Fine Arts Insider
October 28, 2026
SV Ranger Band Wins UIL Area H Championship, Heads to State
History has officially been made at Smithson Valley High School! This past Saturday, the Smithson Valley High School Ranger Band delivered a stellar performance to take home the UIL Area H Championship title. This major victory punches their ticket to the ultimate stage: the UIL State Marching Band Championships.
Achieving this milestone requires countless hours of dedication, precision, and passion. Huge congratulations go out to all of our phenomenal student musicians and their leadership team: Directors Scott Duncan, Robert Andrade, Emma Hallett, and Joseph Menditto.
We also want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our incredible parent volunteers and supporters whose unwavering encouragement makes success like this possible.
Best of luck at State, Ranger Band—we are so proud of you!
CHS Art Student Shines at Dia de los Muertos Festival
The vibrant colors and rich traditions of the annual New Braunfels Día de los Muertos Festival were on full display on Saturday, October 17th. Canyon High School ninth grader Tyler Bourque showcased his impressive artistic talent in the festival's art contest. Guided and supported by CHS Art Teacher Kendyl Estrada, Tyler created an entry that stood out among a competitive field of local artwork, earning him a well-deserved second-place finish.
Tyler’s achievement highlights both his personal creativity and the fantastic artistic talent within our school community. Please join us in congratulating Tyler on this outstanding achievement! We look forward to seeing where his artistic talents take him next.
All-Region Philharmonic Orchestra Members
Congratulations to our outstanding students who earned a spot in the All-Region Philharmonic Orchestra at auditions this past Saturday!
Canyon High School
- Cello: Annabelle Perego (1st Chair) & Aliyana Salas
- String Bass: Samuel Lopez
Canyon Lake High School
- Violin: Zoee Woodard
Pieper High School
- Violin: Morton Ott
Smithson Valley High School
- Violin: Logan Breen
We celebrate their hard work and extraordinary talent, and extend our sincere thanks to the directors who support their success: Fernanda Cuevas at CHS, Lindsey Talancon at CLHS, Belén Hernandez at PHS, and Klaus Weinelt at SVHS.
Samuel Lopez, Annabelle Perego, & Aliyana Salas
CHS Orchestra
Zoee Woodard
CLHS Orchestra
Morton Ott
PHS Orchestra
5A/6A All-Region Choir Members
Congratulations to our outstanding students who earned a position in the 5A-6A All-Region Choir during last weekend's auditions!
Canyon High School
Mixed Region Choir: Marjesca Engelhardt (Advanced to Pre-Area) & Calvin Liu
Pieper High School
Mixed Region Choir (Advanced to Pre-Area): Juliana Martinez, Hope Kibbey, Charlie Rocha, Asa Toalson, & Michael Pieterse
Mixed Region Choir: Kat Stanley, Izak Call, & Teresa Rios
Treble Region Choir: Ellie Velasquez, Anabella Ali, Trinity Johnson, & Madalyn Saavedra
We celebrate their hard work and extraordinary talent, and extend our sincere thanks to the directors who support their success: Lynn Milbourn at CHS and Drew Specht at PHS.
A Trio of CHS National Merit Scholars
Canyon High School is celebrating three outstanding Fine Arts students who have been named National Merit Scholars. Daniel Vauter, Charlie Griffiths, and Ella Milligan exemplify how academic achievement and artistic dedication go hand in hand at CHS.
Daniel Vauter
An accomplished pianist, Daniel Vauter has spent four years in the CHS Piano program, building an impressive record of musical achievement. He advanced to the Texas State Solo & Ensemble Contest for three consecutive years. Among his recent honors, Daniel earned first place in the Janice Kay Hodges Contemporary Piano Competition and received a scholarship to attend Interlochen Arts Camp this past summer. He also performed at the Night of Stars Banquet in May and has performed twice at the Entrepreneurs Expo at the McKenna Center.
Charlie Griffiths
A versatile performing artist, Charlie Griffiths has spent three years in the CHS Piano program and four years in the CHS Theatre program, contributing as a pianist, singer, composer, and thespian. Charlie has earned superior ratings on solos at both UIL Piano and Vocal contests and plans to major in jazz piano after graduation. His accomplishments extend beyond the arts: he is also an AP Scholar of Distinction and a QuestBridge College Prep Scholar.
Ella Milligan
Senior Ella Milligan was recognized by CHS Band Director Isabelle Wright for her accomplishments in both academics and performance. As a member of the CHS Color Guard, Ella exemplifies the program’s high standards through her dedication on the field and in the classroom. Her selection as a National Merit Scholar reflects her commitment to excellence in both areas.
Together, Daniel, Charlie, and Ella represent the talent, discipline, and dedication that define Canyon High School’s Fine Arts community. Their achievements demonstrate that a passion for the arts and a commitment to academic success can go hand in hand.
Kaia Hatch
HCCPHS Art Student
CLHS Theatre Presents
DHS Theatre Presents
PHS Theatre Presents
SVHS Theatre Presents
BMS Theatre Presents
CHS Theatre Presents
Western Photography Flyer
Entry System Training
Western Art Flyer
Take Care of Texas Student Art Contest
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Phantom of The Opera is Coming to SA
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KODALY CERTIFICATION
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BEYOND THE LESSONS
The Thinking Behind High-Quality Art Curriculum
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Blanton Art Museum PD Days
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