Friday, January 28, 2011

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!

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

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

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

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)

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

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!

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

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

Friday, January 14, 2011

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.         

Thursday, January 13, 2011

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!

Monday, January 10, 2011

Instrumental Music Update

Dear Instrumental Community,

Welcome back and Happy New Year! We have a very exciting semester planned for the spring. Here is a brief overview:
  • January 26th – January 30th -Mr. Baum and Mr. McOlgan will be attending the IMEA All State music confrence with Molly Chaney, Kevin Dinh, Dovas Lietuvninkas, and Sarah Otmanski.
  • 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.
  • February 10th- Winter Band Concert
  • February 15th- Metro Suburban Conference Band Festival at Glenbard South High School.
  • February 17th – Winter Orchestra and Chamber Music Concert
  • March 5th – Solo and Ensemble Contest
  • March 18,19, 20th – Spring Musical “The Wiz”
  • April 7th- Jazzapalooza
  • April 14th- Spring Concert
Thank you for your warm reception at the Holiday Concert! The evening concerts were exceptional, it’s always a great way to bring in the holidays.

On December 15th, 2010 Pulitzer Prize winning composer and RB alum Michael Colgrass visited with the music department. He addressed the students with tales of his numerous musical accomplishments and life stories. The students left the speech inspired by all Mr. Colgrass had to share!

Congratulations to Kevin Dinh, Sarah Otmanski, Cassidy Fritsch, Joe Wilkinson, Becky Pendola, Dovas Lietuvninkas, Ben Mitchell, Andrew Payton, Aron Perfect, Stacy Sherman who were selected to represent RB at this year’s Metro Suburban Conference Band Festival.

Also congratulations to Andrew Payton and Molly Chaney who both recently acquired new instruments over break!

Please keep us up to date with all your accomplishments!

Sincerely,

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