Sycamore Music Boosters
News
News from around the square...
November 18th, 2009
SHS Madrigals
The Sycamore High School Madrigal Troupe
will present its 36th Annual Madrigal Dinners on December 4th & 5th at the Sycamore St. Mary's Activity Center.
Doors open at 6:00 pm and the show begins at 6:30 pm. Tickets are $22/person. The full Roast Beef dinner is
catered by the Hillside Restaurant. All seating is reserved. Saturday night ONLY has a limited number of "show
only" tickets available for $5/person. Please call 815-762-4648 to make your reservations.
Madrigal singing, brought to England from Italy in the 16th century, was at first an informal type of private entertainment
at the castle and country homes of the landed gentry. Frequently, the lords and ladies performed the music themselves
as they sat as dinner in the Great Hall. Naturally, during the twelve days of the Christmas season, there was
much entertaining and singing of Madrigals. The SHS Madrigal Troupe will reenact this royal Renaissance banquet
as it transforms the church meeting hall into an English castle, complete with a royal court, troubadours, jesters,
beggars, jugglers, pages and instrumentalists.
June 15, 2009
SYCAMORE HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
OF MUSIC
SHS MUSICIANS WIN IHSA THIRD IN STATE!
Sycamore High School - After being named in 2008 as
one of the top music programs in the country by the National Association of Music Merchants, the Sycamore High
School Music Program once again demonstrated its excellence by winning third place in this year's IHSA statewide
competition.
The Sycamore High School music students and ensembles competed this year - as they do every year, in the IHSA Music
Sweepstakes. This year, Sycamore High School placed third in state in Class A competition - a first for the music
program at the high school.
When the music teachers heard the news, they were "ecstatic." According to Terri Goodman, Choir Director,
the scores had been added incorrectly and they originally thought they were in 4th place. When the correction was
made, IHSA didn't contact the high school. One of the music teachers discovered the news while looking at IHSA
information a week or so later.
Scott Mertens, Music Department Chair and Jazz Ensemble Director, explained that schools compete in the IHSA Music
Sweepstakes through two major events - the Solo and Ensemble Contest and the IHSA Organizational Contest. All students
and ensembles receive ratings for their performances. Schools that receive the most Division "1" ratings
(on a scale of one to five), receive more points in the competition. Simply put, the SHS students had a large number
of "1" ratings on solos and small and large ensemble performances in the competition.
Ken Goodman, Band Director, pointed out that seven of the eight music ensembles (band, choir, orchestra, jazz band)
that performed at organizational contest this year received Division I ratings - the highest rating possible.
For Ken Tonaki, Orchestra Director, the trophy is symbolic of the time and effort by the students to be successful
in a variety of music ensembles. "It shows that we have a balanced curriculum - the results have proven that
our jazz programs are equally as strong as our concert programs. This recognition showcases the hard work of the
students."
The music directors agree that the IHSA ranking brings the music students and program to the forefront in a way
that the community can understand. In addition, it shows the quality of the department on a statewide level. Mertens
said that it is particularly meaningful because all of the students in the music program at the high school contributed
to the third place victory. "It represents the high percentage of SHS students dedicated to quality music
and achieving this goal."
May 3, 2009
IHSA has announced that the Sycamore placed third in the 2009 Music Sweepstakes
for Class A schools. This was determined from the results of the Solo/Ensemble
and Organizational (larger ensemble) festivals our students participated in.
The standings can be seen at http://www.ihsa.org/activity/mu/2008-09/2result.htm.
This is our highest finish yet, and we will be receiving official
recognition from IHSA (a trophy). Hooray!
April 2, 2009
SHS Jazz Ensemble Takes Honors at Jazz Festival
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The Sycamore High School Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Scott
Mertens, brought home three awards from the Mundelein Jazz Invitational
on March 14. Sycamore High School placed a close second to Oak
Park-River Forest.
Jazz groups from 10 suburban high schools competed in the open class.
Sycamore was the second-smallest school to compete this year.
In addition, the SHS Jazz Ensemble*s trombone section received a
plaque as the *Outstanding Trombone Section,* and tenor saxophonist
Sam Simpson earned an *Outstanding Soloist* plaque.
The ensemble members include: trumpet * Kristian Kates, Will Mariani,
Jason Lundbeck, Micah Huff, Alec Naumann; trombone * Calob Pluhm, Leif
Anderson, Joey Thompson, Dominic Johnson, D.J. Yunek; saxophone * Sam
Simpson, Ian Kates, Joey Larkin, Dana Atkins, Xanthe Kuhn; piano *
Nathaniel VanWienen; guitar * Matthew Larks; string bass * Greg
Heintz, Sho Ishimaru; drum set * Scot Bishop.
February 4, 2009
SYCAMORE HIGH SENDS RECORD NUMBER OF STUDENTS TO MUSIC ALL-STATE
SYCAMORE - Sycamore High School and the Department of Music are pleased to announce that seventeen instrumental
and vocal students were selected to attend the Illinois Music Educators Association All-State Conference in Peoria
from January 28-31. According to Music Department Chair Scott Mertens, Sycamore had the sixth highest number of
students attending All-State this year from a single school.
Mertens explained that the auditions for IMEA are very competitive and rigorous. "The students auditioned
for their respective district festivals in band, choir, orchestra and jazz band, and their chair placements or
performances at the festivals allowed them to be selected from among many deserving individuals." The students
attending All-State represent the top tier of music students from around the state.
After arriving at the All-State festival, students audition again for placement in the state groups, and they are
placed in either the all-state or honors ensembles. The rehearsals, over two days, culminate in performances of
jazz bands on Friday night, and orchestras, choirs and concert bands on Saturday afternoon. Mertens noted, "We
are very proud of our students' accomplishments and they represented our school district and our department very
well."
Sycamore students selected for All-State this year are:
Honors Orchestra - Francie Weberpal, Violin; Gail Anderson, Horn
All-State Orchestra - Chelsea Miller, Violin; Lucas Ruff, Violin; Samantha Kevin, Viola; Anthony Salis, Viola;
Hans Anderson, Cello; Lindsey Maurer, Cello; Dylan Larson, Flute; Paige Garrett, Oboe
Honors Band - Tim Lalowski, Flute; Calob Pluhm, Trombone
All-State Jazz Band - Sam Simpson, Tenor Saxophone; Will Mariani, Trumpet
Honors Choir - Chelsey Koster, Soprano
All-State Choir - Tom McManamon, Tenor; Jacob Pearson, Bass
Daily Chronicle HERE
Dec. 30, 2008 Evan Lestina Tonaki CONGRATULATIONS!!!
7 lbs. 9 oz. 19 in.
December 4th, 2008
17 All-State music students selected for 2009 IMEA
The music department would like to congratulate the 17 All-State music students
who were selected to represent Sycamore High School at the 2009 IMEA Conference in Peoria. These dedicated students
auditioned for their respective district festivals in band, choir, orchestra, and jazz band, and their chair placement
or performances at the festivals allowed them to be selected from among many deserving individuals.
These students are:
Band--Calob Pluhm, Tim Lalowski, Gail Anderson, Paige Garrett, Dylan Larson
Choir--Tom McManamon, Jacob Pearson, Chelsey Kloster
Orchestra--Francie Weberpal, Chelsea Miller, Lucas Ruff, Samantha Kevin, Anthony Salis, Hans Anderson, Lindsey
Maurer
Jazz Band--Will Mariani, Sam Simpson
The students will be going to Peoria on Wednesday, January 28 after school, and their concerts will conclude on
Saturday, January 31.
Sycamore High School will have the sixth-highest total of All-State music students in Illinois. We are proud of
our students' accomplishments, and they will represent our department and our school district very well.
SYCAMORE SCHOOL DISTRICT 2008 IMEA ALL-DISTRICT MUSICIANS
SYCAMORE - Sixty-five high school and middle school students from the Sycamore School District were selected to
participate in the 2008 Illinois Music Educators Association (IMEA) All-District Orchestras, All-District Bands
and All-District Choirs.
Students who made All-District groups performed specific musical selections for judges in competitive auditions
in October that are tightly regulated by the IMEA. The students who were selected spent one day in rehearsals,
culminating in performances on the same day. The All-District Jazz Festival was held at Hononegah High School.
The All-District Orchestra, Band, and Choir Festivals were held at Northern Illinois University.
Sycamore students selected for IMEA include:
HIGH SCHOOL ORCHESTRA:
Hans Anderson, cello; Aaron Brancato, cello; Lindsey Maurer, cello; Greyson Scott, cello; Samantha Kevin, viola;
Claire Mogren, bass; Erica Nielsen, violin; Isaac Parra, violin; Tim Salis, violin; Chelsea Miller, violin; Lucas
Ruff, violin; Anthony Salis, violin; Francie Weberpal, violin; Dylan Larson, flute; Tim Lalowski, flute; Paige
Garrett, oboe; Gail Anderson, horn
HIGH SCHOOL BAND:
Ian Kates, flute; Dominic Gentile, oboe; Steven Lalowski, bassoon; Kristian Kates, trumpet; Will Mariani, trumpet;
Caitlin Sherman, french horn; Leif Anderson, trombone; Calob Pluhm, trombone; Joey Thompson, trombone; Jessica
Pluhm, baritone.
HIGH SCHOOL CHOIR:
Caitlin Elsik, Alto II; Chelsey Kloster, Soprano; Tom Mcmanamon, Tenor II; Jake Pearson, Bass I; Chelsea Benjamin,
Soprano II; Lauren Gin, Alto I; Miles Grimes, Bass I; Veronica Behrens, Soprano I; Evan Bross, Bass II; Yaron Lotan,
Tenor I; Lucy Wrenn, Alto II.
HIGH SCHOOL JAZZ BAND:
Ian Kates, alto saxophone; Joey Larkin, tenor saxophone; Sam Simpson, tenor saxophone; Dana Atkins, tenor saxophone,
Will Mariani, trumpet; Micah Huff, trumpet; Kristian Kates, trumpet; Alec Nauman, trumpet; Matthew Larks, trumpet;
Calob Pluhm, trombone; Leif Anderson, trombone; Joey Thompson, trombone; Dominic Johnson, trombone; D.J. Yunek,
trombone; Nathaniel Van Wienen, piano; Sho Ishimaru, bass.
Students from Sycamore Middle School who have been selected for IMEA include:
MIDDLE SCHOOL ORCHESTRA:
Zoe Bond, violin; Lizzie Briscoe, violin; Katie Denius, violin; Rebecca Hooey, violin; Kevin Lin, violin; Danielle
Pivonka, violin; Cole Regnery, violin; Meredith Whisenhunt, violin; Alex Acosta, viola; Trent Englum, viola; Alyssa
Gregorec, viola; Hanna Gross, viola; Emily Young, viola; McKinzie Spence, viola; Rebecca Vidales, viola; Maggie
Lalowski, cello; Ryan Lindsey, cello; Paige Phelps, cello; Drake Shelledy, cello; Cooper Vinz, cello, Sarah Grant,
bass; Seth Kates, bass; Lydia Moore, bass.
MIDDLE SCHOOL BAND:
Ashlyn Gardner, flute; Owen Ruff, oboe; Hannah Larks, clarinet; Jordyn Shultz, french horn.
MIDDLE SCHOOL JAZZ BAND:
Anthony Gentile, alto saxophone; Taylor Brady, tenor saxophone; Franklin Marsh, trombone; Alex Taylor, trombone;
Elizabeth Watson, piano; Lydia Moore, bass.
September 30th, 2008
SHS MARCHING SPARTANS CAPTURE FIRST-PLACE WIN, FOUR TROPHIES
Drum Major Sam Simpson proudly displays the four trophies won by the SHS Marching Band
Sycamore - When the Sycamore High School Marching
Spartans were announced as winners of four trophies last Saturday, Drum Major Sam Simpson was a little surprised,
but not completely surprised. "I had a feeling we would fare well in this competition. The band's performance
spoke for itself."
And the trophies speak for the SHS Marching Band's performance at the 21st Annual Wheaton North Falcon Field Show
on September 20. The band, under the direction of Ken Goodman and Becky Olsen, won first place in the Class A division
and captured special awards for Best Music Performance, Best Visual Performance, and Best Drumline.
The band's field show is titled "Solar Stages" and features four sections including Sunrise, Twilight,
Nightfall, and Aurora. All high school students enrolled in the band program at SHS, grades 9-12, are a part of
this field show.
Simpson, who is also a senior in the SHS band, said everyone in the band stepped it up for the performance. He
said, "in spite of the fact that some of the marching was extremely challenging, the band pulled it off."
He's even more impressed with how well the band works together. He explained that "there's great chemistry
- everyone supports each other. We made it one of our goals to have excellent bonding between all members of the
band. I think it's safe to say that we have reached that goal."
The Marching Spartans continue their 67th season with half-time performances at the SHS home football games and
the Marengo Settler's Day Field Show Competition on October 12.
They will end their season with a performance in the SHS Field House on October 20 at 7:30 p.m.
July 1st, 2008
Sycamore Musicians receive top Ensemble honors
Sycamore - Three Sycamore High School senior musicians
ended their high school careers on a very high note. 2008 graduates Jessica Aldis, Bryan Carter and Quentin Scott
were named this year's recipients of the ensemble awards given out by the SHS Department of Music.
Jessica Aldis received the National Choral Award; Bryan Carter received the Louis Armstrong Jazz Award and the
John Philip Sousa Band Award; and Quentin Scott received the National Orchestra Award. Their peers and directors
selected them for these awards.
All of the recipients have been heavily involved in the Sycamore music programs during their tenures. They have
been selected based on a variety of criteria including outstanding musicianship and performance, strong leadership,
excellent overall behavior, mentoring of younger musicians, being section leaders, demonstrating teamwork, and
providing assistance to ensemble directors. Music department chair Scott Mertens noted, "All of the award
winners are excellent leaders through their words and examples. They have helped our ensembles to excel, and their
efforts are greatly appreciated by their teachers and peers."
Jessica Aldis was in choir, symphonic band, marching band, pep band, madrigals, jazz choir and various musicals
throughout high school. She was an all-district musician and was selected for the All-State Honors Choir her junior
and senior years. In 2007, she was selected to sing the National Anthem at a state championship volleyball game.
She consistently earned Division I ratings on solo and ensemble contest pieces. Jessica has also been involved
in Stagecoach musicals for several years.
Bryan Carter was a drummer in the SHS symphonic band, marching band, pep band, orchestra and jazz band through
high school. He participated in IMEA District Jazz Ensembles throughout high school and received the International
Association of Jazz Educators Award his junior and senior years. He received an outstanding soloist award his junior
year at the New Trier Jazz Festival. He earned the distinction of being the top drum set player at All-State his
junior and senior years, playing in the All-State Honors Jazz Combo. He received Division I ratings on district
solo and ensemble pieces. In addition, he was selected as a drummer for the 2008 Gibson/Baldwin Grammy Jazz Ensembles
and performed at the Grammy Awards this year.
As a violinist, Quentin Scott has played in the SHS orchestras, the pit orchestra for musicals, and a variety of
string ensembles and quartets for school-related events. He participated in high school IMEA District Festivals
and was selected for All-State his sophomore year. He earned Division I ratings on solos and ensembles and was
selected to participate in the Allerton String Program at the University of Illinois. Quentin has been involved
in NIU's Suzuki Music Program in the Community School of the Arts since age 5.
These SHS graduates were also named as 2008 recipients of the Arthur Montzka Memorial Arts Awards - Jessica for
choir, Bryan for band and Quentin for orchestra.
In addition, Jessica and Bryan were awarded the 2008 Sycamore Music Boosters Senior Music Scholarships in the amount
of $500 each, because of their outstanding musicianship and their decision to major in music in college.
-Madelyn Anderson, Sycamore Music Boosters
(photo courtesy Daily Chronicle)For Daily Chronicle Article, Click HERE
May 20, 2008
NAMM Foundation Names Sycamore Among the
"Best Communities for Music Education"
The NAMM Foundation announced that the Sycamore School
District and community are among America's "Best Communities for Music Education." Sycamore is among
the prestigious list of 110 school districts across the nation that exemplifies community commitment to include
music education as part of a quality education for all children. The NAMM Foundation and its music education advocacy
efforts work to ensure that all children have access to quality music education programs that encourage life-long
participation in music making.
This year's roster of musical schools represents 29 states with New York, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas,
and Virginia representing the most districts. Sycamore is among only three (3) Illinois school districts included
on this year's list. District 300 in Carpentersville and Joliet Schools are the other two Illinois School Districts
receiving this designation.
Hundreds of teachers, school and district administrators, school board members, parents and community leaders,
representing communities in all 50 states participated in the Web-based survey. The districts were measured across
a variety of program support, curricular and programmatic criteria. Furthermore, the results were measured proportionally,
so that communities of different sizes were compared equally. "We commend these school districts for their
commitment to assuring that music is part of a complete education for children," said Mary Luehrsen, executive
director, NAMM Foundation. "It takes the commitment of an entire community to assure that music is part of
the core curriculum. Children engaged in music will be the innovation leaders of tomorrow, and there is no better
way to build life-long participation in music than with a solid base of music education.&r! dquo;
Luehrsen also noted that throughout the survey's eight years several districts have reported that making the "Best
Communities" list has had a tangible effect on their ability to preserve music for their students. This year,
recipients cited increased enrollment in music programs and more support from parents and community members as
they realize the physical, mental and emotional value music education brings to students. Research reveals strong
correlations between quality music education in school and academic achievement. Students actively involved with
music programs develop skills needed by the 21st century workforce, including critical thinking, creative problem
solving, effective communication and team work.
Sycamore Schools Superintendent Dr. Wayne Riesen commented that "it takes a team effort to be included on
a prestigious list such as this. Congratulations to our entire music staff, our students, and the entire City of
Sycamore for their support of quality music education."
SHS ANNOUNCES ALL-CONFERENCE MUSICIANS
The Western Sun Conference recently announced the all-conference musicians who will participate in the conference
band festival on February 21. Rochelle High School will host the Western Sun Conference Band Festival. After a
full day of rehearsals, the festival bands will perform at 7:00 p.m. at the high school.
Seventeen musicians from Sycamore High School were selected for the all-conference bands. They include the following:
Freshman-Sophomore Band: Gail Anderson, Leif Anderson, Jacob Correa, Ian Kates, Kristian Kates, Joey Larkin, Jessica Pluhm,
Nathaniel Van Wienen.
Junior-Senior Band: Kayla Benjamin, Bryan Carter, Corie Choi, Katie Doonan, Dylan Larson, Holly Martin, Amy Olson,
Siobhan Sheil, and Sam Simpson.
For Daily Chronicle Article, Click HERE
SYCAMORE HIGH
SCHOOL MUSICIANS PERFORM AT ALL-STATE
Sycamore High School is pleased to announce that 12 instrumental
and vocal musicians from SHS were selected to attend the Illinois Music Educators Association (IMEA) All-State
Conference in Peoria, Illinois. The conference took place January 30 - February 2 and included auditions, rehearsals
and performances by the All-State ensembles.
According to SHS Band Director Ken Goodman, the selection process for All-State is highly competitive and rigorous.
Music students first audition for the IMEA District music festivals in the fall. Then, the top students from each
district around the state are chosen to participate in the All-State festival. After arriving at the All-State
festival, the students audition again for placement in the state groups and they are placed in either the all-state
or honors ensembles. The rehearsals, over two days, culminate with performances of jazz bands on Friday night and
orchestras, choirs and concert bands on Saturday afternoon
For Daily Chronicle Article, Click HERE..........or
HERE
Students from Sycamore High School selected for the 2007
All-State include:
ALL-STATE HONORS JAZZ COMBO - Bryan Carter, drums
ALL-STATE BAND - Amy Olson, trumpet; Corie Choi, French horn
ALL-STATE HONORS ORCHESTRA - Francie Weberpal, cello
ALL-STATE ORCHESTRA - Chelsea Miller, violin; Anthony Salis, violin; Gina Spinoso, violin; Lindsay Maurer, cello; Hans
Anderson, cello; Greyson Scott, cello
ALL-STATE HONORS CHOIR- Jessica Aldis; Jamie Melin
The Grammy Foundation has announced that SHS student
Bryan Carter has been named as the drummer in the Grammy High School Jazz Combo. Bryan earned this coveted chair
by winning a national audition. Bryan is one of only three Illinois students to be selected for Grammy ensembles.
Click HERE for the Daily Chronicle article. Photo courtesy of : Kate Weber
