Sings workshop. 

Instrumental Update

Hello Music Community,


Thank you to everyone who came out in support of the Jazz Ensemble last Thursday evening. The band sounded great and warmed the crowd up for the two outstanding pro bands to follow!

The Annual Winter Band concert will be held this Thursday, February 10 at 7:00 PM in the auditorium. Highlights include Ben Mitchell performing the Straus French horn Concerto, Prokofiev’s classic Peter and the Wolf acted out by RB’s own Shenanigans, and a setting of My Lord What a Morning in honor of Black History Month.

Congratulations to Marco Severini, Tyler Straka, and Adrian Murphy who performed at Brixies in Brookfield for the annual Special Olympics fundraiser. It’s great to volunteer for such a noble cause, they sounded great!



See you Thursday,

Mr. Baum and Mr. McOlgan

baumj@rbhs208.org Mcolgank@rbhs208.org

Art Students use a Unique Model

Drawing II students experienced an unexpected visitor as their model for the day.  Yogi, Mrs. Mortensen's newfoundland, posed for the class as the artists worked to develop the form using a variety of mediums. 

Thanks Yogi!     

Shennanigan's on TV!

Shennanigan's most recent show, "Welcome to my Tollbooth" is available on RBTV this weekend.  Viewers can watch at 9:05pm on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening.  Just turn on Comcast channel 16, AT&T U-Verse 99, or watch at http://www.rbtv.tv/   Enjoy!

Performers include Drew Kohler, Jacob Palka, Nick Rauba, Paul Landahl, Sara Nie, Andrew Brondos, George Suchy, Sam Friend, Marty Gross, Allison Nicolai, Abraham Ourth, Erik Kramer, and James Landahl

Art Students Win Awards at Triton CC Competition!

Congratulations to the following art students for their recent success at the Triton Community College art competition.

Best Painting Award: Maddie Muntean

Blue Ribbon Award:
Elise Castelaz (Computer Art)
Deanasia Sanders (Photo)
SarahJane Gembara (Drawing)

Red Ribbon Award:
Ercolani Chiara (Ceramics)
Kiley Rusen (Computer Art)
Andrew Scafidi (Photo)
Hannah Soppo (Photo)
Jessica Huebner (Drawing)
Paige Bottari (Painting)
Salem Baer (Painting)
Kaite Wallner (Ceramics)

Yellow Ribbon Award:
Tatiana Aerozaga (Photo)
Isabella Soluri (Photo)
Lonely Bridge (Photo)
Ricardo Herrera (Drawing)
Anne Sventy (Painting)
Colin Roberts (Painting)
Jenn Grasser (Painting)
Amanda Biro (Ceramics)
Jon Schereck (Ceramics)
Allison Taber (Ceramics)
Michael Zeman (Ceramics)
Tyler Siebert (Ceramics)
Luis Gonzalez (Ceramics)
Erin McKenna (Ceramics)
Selsa Carmona (Sculpture)

Disney Trip Parent Meeting

The meeting scheduled for tonight is postponed due to weather.  The meeting will be held next Tuesday evening, Feb. 8 at 7 p.m.
Thank you!

Diane Marelli

Visit the Winter 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!

Instrumental Update

Dear Instrumental Music Community,


This week we are looking forward to traveling to Peoria for the IMEA All State Festival. Congratulations once again to Molly Chaney, Kevin Dinh, Dovas Lietuvninkas, Sarah Otmanski, Kyle Perfect, James Wang, Andrew Payton, and Trent Baer who will be representing RB at the festival, as well as Mrs. Marelli who will be leading the Female Sectional for the All State Honors Choir.

The Jazz Ensemble is very excited to host two professional big bands on February 3rd, at 7:00 PM in the Auditorium. Come out to cheer on the Jazz Ensemble as they open the evening and then stay to hear the pro bands musically “duke” it out. General admission tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students with I.D.

Congratulations to Andre Payton who just bought a professional C Tuba. He’s very happy to be playing such a nice tuba!

Also Congratulations to Christine Dinh, Kristen Santoro, and Eileena Giurini who were selected to perform the National Anthem at the Gymnastics Conference on Saturday January 29th.

Musically yours,

Mr. Baum and Mr. McOlgan

baumj@rbhs208.org mcolgank@rbhs208.org

Congratulations Scholastic Art Award Winners 2011

Congratulations to the following artist's for their achievements at the 2011 Scholastics Art Regional Competition.  Students who received a Gold Award will advance to the national competition in March. 

Gold Award
Jacob Curtin (Painting)

Samantha Friend (Photo)

Nina Pellizzari (Photo)

Amanda Stamm (Drawing)

Jacob Curtin (Drawing)

Aneliese Gibson (Photo)

Silver Award

Sophia Soluri (Photo)

Jenn Grasser (Painting)

Aneliese Gibson (Photo)

Selsa Carmona (Ceramics)

Sophia Soluri (Painting)

Jacob Curtin (Painting)

Aneliese Gibson (Photo)

Elise Castelaz (Digital Art)

Honorable Mention

Nina Pellizzari (Photo)

Laura Pellizzari (Photo)

Brendan Deweese (Digital Art)

Sophia Soluri (Drawing)

Jacob Curtin (Drawing)
Aneliese Gibson (Photo)
Candice Shelbrack (Photo)

Vocal Music Department

The "5 Man Quartet" featuring Trent Baer, Andrew Brondos, Dovas Lietuvninkas, Max Marciniak and Andrew Payton performed for the Riverside Township Meeting on Tuesday night.  They opened the meeting with the National Anthem and sang two other songs, much to the delight of the attendees.  They are becoming quite the accomplished group and are building a good repertoire of "doo-wop" songs.  They'll be featured in our next concert!

The Madrigals are learning new repertoire for the 2nd half of the year.  After their busy Holiday Season, it's been exciting to learn new material.

One of their most memorable performances was singing at Orchestra Hall in Chicago.  At one point, Duain Wolf, the conductor of the Chicago Symphony Chorus, stopped and listened to them!

We will have many, many students participating in the IHSA Solo and Ensemble Contest on March 5.  Entries are due and students are reminded to find an accompanist to work with! 

The choirs are also preparing music for their trip to Disney World in Orlando, FL!  We are leaving on Feb. 18 and will return on the 21st.  The choirs will perform a concert in Downtown Disney and will also attend a Disney Sings! Workshop.  Packets of information were sent home today.  Parents, you are strongly encouraged to attend a meeting for all participants on Tuesday, Feb. 1 in the Little Theater.  We will discuss the trip, expectations of all students, meet the chaperones and also answer any questions you may have.

Finally, the cast list for the Spring Musical, "The Wiz" will be posted today.  Congratulations in advance to all who are in the play.  It's a strong cast and the show will be great!  Mark your calendars for March 18, 19, and 20!

Instrumental Update

Hello Instrumental Music Community,


ISHA Solo and Ensemble forms are due tomorrow. All students enrolled in a music performance class must sign up for either a Solo or Ensemble. All solos are to be accompanied. Within the music department we have several pianists Mrs. Watylyk, Mitchell Herrmann, Joe Wilkinson, Anton Kompare, and Mr. and Mrs. Cox who are willing to accompany solos. The contest will be held on March 5th at Reavis High School in Burbank.

On February 3rd the Jazz Ensemble will be hosting The John Burnett Orchestra (WDCB’s British American Buddy) and the Shout Section Big Band (Mr. Baum’s professional band) for a battle of the bands. The concert begins at 7:00 PM, students with I.D. $5, adults $10. Please invite your friends and family!

The bands are busy preparing for the Winter Concert to be held on February 10th. The evening begins at 7:00 PM in the auditorium and will feature several standards, a French horn concerto with Ben Mitchell as soloist, and Peter and the Wolf with a surprise guest narrator!

Congratulations to Cassidy Fritsch and Molly Chaney who both won principal desks in the Chicago Youth Concert Orchestra!

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

Sincerely,

Mr. Baum and Mr. McOlgan

Baumj@rbhs208.org mcolgank@rbhs208.org

RB's Dance Teacher of the Year

Congratulations to Ms. Mindy Haines for being awarded Dance Teacher of the Year by the Illinois Alliance for Arts Education (IAAE).  Ms. Haines was nominated by colleagues in the area for her hard work and dedication to RB’s dance program.

Ms. Haines has been leading the dance program for the past 15 years.  She currently teaches various levels of dance during the day and leads the Orchesis and Repertory Dance Ensembles.         

RB Fine Arts Wins Award

The Illinois Alliance for Arts Education (IAAE) has awarded RB’s Fine Arts department with the School of Distinction Award.  The department was recognized for efforts in the community, student opportunities, creative approaches in the classroom, and a diverse curriculum.  The IAAE is a state organization that supports the arts in Illinois schools K-12.  RB was the only high school to receive this award and will be recognized at the Governor’s mansion in March.   

The IAAE has nominated RB to represent Illinois at the national level in conjunction with the Kennedy Center Alliance for Arts Education Network.

Thank you to all staff, students, parents, and community members for your support in the arts!