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Fine Arts Insider

September 16, 2026

Fine Arts Insider September 16, 2026
Fine Arts InsiderSeptember 16, 2026

CELEBRATIONS 🎉 CELEBRATIONS 🎉

Pieper HS Unveils Student-Led Interactive Art Installation

Students in grades 9 through 12 at Pieper High School have completed a collaborative art installation now on display in the school cafeteria. Drawing inspiration from artist Kelsey Montague, the project challenged students to explore Zentangle designs while applying fundamental principles of design, including line, pattern, texture, and unity.

Each student created an individual feather, which art faculty combined into a large-scale set of interactive wings. The final piece invites viewers to physically step into the display, emphasizing community involvement and shared artistic expression across the Pieper campus.

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Cynthia Onofre

PHS Art Teacher

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Jennifer Snellings

PHS Art Teacher

DMS Band Earns Top National Honor

The Danville Symphonic Band has been named a Class AA National Winner in the prestigious Citation of Excellence competition, hosted by The Foundation for Music Education. Outperforming elite non-varsity ensembles from across the country—including massive programs with 600+ middle school students—Danville took top honors for the two UIL contest songs they recorded late last year.

Winning this award required navigating a rigorous multi-stage summer judging process against entrants from across the United States. Adjudicators first sifted through all national submissions to select the top 50% to advance, before selecting only the upper 25% of that elite group to earn the title of National Winners.

Announced on September 15, 2026, the victory earns the ensemble a national trophy, features in major music publications, and recognition at regional and national conferences. It stands as an impressive tribute to the talent, discipline, and hard work of Danville's student musicians.

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Citation of Excellence

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Danville Symphonic Band

Canyon Band Crowned Wurst Bowl Halftime Champions!

The crosstown rivalry between Canyon High School and New Braunfels High School—the storied "Wurst Bowl"—is always one of the most electric events of the year. While the battle on the gridiron drew big cheers on September 4th, the show during halftime proved to be just as fierce.

The Canyon High School Marching Band officially took home the title of "Wurst Bowl Halftime Champion," presented by Texas 35 Media!

A huge congratulations goes out to the entire band, the director team, and the dedicated booster parents who support the crew behind the scenes. You made the community proud! Go coogs!

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International Dot Day at GFES

Today, Goodwin Frazier Elementary joined millions of students and educators worldwide to celebrate International Dot Day! Inspired by Peter H. Reynolds’ beloved book The Dot, students spent the day exploring creativity, courage, and self-expression, proving that every great creative milestone begins with just one small mark.

Highlights from GFES International Dot Day

  • Storytime Inspiration: In the library, classes read The Dot and discussed how trusting your own creative journey builds lifelong confidence.

  • Art Room Masterpieces: In the art room, young artists brought their imaginations to life by crafting vibrant, unique dot-themed artwork.

  • Polka Dot Pride: Our hallways were filled with color as students and staff showed up dressed in their favorite dot attire.

A big thank you to Abby Dunivan, GFES Librarian, and "Cope" Copeland, GFES Art Teacher, for coordinating such an inspiring day, and to all of our students for showing us what happens when you dare to make your mark!

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CISD Mayfair Elementary

CISD Mayfair Elementary

Got dots?🟣🟠🟡🟢🔵🔴 Inspired by The Dot, a children's book by Peter H. Reynolds, International Dot Day is a global celebration of creativity, courage, and collaboration. In the story, a teacher...

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CISD Comal Creek Elementary

CISD Comal Creek Elementary

🔴🟠🟡 Yesterday was Dot Day! 🟢🔵🟣 Mrs. Ryan and her talented art students worked hard today creating all kinds of amazing “dot” projects! It was so much fun watching their creativity and imaginations...

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CISD Farias-Spitzer Elementary

CISD Farias-Spitzer Elementary

🎶✨ What a GREAT morning for our 5th graders! ✨🎶 Our students enjoyed a wonderful morning experiencing the Mid-Texas Symphony at Texas Lutheran University in Seguin! 🎻🎺 We love giving our Bulldogs...

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CISD Mayfair Elementary

CISD Mayfair Elementary

Our 5th graders had an incredible time experiencing the magic of live orchestral music today with a trip to see the Mid-Texas Symphony! From learning about the different instrument families to...

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WEEKLY FINE ARTS CELEBRATIONS
Click the button above to share student, personal, or professional celebrations.
NB Herald Zeitung Student Spotlight Nomination Form
Nominate a student for our bi-weekly CISD FA spotlight in the NB Herald! Submit nominations anytime as accomplishments roll in.

UPCOMING EVENTS 📅 UPCOMING EVENTS 📅

CutTime Calendar Links

  • CLICK HERE for directions on how to create an event for the District Calendar in CutTime.
  • CLICK HERE to access our District Calendar.*
  • CLICK HERE to access our Fine Arts Department Calendar.*


*Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to these calendars in Outlook or Google by following the directions at the bottom of each calendar.

Event Scheduling Reminder

Remember to avoid scheduling campus events on top of major district events on the District Calendar.

Thursday, September 17, 2026

  • 8:30am - 4:00pm CISD PD - QUIP: Piano (9-12)
  • 5:00pm - 6:00pm - CSES 5th Grade Loteria Night
  • 7:00pm - 9:00pm - CISD Board Meeting

Friday, September 18, 2026

  • all day - CISD Grant Application Deadline
  • all day - song titles & volunteers due HERE for Elementary Honor Choir
  • 7:00pm - 10:00pm - SVHS Football @ Manor
  • 7:30pm - 10:30pm - CHS Football @ SA East Central
  • 7:30pm - 10:30pm - PHS Football @ San Marcos

Saturday, September 19, 2026

  • 9:00am - 5:00pm - PHS Band - Region Jazz Auditions (Churchill HS)
  • 9:00am - 5:00pm - CLHS Drumline @ Dripping Springs Drumline Contest
  • 9:00am - 3:00pm - CLHS Band, Region Jazz Auditions @ LaVernia HS

Wednesday, September 23, 2026

  • 5:00pm - 6:00pm CMS TopCats Dance Team Volleyball Game Performance

Thursday, September 24, 2026

  • 7:00pm - 9:00pm CMS TopCats Dance Team MS Night Performance with CHS Aristocats
  • 7:00pm - 10:00pm CHS Football vs San Marcos
  • 7:00pm - 10:00pm SVHS Football vs Bastrop Cedar Creek (HoCo)
  • 7:30pm - 10:30pm CLHS Football vs DHS
  • 7:30pm - 10:30pm DHS Football @ CLHS

Friday, September 25, 2026

  • 9:00am - 11:30am CHS, CLHS/MVMS, DHS/DMS, & SVHS Bands - Fair Day Parade
  • 12:00am - 11:59pm CISD Student/Staff Holiday - Fair Day
  • 7:00pm - 9:00pm PRMS - Middle School Band Night
  • 7:30pm - 10:30pm PHS Football vs Steele

Saturday, September 26, 2026

  • All Day - CLHS/DHS Choir - TMEA 1A-4A Region Auditions @ Wagner HS
  • 7:45am - 3:45pm TMEA 5A-6A HS District Choir Auditions @ Churchill HS
  • 9:00am - 8:00pm CHS - Hill Country Marching Festival @ Fredericksburg HS

Sunday, September 27, 2026

  • 9:00am - 12:00am Vase Gold Seal Exhibit - Austin ISD PAC

Monday, September 28, 2026

  • all-day Vase Gold Seal Exhibit - Austin ISD PAC

Tuesday, September 29, 2026

  • all-day Vase Gold Seal Exhibit - Austin ISD PAC
  • 6:00pm - 7:00pm CISD Arts In Action Meeting 1 - PHS Auditorium

Wednesday, September 30, 2026

  • all-day Vase Gold Seal Exhibit - Austin ISD PAC
  • 8:00am - 11:30am DHS Superintendent Showcase Walk

Thursday, October 1, 2026

  • all-day Vase Gold Seal Exhibit - Austin ISD PAC
  • 7:00pm - 10:00pm SVHS Football @ Kyle Lehman

Friday, October 2, 2026

  • all-day Vase Gold Seal Exhibit - Austin ISD PAC
  • 9:00am - 4:30pm SVHS Auditorium-Piano- Class Recitals
  • 7:30pm - 10:30pm CLHS Football @ Taylor
  • 7:30pm - 10:30pm DHS Football vs Kerville Tivy

Saturday, October 3, 2026

  • all-day Vase Gold Seal Exhibit - Austin ISD PAC
  • 7:00am - 11:30pm PHS Band - CONTEST - Hill Country Regional @ PHS COLISEUM
  • 8:00am - 5:00pm DHS Band - USBands San Antonio Regional (Hosting)
  • 9:00am - 9:00pm CLHS Band @ Warrior Invitational (Pieper HS)
  • 9:00am - 8:00pm CHS- Seguin Marching Festival
  • 9:00am - 1:00pm HS Symphony (All-State Track) Auditions @ Roosevelt HS
  • 9:00am - 12:00pm CHS Dance Clinic

Sunday, October 4, 2026

  • all-day Vase Gold Seal Exhibit - Austin ISD PAC

Monday, October 5, 2026

  • all-day Vase Gold Seal Exhibit - Austin ISD PAC
  • 6:30pm - 7:30pm DMS Choir- Fall Concert

Tuesday, October 6, 2026

  • all-day Vase Gold Seal Exhibit - Austin ISD PAC
  • 6:30pm - 7:50pm PHS Orchestra - Fall Concert

Wednesday, October 7, 2026

  • all-day Vase Gold Seal Exhibit - Austin ISD PAC
  • 6:30pm - 7:30pm CHS Fall Orchestra Concert
  • 7:30pm - 9:00pm CISD Marching Band Exhibition - SVHS Stadium

Thursday, October 8, 2026

  • all-day Vase Gold Seal Exhibit - Austin ISD PAC
  • 8:30am - 4:00pm CISD PD - QUIP: Orchestra (6-12)
  • 5:00pm - 6:00pm CMS TopCats Dance Team Volleyball Performance

Friday, October 9, 2026

  • all-day Vase Gold Seal Exhibit - Austin ISD PAC
  • 3:00pm - 8:30pm SVMS Band - Middle School Night @ SVHS
  • 6:00pm - 9:00pm CMS Band - Canyon Cluster Band Night
  • 7:00pm - 10:00pm SVHS Football vs Austin Anderson
  • 7:30pm - 10:30pm CHS Football vs Samuel Clemens
  • 7:30pm - 10:30pm CLHS Football vs Austin Travis (HoCo)
  • 7:30pm - 10:30pm DHS @ Austin LBJ (Burger)
  • 7:30pm - 10:30pm PHS Football @ Judson

Saturday, October 10, 2026

  • all-day Vase Gold Seal Exhibit - Austin ISD PAC
  • 5:00am - 12:00am PHS Band - CONTEST - BOA Midland Trip
  • 8:00am - 8:00pm CHS Band - Comal Classic Marching Festival (CHS Hosting)
  • 9:00am - 1:00pm CLHS Band @ Canyon HS - Comal Classic Marching Contest

Sunday, October 11, 2026

  • all-day Vase Gold Seal Exhibit - Austin ISD PAC
  • 12:00am - 5:00pm PHS Band - CONTEST - BOA Midland Trip

Monday, October 12, 2026

  • all-day Vase Gold Seal Exhibit - Austin ISD PAC

Tuesday, October 13, 2026

  • all-day Vase Gold Seal Exhibit - Austin ISD PAC
  • 6:00pm - 7:00pm CISD SS Art Show #1 (MECHS, PHS, BMS, PRMS, ISES, KRES, SES, TPES)
  • 6:30pm - 7:34pm CHMS Choir - Fall Concert
  • 6:30pm - 7:30pm Church Hill MS Choir Fall Concert @ 6:30
  • 7:00pm - 8:00pm SVMS/HS Choir- Fall Concert

Wednesday, October 14, 2026

  • all-day Vase Gold Seal Exhibit - Austin ISD PAC
  • 12:00pm - 3:30pm PHS Superintendent Showcase Walk
  • 4:30pm - 5:30pm CMS TopCats Dance Team Football Halftime Performance
  • 6:00pm - 7:00pm PHS Band - Homecoming Community Pep Rally
  • 6:30pm - 7:30pm Canyon MS Choir Fall Concert @ 6:30pm
  • 6:30pm - 7:30pm CMS Fall Orchestra Concert
  • 7:00pm - 8:00pm CLHS- Fall Choir Concert

Thursday, October 15, 2026

  • all-day Vase Gold Seal Exhibit - Austin ISD PAC
  • 6:30pm - 8:00pm DMS/DHS Fall Concert
  • 6:30pm - 7:45pm SVMS/SBMS Orchestra Fall Concert
  • 6:30pm - 7:30pm CHS Choir Fall Concert
  • 6:30pm - 7:30pm PHS Choir Fall Concert
  • 7:30pm - 10:30pm CHS Football @ SA Wagner

Friday, October 16, 2026

  • all-day Vase Gold Seal Exhibit - Austin ISD PAC
  • 7:00pm - 10:00pm SVHS Football @ Lockhart
  • 7:30pm - 10:30pm CLHS Football @ Austin Northwest
  • 7:30pm - 10:30pm DHS Football @ Fredericksburg
  • 7:30pm - 10:30pm PHS Football vs SA East Central (HoCo)
  • 7:30pm - 10:30pm PHS Football vs SA East Central (HoCo)

Saturday, October 17, 2026

  • all-day Vase Gold Seal Exhibit - Austin ISD PAC
  • 8:00am - 7:00pm UIL Region 12 Marching Band Contest - NEISD Heroes Stadium
  • 8:00am - 1:00pm CHS- UIL Region Marching Contest
  • 8:00am - 1:00pm HS Philharmonic Auditions
  • 8:00am - 12:00pm PHS Band - CONTEST - UIL Region (Heroes Stadium)
  • 1:00pm - 5:00pm 8th Grade Concertino Orchestra Auditions
  • 1:00pm - 4:00pm Concertino (8th Grade) Region Orchestra Auditions
  • 4:00pm - 7:00pm CLHS Band @ Region 12 UIL Marching Contest @ Heroes Stadium

FORMS & LINKS FORMS & LINKS

FINE ARTS INTRANET
Bookmark this internal site for easy access! You must be logged into your CISD account.
SURPLUS DECLARATION FORM
Use this form to initiate the process of Removal (Surplus) of items from your campus.
CutTime Notes
We’ve moved from Google Calendar to CutTime. Please see this document for calendar directions.
PAYMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR CONTRACTORS / VENDORS
BRUSHFIRE BASICS
FINE ARTS SHARED GOOGLE DRIVE
If you are unable to access the shared drive, email Jay Martin.

PERFORMANCE FLYERS & LINKS PERFORMANCE FLYERS & LINKS

Click to purchase tickets.
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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Register in Kickup for the Fine Arts sessions that apply to you:

Be sure to request a substitute in Red Rover if needed.

Select "School Leave - QUIP" as the reason for QUIPs.


CISD PD - QUIP: Orchestra (6-12)

Thu Oct 08 2026, 8:30am - Thu Oct 08 2026, 4:00pm CDT

This professional development session is for CISD Orchestra Directors only:

Click the link below to register:

https://pulse.kickup.co/events/browse/MyevEb6ZrjCCTeGjhgWUye


CISD PD - QUIP: Choir (6-12)

Thu Oct 22 2026, 8:30am - Thu Oct 22 2026, 4:00pm CDT

This PD session is for CISD Choir Directors only.

Click the link below to register:

https://pulse.kickup.co/events/browse/PXPBqcVka6h3khspQCzceS


CISD Fine Arts PD: Content Area Advanced Methods

Mon Nov 09 2026, 12:00pm - Mon Nov 09 2026, 4:00pm CST - LUNCH PROVIDED AT NOON

This professional development day is for CISD Fine Arts Staff only.

SVHS Senior Dining, PAC, and Fine Arts Rooms

Click the link below to register:

https://pulse.kickup.co/events/browse/rE9rZC8KFskUKdHnBoesWT


CISD PD - QUIP: Band (6-12)

Wed Nov 18 2026, 8:30am - Wed Nov 18 2026, 4:00pm CST=

This professional development session is for CISD Band Directors only:

Click the link below to register:

https://pulse.kickup.co/events/browse/VtuZRPtJuvhATNEDWY9tkW

Submitting Out-of-District PD Events in KickUp
Click this button for directions on how to submit CPE/Exchange Hour credits in Kickup.

CPE Credit vs Exchange Hours Credit

Please remember that PD exchange hours can only be obtained outside of your regular work hours (evenings, weekends). Taking a personal day to obtain exchange PD hours is not permissible. For example: Any music teacher going to TMEA on a school day can use evening hours (ES 3:35pm-11pm, MS 4:00pm-11pm, HS 4:45pm-11pm) for exchange credit hours. Anything during your work hours may go toward your overall CPE hours, but not as exchange credit.

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

SA Stock Show & Rodeo Western Art & Photography Contest
Click this button for San Antonio Show & Rodeo Western Art & Photography Contest information.
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TAEA Member Art Show

Click on the photo for details.

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Take Care of Texas Student Art Contest

Click on the photo for details.

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Phantom of The Opera is Coming to SA

Click on the photo for details and group sales.

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Comal Education Foundation Grant Application

The Comal Education Foundation provides competitive grants for Comal ISD employees to fund creative programs, professional development, and new teacher supplies. These applications are open until September 18:

  • Innovation Grant: Up to $7,500

  • Expertise Grant: Up to $1,000 (Group: $5,000)

One application per grant type per cycle. CLICK HERE to apply.

Free TMEA All-State Preparation Resource

Hey, HS Music Teachers: Check out this free resource to help your students prepare for All-State auditions.

TMEA 👋 Hello Teachers and Students of Texas! - Ensemble Block

TMEA 👋 Hello Teachers and Students of Texas! - Ensemble Block

TMEA ALL-STATE CREATE LOGIN Welcome to the Texas Music Educators Association 2026-2027 All-State Auditions Reference Recordings and Lessons(ATSSB audition materials not included) STEP 1 OF 4

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Elementary Music Materials Grant

Elementary Music Materials Grant

TMEA is offering this grant to support elementary music programs across Texas. Active TMEA Members who teach elementary music may apply for grants of up to $1,000 to purchase materials for PreK–5 music instruction. Grant funds may be used for music, equipment, instruments, instructional software, and other educational materials.

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Scholarship Opportunities

Scholarship Opportunities

TMEA is pleased to offer over $200,000 in scholarships each year for current and aspiring music educators in Texas.

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Student Concert Series

Student Concert Series

In partnership with school districts, Alamo City Arts brings high-quality, TEKS-aligned music and dance performances directly to students, with a focus on campuses where access to live performing...

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CARMINA BURANA on October 2 -Lila Cockrell Auditorium San Antonio -STUDENT GROUP DISCOUNT FOR CARMINA!

Join us for an unforgettable evening led by Artistic Director Jeffrey Kahane featuring internationally acclaimed violinist Tessa Lark alongside an extraordinary cast of artists and community partners.

To receive a group discount for groups of 10 or more to CARMINA BURANA send an email to groupsales@harmoniumoftexas.org.

For student groups of 10 or more ordered in advance the student tickets are $17 and there's no other fees added.

There will be a discount for any accompanying adults on either a $50 or $70 ticket depending on where the group is seated!

Jeffrey Kahane, conductor

Tessa Lark, violin

Rachele Gilmore, soprano

Brian Giebler, tenor

Christopher Rodriguez, baritone

San Antonio Mastersingers

Children's Chorus of San Antonio

Youth Orchestras of San Antonio

UTSA Chamber Singers

Program

Gabriela Ortiz

Antrópolis (2019)

Michael Torke

Sky, Concerto for Violin and Orchestra (2019) *Texas Premiere

Carl Orff

Carmina Burana

performed side-by-side with the Youth Orchestras of San Antonio

This landmark concert celebrates the beginning of a new musical tradition for San Antonio, bringing together internationally acclaimed artists, remarkable local collaborators, and the next generation of musicians for one unforgettable evening.

Here is the ticket link for 1-9 tickets - https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/3A0064F28D4D5F86


Best Regards,

Karen Cramer

Group Sales Representative

Harmonium of Texas

harmoniumoftexas.org

210 802 9272

CUTTIME CUTTIME

CutTime System Access and Use

All secondary art, music, theater, and dance teachers and directors should have access to CutTime.


Use and Integration

We expect all fine arts teachers to use CutTime for calendaring and inventory. We encourage teachers to explore using other features including financials and communication with students and parents,.

CutTime Notes
We’ve moved from Google Calendar to CutTime. Please see this document for calendar directions.
CLICK HERE TO LOG INTO CUTTIME

Previous Issues of the Fine Arts Insider Previous Issues of the Fine Arts Insider

August 12, 2026
August 19, 2026
August 27, 2026
September 2, 2026
September 10, 2026
Jay Martin
Comal ISD Fine Arts Coordinator
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