The first check-in!

Bus Ride

This morning was full of last minute packing for everyone. It was stressful making sure my bags met the proper requirements, but also had everything I could possibly need. Even though my parents were driving me crazy double checking and triple checking the packing list and said goodbye to me about 10 times, we have finally departed for our little adventure!

When all of the parents were waving goodbye to us, I think all of us were a little teary-eyed whether we admit to it or not. Thanks to all of the parents for everything they have done to make this trip happen for us up to this point. I will miss you more than you know but I am also confident that this will be the most exciting journey of my life. See you in about 11 days!

And we're off!

Thanks to our families for your support and help in preparing our musicians for an amazing tour!

The worst or the best?

Packing seems like the worst part of a trip. Spending hours making lists, picking out clothes, and gathering toiletries is boring and tedious, yet definitely necessary. The way I see it though... packing is one of the BEST parts of a trip, because it sits in that little pocket of time between all of the hard work that we have done to get where we are now and the arrival at our destination. This makes it the height of anticipation and excitement for the future, where no one is quite sure of what is to come in the days ahead and everyone is rushing to get there as soon as possible. Why rush though? I say, take your time and bask in these last hours of wonderful uncertainty and think of what could happen, what might happen, and what you can make happen!

Simultaneously remembering and anticipating

I am thrilled to share this experience with this group of students and colleagues.  I know the individual growth students will experience through group travel will be magnified through the homestay experience abroad.  I know the touring in France and Germany will expand territories for each individual in singularly unique ways.  I'm humbled and honored to share this experience with each student.  When you add on the notion that we get to also make music together and share it with our friends in Beitigheim-Bissingen, it adds even more depth to what I know will be a transformative experience for everyone involved.  

While I have the majority of my vision on the road ahead, I also have a small field of viewing dedicated to fondly recalling past tour experiences.  Remembering the students and the sounds from these previous tours creates a heightened sense of anticipation because I know with even more certainty how this experience will impact every participant.

Parents, take a good look at your student this morning.  When you greet them at O'Hare on June 24th, they will be different.  They will have more confidence, they will stand a bit taller, and they will understand the world differently.  They will be changed from the inside out in remarkable ways. 

Finally, if I may be so bold, I'd like to offer a small bit of advice to each parent while we are on tour: Let the first communication come from your student to you, not from you to your student.  Our tour bloggers will do a fabulous job of providing you with an ongoing perspective of the trip.  Your student doesn't need to message you when we arrive to a destination - you'll read it on this blog.  Part of the growth that happens for students is through the autonomy that a tour facilitates.  To the extent you can bear, avoid letting technology disrupt that potential for growth.  

The count-down clock continues to wind down to zero - time for me to finish packing and prepare for the journey ahead.  I can't wait to see what the next two weeks brings for these students, and even better, to watch in the years ahead how this experience will transform them as people and musicians. 

The Avengers of Band

Tomorrow is my 17th birthday. For that reason, I will forever remember the date of our "Great European Departure", as I like to call it. (That and the day theaters would finally stop hassling me over "R rated" movies).

Anyway, this last week of binge-playing music has been quite an experience in itself. See, I thought my lips were ripped before from playing the trumpet for the last eight years of my life, but I was SORELY mistaken. (See the pun. Laugh). In fact, I think amount of encouragement that circled around the brass section focussing solely on "keeping that embouchure strong" was more prevalent than my mom's packing reminders. Let me assure you, ladies and gentlemen, THAT is impressive.

In all seriousness though, experiencing any sort of discomfort within the facial region has sufficiently been worth it considering the results of this last week.
Look at us. We're two bands, two different communities, uniting as an even more diverse group, working to blend and produce one beautiful sound. That sounds amazing... and extremely difficult. But be encouraged! According to my grandma, we "definitely pulled it off". (However, considering my granddaughter status, I don't think we'd hear a Simon Cowell comment from her if we read the music upside down. *cough* Tim *cough*)

As I was writing, not every song is perfect yet (All the band teachers just smirked at that), but considering that I met the two people sitting next to me less than a week ago and we pulled off a concert, I have to smile and feel an ounce of pride for the group.

Finishing our performance was like that moment when all of the Avengers assembled and then kicked Loki's butt. (And in the future, after our foosball game, when we make the Germans sorry they even stepped onto the field). Yes, if performing jazz, Granger, Marches, and a songs like Khan doesn't show some sort of talent, we always have our fancy soccer footwork to impress our hosts. Until then, I guess all we could do is enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime trip, experience cultures we've only dreamed of living in, and make memories. Sweet 17 year old memories.

Bon voyage,
Emily Dwyer

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The Hard Work Will Pay Off

Man, it has been a long time since I signed for this trip and the anticipation has been growing since day one. It feels like yesterday I filled out the google form saying I wanted to go on this trip. I remember being overwhelmed and anxious for a trip of this magnitude, but then I realized the opportunities for cultural and musical growth. The day we got the music was when the realness and proximity of the trip really hit me. I was suddenly flooded with songs I either haven't played in months or not at all. Even though it was a stressful few weeks the challenge of having to relearn or teach myself the music reinvigorated my desire to go on this trip. This last Monday when the band came together the first time it was clear that there was work to do. I don't know if it was the North, South divide or everyone was as anxious as me, but that first rehearsal I struggled to find my place within the ensemble. However after a lot of hard work and focused rehearsal time, we are no longer a band made up of North and South kids, we are now the District 99 Honors band! And I am ready to show our friends in Germany all the hard work we've put into preparing for this trip, as well as absorb as much out of
our time with them as possible.

-Noah Tunney

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.