Gute Reise! The Start of a Great Trip

Gute Reise!

(Good Trip! - as our German friends would say)

     Preparation. It's the only thing that's been going through our mind for so many weeks and months. Up until now, that is. I can't begin to describe how thrilled I am to finally visit the country that I've been studying for the last four years, but for the sake of this blog post, I will anyway. I still recall the initial meeting in the auditorium at North High where we were handed paper after paper describing all of the things that needed to be taken care of and preparations to be made. Back then it seemed as though there was just a never ending stream of hoops to jump through before the trip could even happen. However, by tackling it one step at a time, the difficulties steadily diminished right up to this moment - and now all I have left to do is write my name on my travel tags and arrive in a timely manner tomorrow. That's 11:30 AM for anyone who may not have checked the most recent update down below this post. 

     On a different note (band humor), I have to remark that as excited as I am about the country and the sightseeing that is in store for us, the ensemble itself has come along really nicely. Monday had me feeling as though we may have been off to a bit of rough start with the possibility of some people taking some time off from practicing their instrument after school was out. Over the course of the week, I have to say I was thoroughly convinced of the musical ability of all members present. From what I've witnessed, the potential of the band is on par with that of a collegiate level group. Even if the Germans end up having the edge on the Fussball field, I have no doubt that they will be impressed with our performance in the concert hall. 

With much anticipation,

- Kevin Fera

Happy birthday! I got you a trip to Europe.

I can't believe that we're actually going to Europe. I mean, Europe's kind of a big deal, and the magnitude of the trip has just sunk in. The whole trip seemed like a fantasy all through the school year, and even the week of rehearsal was more like a bunch of friends jamming out than like a battle hardened troop of virtuosos preparing to go, see, and conquer. It's only after our amazing Bon Voyage Concert last night that I fully realized that we were getting on a plane Monday.

The jazz band was easily the best jazz I have ever heard. Every single one of them played with enough control to not kill the audience, but freely enough to be purely American Jazz. It was awesome to listen to every single person take a solo in the first piece, the various bari sax solos were beautiful, and I was pleasantly surprised to learn that there are three musicians celebrating birthdays on the tour. I couldn't imagine a more memorable way to spend a birthday than a band trip to Europe.

Just in case the best jazz band ever was not enough reason to get excited, we also prepared concert music. During rehearsals, it was easy to balance work and fun, and so the vastness of the concert didn't fully sink in until last night. Yes, there were bobbles. Yes, there were mistakes. But that didn't really matter. We gelled as an ensemble, played good music, and I am now ecstatic for what we will do in Germany, because we can only get even better from here.

But now I'm packing. Packing to go half way across the world to experience new cultures, to see the Louvre (because you can't not see the Louvre. You just can't), and most importantly, to make friends that will last a lifetime. Now that we're actually going, I can't wait to get there.

Ready, Set, GO!

What a great feeling to know that in about 15 hours we will be embarking on one of the greatest journeys of our high school careers. This musical, and athletic, quest will be shared by some of our best friends and will create a bond unlike any other. Sitting here writing this post now makes what was once a far off dream into a reality; tomorrow we will get on a plane and go to a country that is not our home. But yet at the same time, it will be our home. A home where we can share in music, sports, and life with people just the same as you and me. Sure, there's going to be some language barriers and culture gaps, but what fun would any adventure be without a challenge. I'm ready to commence the journey to our home away from home, and to experience all that this trip has to offer. I'm ready to board a plane and venture to a land I have yet to know. I'm ready to make memories that will last a lifetime. I'm ready to begin D99 Honors Band 2016 European Tour, question is: Are you ready to join me?

Departure Pushed 15 Minutes / Final Packing & Attire Reminders

We have been advised by our travel agent that we should not unload at O'Hare until 12:45-1 PM. We will therefore adjust our schedule:

11:30 - 11:45 Students arrive.

11:45 Sudents put their bags/instruments on the correct coach bus, and check in with their chaperone. 

12:00 Chaperone group meetings. Students hand Passport to chaperone. Final announcements. 

12:10 (approx) - Load Coaches / Depart for O'Hare. Wave good-bye!

Remember, 1 suitcase (under 50 lbs & 62" limit), 1 carry-on (45" limit), and your instrument. (Tubas and Bari Saxes need only bring mouthpieces/reeds/neckstrap.) All items should have a D99 Honors Band tag with your personal information on the tag. 

Music Binder and concert attire go in your suitcase. 

For travel, we wear tour jersey with an undershirt (black, white or gray). Pants: either jeans or khaki material. Capri length pants are okay. Shorts are not. No athletic pants. Wear comfortable walking shoes (tennis shoes okay). Fresh shirt in your carry-on. 

"Don't forget your passport!"

Almost There

It's almost time to go, and I can feel the excitement building as the clock is ticking down. The concert last night was wonderful but there is also a set of nervousness when we are going so far away from home. All my bags are packed so I decided to "study" for the trip by watching Star Wars Episode VII. It's hard to imagine that at this time tomorrow I will be on a plane with all of my friends and we will be off on an adventure of our very own. We may not be running from the First Order or trying to save the Republic but, like Rey and Finn, we are going to visit places we have never seen before. We are going to learn about other ways of life and we might even learn a few things about ourselves along the way. I know I will miss home while I'm gone but I am grateful to have this chance to broaden my knowledge of the world. I feel as if we are about to enter the final lap of a race. We have worked so hard as a group to get to this point and the journey we are about to embark upon is almost upon us.

Die Zeit Ist Gekommen - The Time Has Come

The pieces that we performed in the concert last night were truly breathtaking and definitely audience pleasers; especially Star Wars. I personally count rests in most of the songs, but I find it to be a unique opportunity to fully listen to what each composition sounds like. Everyone should be immensely proud of themselves for all the hard work we put in to prepare for this trip. I cannot wait to hear every song when we perform them in Germany. This concert has made me realise that we are getting closer and closer to our departure. We leave tomorrow! If you are anything like me, you have been waiting for this exact day ever since the tour was announced. It seemed like a million days away, but here we are. It has been a long and exiting journey to get to this point, and it is only the beginning. 

-Emily Bollinger

One Day Left

After a long week of rehearsals and practice hours, we have come to the final day before our departure at last. Although we may not be prepared for this trip in regards to our packing lists (if you are anything like me), the District 99 Honors Band is most certainly prepared for great musical performances abroad! It is quite impressive to assemble an ensemble and learn many difficult arrangements in only one week, especially considering how well we were able to play them. Make sure to remember that while we tour France and Germany and be proud of what we were able to accomplish. This tour would not be possible without our dedication to the music and the hard work everyone put in, so take a moment amidst your anticipation today to reflect and be proud. One day left! - David Atwater

Section Introductions - We didn't TOTALLY forget ...

Mr. Hensel and Mr. Teague forgot to finish-up the section introductions when the band moved to the stage on Saturday morning. We apologize for the oversight.  But fear not!  We will continue our section introductions early in the tour.

Students who have not yet introduced themselves will be asked a new get-to-know you question:

If you could have any Superhero, what would it be?  

D99 Honors Band 2016 Tour Trailer #99Learns #WeAreDGN #DGSPride

Click here for the D99 Honors Band 2016 Tour Trailer.

Bon Voyage Concert #99Learns #WeAreDGN #DGSPride

Boy Voyage Concert Tonight! #99Learns

You are cordially invited to attend the District 99 Honors Band and Jazz Ensemble's Bon Voyage Concert, to be held this evening (Saturday, June 11) at 6:00 PM in the Clarence Johnson Auditorium of Downers Grove North High School.

The D99 Honors Band students are ready for their departure next week, and looking forward to sharing a preview of their European concert set with local audiences tonight.

Doors open at 5:30 PM for this free concert.  We hope to see you there!

Revised Friday / Saturday Schedule

The D99 Honors Band and D99 Honors Jazz Band are both doing terrific work, and we are excited with their level of musicianship and dedication this week.  

Our Friday / Saturday schedule has been adjusted slightly to give students a little more space to pack!  The Google Calendar now reflects the adjusted times, but here is a summary:

Friday June 10

9:00 AM - Full Concert Band Rehearsal

10:30 AM (approximate) - Final "logistics" meeting for Tour Participants 

11:00 AM (approximate) - students dismissed

Saturday, June 11

9:15 AM - Percussionists arrive at DGN and help move equipment to stage

10:00 AM - Final Full Concert Band Rehearsal in Auditorium

11:30 AM (approximate) - students dismissed

11:30 - 1:00 PM - Lunch Break

1:00 - 3:00 PM - Final Jazz Band Rehearsal in Auditorium

5:30 PM - Report Time for Concert / House Opens

6:00 PM - Bon Voyage Concert!

7:15 PM (approximate) - Final Parent Meeting / Check-In with Chaperones / Tour Poster Signing

Review of Concert Attire and Travel Attire

Concert Attire

Formal Performances

Men
All black.  All covered.  Closed toe flat shoes.  

Men will wear black dress shoes, black socks, black dress pants, and a black long-sleeved dress shirt.  We recommend a black undershirt. A tie is not required, but if desired, it should be solid black.  Men's black dress shirts should be tucked in, and worn with a black dress belt.  No sport coat, tux coat, or suit coat is needed; save yourself packing space, and leave it at home.  


Women
All black.  All covered.  Closed toe flat shoes.  

Ladies will wear black closed toe dress shoes without heals with either black dress pants or a floor length black skirt.  In addition they should wear a black dress shirt with either full or 3/4 length sleeves (must extend past elbow).  A tie is not required, but if desired, it should be solid black. A belt may be worn, or not worn, depending on the design of the pants. Dress shirts may be worn tucked or untucked, depending on how the specific shirt is designed to be worn.  

Less-Formal Performances

There will likely be at least one, if not two, performances in which students will wear their tour jersey instead of their black dress shirt.  This would only impact shirts; everything else, from the waist down, remains the same.  

Airline/Airport Travel Attire

Students and staff will wear the following when we depart, as we fly from Chicago to Dublin, and Dublin to Paris.  The same will also be worn on the return flight from Frankfurt to Dublin, and Dublin to Chicago.  

• Tour Futbol Jersey (please wear a black, white or gray under-shirt with the jersey) 
• Nice jeans or khaki pants (No holes of any kind, and not sagging.  No underwear visible from anywhere.) Shorts, athletic pants, yoga pants (any skin tight pants) are not appropriate for group travel.
• Students may wear a belt with their pants if the pants are designed to accommodate a belt, and the belt is needed. However jerseys may be worn untucked, and a belt is not required.  
• You most comfortable walking shoes (tennis shoes are okay).

Please Note:  Students should pack a fresh shirt in their carry-on bag.  Once we clear Customs we will use an airport restroom to change shirts prior to leaving the airport and beginning our initial touring.  

Introducing Team Blogger! #99Learns @Dist_99

As the District 99 Honors Band nears our tour departure you will begin to see this Blog gradually pivot from an 'announcements & logistics' communication tool to a more dynamic journal of the Band's travel experiences.  The goal of our faculty is to turn over primary responsibility of documenting this adventure to the wonderful and very capable students of the District 99 Honors Band.

We've assembled a terrific team of ten student Bloggers representing both DGN and DGS. They are all excited to serve as your eyes and ears while the D99 Honors Band travels through Europe. We thank them for their willingness to be on-the-ground reporters!

District 99 Honors Band 2016 Tour Blog

Introducing 'Team Blogger' ...

• David Atwater
• Emily Bollinger
• Emily Dwyer
• Sarah Fantinel
• Kevin Fera
• Cassidy Hanyzewski
• Audrey McDaniel
• Priya Patel
• Noah Tunney
• Emily Wilson

Saturday Schedule

As a reminder, tour participants will follow this schedule on Saturday:

9 AM - Final Honors Band Rehearsal (on stage)

11 AM - Final Participant Meeting

1 - 3 PM - Final Honors Jazz Band Rehearsal (in Auditorium)

5:30 PM - Call Time for Concert

6:00 PM - Bon Voyage Concert (DGN Auditorium)

7:00 PM - Final Parent/Participant Meeting / Tour Poster Signing

During final preparations, remember to prepare yourself!

As we all start final preparations to bring the THINGS we need to bring on our tour, remember what you need to do to prepare YOURSELF to fulfill your role as an ambassador during the tour.

An ambassador is a person who acts as a representative or a promoter of a specific activity.  Each of you is an ambassador for your family, our schools, our community, this exchange, and our country . Every action and interaction matters while we are on tour together.  Here are some specific ways in which you can fulfill your role as an ambassador during our upcoming tour:

• Remember, words matter.
• Talk slowly and choose the right words during conversations.
• Listen twice as much as you speak.
• Take only pictures, leave only footprints.
• When you depart a place, leave it better condition than it was before your arrival.
• Leave a great impression on the outside (physical environment.)
• Leave an even better impression on the inside (transform hearts and minds by who you are and by how you perform.)
• When in a group on tour, your actions not minimized, rather, they are magnified.  Travel with dignity and decorum while in public with our group while on tour.

Expressing gratitude to your host family

As you are continuing final preparations for our departure on Monday, remember to pack several "thank you" cards and a pen.  It is an expectation upon departure from your host family on our final day that each student will leave a note, personally expressing gratitude to the host family.  These notes are best written sometime on the final evening as the final morning tends to be hectic with departure activities.  You can hand the note directly to your host family, or, leave it on the pillow of your made bed when you leave the final morning.  Thanks in advance for taking care of this essential element of traveling with a District 99 Honor Band.

Fussball Practice

For the first time, ever …

… we actually practiced Fussball in advance of our departure for Europe.

Thanks to retired DGN History Teacher, and former DGN Soccer Coach Mr. Bob Graham for helping prepare our band for an epic battle vs. Deutschland.  

Germany holds a commanding series lead in our Fussball friendly; will this be the year the momentum swings back toward the United States?!

Tuesday Morning Reminders

If you plan to stay for our Futbol practice this afternoon, and you have a soccer ball, please bring it. Make sure the ball is marked with ID.

Students who are staying for the Futbol practice should bring a sack lunch with them today. Students may eat the lunch while we hear from Bob & Lois Graham. That meeting will be held in the DGN Choir Room at 12:30. Students who are not staying for Futbol practice may bring a lunch, or eat at 1:30 once dismissed. 

We will be filming some close up shots of students working on their Futbol skills to be used in a movie trailer. You can up your chances to be in the trailer if you wear your TOUR JERSEY to the practice this afternoon.

D99 Honors Band Group Photos