DGS Jazz Ensemble 'Inspires' at Midwest Clinic

Editor's note: The following information was provided in a District 99 press release. 

The Jazz Ensemble performed at the 65^th annual Midwest Clinic in Chicago on Dec. 15, 2011. Director Craig Roselieb, Fine Arts Chairman Glenn Williams and 27 students performed, along with several professional musicians and guest soloists. 

The Midwest Clinic is an international band and orchestra conference held annually at McCormick Place in Chicago. Approximately 16,000 instrumental music educators worldwide attend the annual conference, which is designed to improve and raise the standards of music education. In addition to over 300 exhibits, each conference features approximately 30 concerts and 90 clinics by ensembles and music educators from around the world. Ensembles compete for the limited performance slots by submitting a recording ahead of time, which is judged by a selection committee. The Midwest Clinic concerts are open to conference attendees.

Student musicians who performed included: Michael Ruth, Christian Siki, Billy Moroney, Sean Hux, Mason Maguire, Josiah Williams, Danny Tedeschi, Alex Bahaveolos, Joe Hughes, Trevor Adams, Samantha Kotlicky, Marjorie Fera, John Shimanek, Carly Charles, Paul Carlquist, Carmy Calabria, Julia Wood, Andrada Pteanc, Ian Williams, Amanda Cervantes, Joe Perillo, Mark Plantz, Brian Moroney, Michal Witek, Grant Jordan and Zach Plata. Vocalist Erin C. Walsh also performed.

“The talent and dedication of the students in our Jazz Ensemble is incredibly remarkable; the ‘perfect game’ of jazz occurs when they assemble to perform,” said Roselieb. “Performing at the Midwest clinic yesterday provided all of us with national and even international recognition. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity and a true blessing to all.”

Alan D. Roselieb also performed. Alan D. Roselieb is Craig Roselieb’s father, served as South High’s Director of Bands from 1965 to 1994 and is now retired.

The Jazz Ensemble was also selected to perform next January at the IMEA Conference, one of the largest state professional music educators in the nation with 5,000 members. The IMEA sponsors and organizes performance festival experiences for the student musicians of Illinois and provides professional growth opportunities for the music educators of Illinois.

"We are thrilled that this group of student musicians can continue to perform on a grander professional stage," said Department Chairman Glenn Williams. "We heard from our fellow colleagues and jazz educators in Illinois that they departed inspired after hearing our stellar ensemble."