Fine Arts Insider

To Our Incredible Fine Arts Educators,

Congratulations! You’ve made it through the first grading cycle! Whether you’ve been leading rehearsals, managing performance events, teaching new techniques, or guiding creative projects, you’ve dedicated so much time, energy, and care to helping our students thrive and grow stronger as young artists.

Now that you have completed the first grading cycle, I hope you will take time to pause and breathe. One beautiful thing about the academic calendar is its rhythm. A new grading cycle offers something every artist and educator appreciates: a clean slate. No matter how your first few weeks of teaching unfolded, this new grading cycle is a fresh opportunity to reflect, refocus, and begin again with your students.

As you head into this next quarter, remember to take care of yourselves and your families. I know how much you give to your students and your programs, and I hope you'll make time to rest, enjoy time with your loved ones, and do the things that help you recharge. Your work matters, but so do you.

On behalf of our department and the district, thank you. Your dedication to fostering creativity, discipline, and joy in Comal ISD is inspiring! I admire the hard work you do every day to shape the minds and talents of our young artists.

Here’s to a clean slate!

With gratitude,

Jay Martin

Comal ISD Fine Arts Coordinator, Editor

Canyon High School senior Jackson Pearson has been awarded an $80,000 CAD (approx. $56,390 USD) grant from the Immersive Media Fund: Indigenous Creators (U.S.). Building on the digital art skills he honed in Ms. Deatherage’s Art Media class after moving with his family from Alaska to Texas last year, Jackson will write, direct, and produce an impactful short documentary titled Echoes Breaking Silence.

The film will explore mental health awareness and suicide prevention within Southeast Alaska Native communities. Jackson plans to travel across Southeast Alaska to interview elders, cultural leaders, and mental health professionals, using storytelling to break stigmas and spark vital dialogue. Ultimately, he hopes this project will serve as a springboard for stepping directly into the film production industry.

Production on the documentary is scheduled to begin in the summer of 2027. Congratulations to Jackson on this extraordinary achievement—Comal ISD is proud to celebrate his vision and future in film!

For the sixth consecutive year, all five Comal ISD marching bands earned First Division ratings at the UIL Region 12 Marching Contest. Congratulations to the student musicians and directors at Canyon High School, Canyon Lake High School, Davenport High School, Pieper High School, and Smithson Valley High School on this outstanding accomplishment.

All five programs will now advance to the UIL Area Contest to compete for the opportunity to represent Comal ISD at the UIL State Marching Band Contest.

October 31 - 4A Area (CLHS & DHS) at the Pfield in Pflugerville Information

October 24 - 5A Area Contest Schedule (SVHS) at DW Rutledge Converse, TX

October 31 - 6A Area (CHS & PHS) at Heroes in NEISD Information

At Smithson Valley High School, history isn’t just studied—it’s experienced!

To kick off their study of Northern European Renaissance masterworks, AP Art History students in Lizette Floyd’s class rolled up their sleeves for a hands-on printmaking workshop.

In the early 16th century, the shift from labor-intensive, hand-copied manuscripts to mass production through printmaking completely revolutionized how art was created, distributed, and consumed. Printmaking served as the “social media” of its day, rapidly spreading artistic styles, religious ideas, and cultural imagery across Europe.

By physically engaging in the printmaking process, students gained a firsthand understanding of the technical skill and historical significance behind these famous masterworks. This immersive activity helped bridge the gap between historical theory and creative practice, bringing the transformative power of 16th-century art technology vividly to life in the classroom.

• 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.

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

Wednesday, October 21, 2026

• all-day Vase Gold Seal Exhibit - Austin ISD PAC
• 5:00pm - 9:00pm PRMS FA Food Truck Festival & Fall Concerts
• 5:00pm - 8:30pm PRMS Dance - Charmers Fine Arts Food Truck Night
• 6:00pm - 7:30pm SVMS Band - Fall Concert

Thursday, October 22, 2026

• all-day Vase Gold Seal Exhibit - Austin ISD PAC
• 8:30 - 4:00pm - CISD PD - QUIP: Choir (6-12)
• 4:00pm - 8:00pm 8th Grade VB - PRMS Charmer Performance
• 7:00pm - 9:00pm CISD Board Meeting

Friday, October 23, 2026

• all-day Vase Gold Seal Exhibit - Austin ISD PAC
• 3:00pm - 8:30pm SVMS Band - Middle School Night @ SVHS
• 4:30pm - 6:00pm STZES 5th Grade Music Program and Fall Fest
• 6:00pm - 7:00pm SBMS Theatre - Fall Show
• 7:00pm - 10:00pm SVHS Football vs Boerne Champion
• 7:30pm - 10:30pm CHS Football vs PHS (HoCo)
• 7:30pm - 10:30pm CLHS Football vs Fredericksburg
• 7:30pm - 10:30pm DHS Football vs Taylor (HoCo)
• 7:30pm - 10:30pm PHS Football @ CHS

Saturday, October 24, 2026

• all-day Vase Gold Seal Exhibit - Austin ISD PAC
• 8:00am - 9:00pm UIL Area Marching Band Contest (3A-5A)
• 2:00pm - 3:00pm SBMS Theatre - Fall Show
• 6:00pm - 7:00pm SBMS Theatre - Fall Show
• 7:00pm - 7:30pm FSES Choir performs National Anthem at SAFC game

Sunday, October 25, 2026

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

• all-day Vase Gold Seal Exhibit - Austin ISD PAC
• 5:00pm - 7:00pm CHMS Band/Orchestra Trunk or Treat Masquerade Concert
• 5:30pm - 6:30pm CHMS Orchestra- Trick or Treat Halloween Concert

• all-day Vase Gold Seal Exhibit - Austin ISD PAC
• 6:00pm - 7:00pm BBES 2nd Grade Program
• 7:00pm - 12:00am CLHS Varsity Theatre Fall Show

• all-day Vase Gold Seal Exhibit - Austin ISD PAC
• 12:00am - 9:00pm CLHS Varsity Theatre Fall Show
• 5:30pm - 12:00am BMS Theatre Fall Play Performances
• 6:00pm - 7:00pm MVMS Orchestra Fall Concert
• 7:00pm - 12:00am CLHS Varsity Theatre Fall Show

• all-day Vase Gold Seal Exhibit - Austin ISD PAC
• 8:25am - 3:00pm MVES Folkdance Competition
• 6:00pm - 7:00pm BMS Theatre Fall Play Performances
• 7:00pm - 9:00pm CLHS Varsity Theatre Fall Show
• 6:00pm - 6:30pm 2nd Grade Concert
• 6:30pm - 7:30pm TPES - 5th Grade Performance
• 6:30pm - 7:30pm MVMS Choir: Fall Concert
• 7:00pm - 8:00pm CLHS Orchestras Fall Concert

• all-day Vase Gold Seal Exhibit - Austin ISD PAC
• 2:55pm - 3:40pm SVMS Band - Halloween Pep Rally
• 3:30pm - 4:30pm TMEA Elementary Music Materials Grant DEADLINE
• 3:30pm - 4:30pm TMEA Scholarship Application Deadline
• 5:30pm - 6:00pm OCES - 5th grade level - Spooktacular and Art Show
• 7:00pm - 10:00pm SVHS Football @ Seguin
• 7:30pm - 10:30pm CHS Football @ Steele
• 7:30pm - 10:30pm CLHS Football vs Kerrville Tivy
• 7:30pm - 10:30pm DHS Football @ Austin Travis
• 7:30pm - 10:30pm PHS Football vs Samuel Clemens

• all-day Vase Gold Seal Exhibit - Austin ISD PAC
• 8:00am - 11:30pm PHS Band - CONTEST - UIL Area (Heroes Stadium)
• 8:00am - 9:00pm CHS- Area Marching Contest
• 8:00am - 8:00pm UIL Area Marching Band Contest (2A-4A-6A)
• 8:00am - 6:00pm TMEA All-State Orchestra Protected Recording Date

Sunday, November 1, 2026

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

• all-day Vase Gold Seal Exhibit - Austin ISD PAC
• 8:00am - 12:00am UIL State Marching Band Contest (1A-3A-5A) - Alamodome

• all-day Vase Gold Seal Exhibit - Austin ISD PAC
• all-day UIL State Marching Band Contest (1A-3A-5A) - Alamodome
• 5:00pm - 6:00pm CMS TopCats Dance Team Football Halftime Performance at CHS Stadium
• 7:00pm - 12:00am SVHS Theatre - Fall Musical

• all-day Vase Gold Seal Exhibit - Austin ISD PAC
• 12:00am - 10:00pm UIL State Marching Band Contest (1A-3A-5A) - Alamodome
• all-day SVHS Theatre - Fall Musical

• all-day Vase Gold Seal Exhibit - Austin ISD PAC
• 12:00am - 9:00pm SVHS Theatre - Fall Musical
• 4:00pm - 8:00pm 7th Grade Girls Basketball - PRMS Charmer Performance
• 6:00pm - 7:00pm KRES 3rd grade Musical

• 12:00am - 4:00pm Vase Gold Seal Exhibit - Austin ISD PAC
• 8:30am - 9:30am GRES 5th Grade Veterans Day Ceremony
• 5:00pm - 12:00am DHS Choir - TMEA 1A-4A Region Clinic/Concert
• 6:00pm - 10:00pm PHS Band - CONTEST - Bands of America San Antonio Super Regional (Alamodome)
• 7:30pm - 10:30pm CHS Football vs Judson
• 7:30pm - 10:30pm CLHS Football @ Austin LBJ
• 7:30pm - 10:30pm DHS Football vs Austin Northeast
• 7:30pm - 10:30pm PHS Football @ SA Wagner

• 12:00am - 6:00pm DHS Choir - TMEA 1A-4A Region Clinic/Concert
• 8:00am - 1:00pm 7th Grade Con Brio Orchestra Auditions
• 8:00am - 11:00am Con Brio (7th Grade) Region Orchestra Auditions
• 1:00pm - 5:00pm 6th Grade Bravo Orchestra Auditions
• 1:00pm - 4:00pm Bravo (6th Grade) Region Orchestra Auditions
• 7:00pm - 9:00pm SVHS Theatre - Fall Musical

Monday, November 9, 2026

• 8:00am - 12:00am UIL State Marching Band Contest (2A-4A-6A)
• 7:30am - 4:30pm CISD FA PD / Student Holiday
• 12:00pm - 4:00pm - CISD Fine Arts PD: Content Area Advanced Methods
• LUNCH PROVIDED AT NOON
• Click here to register (REQUIRED for all Fine Arts Teachers)

• all-day UIL State Marching Band Contest (2A-4A-6A)
• 6:00pm - 12:00am CLHS JV Theatre- Fall Theatre

• 12:00am - 10:00pm UIL State Marching Band Contest (2A-4A-6A)
• all-day CLHS JV Theatre- Fall Theatre
• 7:45am - 8:45am CCES Fifth Grade Veterans Day Music Program
• 8:00am - 12:30pm FES Veteran's Day Celebration/Choir Performance
• 8:00am - 9:30am OCES - 4th Grade Veterans Day Performance and Art Show
• 8:00am - 9:00am TPES - 1st Grade Veterans Day Performance
• 8:00am - 8:30am RCES Veterans Day Concert
• 8:15am - 9:15am BBES Veteran's Day Ceremony
• 8:30am - 9:54am 5th Grade Veterans Day
• 8:30am - 9:30am GFES Veteran's Day Parade and choir concert
• 8:30am - 9:30am MYES - 5th Grade Veterans Day Program
• 8:30am - 9:30am Veterans Day
• 9:00am - 10:30am STZES Veterans Day Program 4th Grade Performance
• 9:00am - 10:00am CHMS Orchestra- Veterans Day Performance
• 2:00pm - 3:00pm CMS Band - Veteran's Day Assembly
• 2:55pm - 3:40pm SVMS Band - Veteran's Day Assembly

• 12:00am - 9:00pm CLHS JV Theatre- Fall Theatre
• 6:00pm - 6:30pm 3rd Grade Concert
• 6:30pm - 8:00pm DHS-Fall Musical "Drowsy Chaperone"
• 6:35pm - 12:00am CLHS JV Theatre- Fall Theatre
• 7:00pm - 10:00pm Hadestown: Teen Edition Opening Night Performance
• 7:00pm - 9:00pm CHS Theatre-Fall Main Stage Production

• all-day CLHS JV Theatre- Fall Theatre
• 6:00pm - 7:00pm MVMS Theatre - "We Will Remember" Performance
• 6:30pm - 8:00pm DHS-Fall Musical "Drowsy Chaperone"
• 7:00pm - 10:00pm Hadestown: Teen Edition Performance 2
• 7:00pm - 9:00pm CHS Theatre-Fall Main Stage Production

• 12:00am - 9:35pm CLHS JV Theatre- Fall Theatre
• 12:00pm - 2:00pm Hadestown: Teen Edition Matinee Performance
• 6:30pm - 8:00pm DHS-Fall Musical "Drowsy Chaperone"
• 7:00pm - 10:00pm Hadestown: Teen Edition Closing Performance
• 7:00pm - 9:00pm CHS Theatre-Fall Main Stage Production

Tuesday, November 17, 2026

• 6:00pm - 7:30pm DMS Theatre and Choir "Matilda Jr." the Musical
• 7:00pm - 9:00pm PHS Thespian State IE Showcase

Wednesday, November 18, 2026

• 8:00am – 3:00pm CISD PD – QUIP: Band
• 5:00pm - 5:30pm MYES - Choir Fall Concert
• 6:00pm - 7:30pm DMS Theatre and Choir "Matilda Jr." the Musical
• 7:00pm - 12:00am COMAL THEATRE- TEXAS THESPIANS (GRAPEVINE)

Friday, November 20, 2026

• all-day COMAL THEATRE- TEXAS THESPIANS (GRAPEVINE)

Monday, November 16, 2026

• 8:00am - 4:00pm PHS Dance - TDEA Dance Team Fall Assessment

Thursday, November 19, 2026

• all-day COMAL THEATRE- TEXAS THESPIANS (GRAPEVINE)
• 5:00pm - 11:30pm PHS Band - Region Band Auditions (Johnson HS)
• 5:00pm - 6:30pm MVES Fall Showcase
• 7:00pm - 9:00pm CISD Board Meeting

Saturday, November 21, 2026

• 12:00am - 9:00pm COMAL THEATRE- TEXAS THESPIANS (GRAPEVINE)

November 22-28

Be sure to request a substitute in Red Rover.

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

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

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

• K-12 VISUAL ARTS will meet from 10:00a - 3:00p (SVHS Cafeteria)

This professional development day is mandatory for CISD Fine Arts staff.

SVHS Senior Dining, PAC, and Fine Arts Rooms

Click the link below to register:

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

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

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.

Dear Art Educator,

Submissions for this year’s Scholastic Art awards are now open! We are the Greater San Antonio Scholastic Art Regional Affiliate and would like to invite you and your students to participate in this year’s event.

Open to middle school and high school students ages 13 -18 living in Atascosa, Bandera, Bexar, Comal, Guadalupe, Kendall, Medina, and Wilson counties, Scholastic Art is the nation’s oldest and most prestigious art awards. Recognizing student artists’ work that demonstrates originality, skill, and the emergence of personal vision, Scholastic Art celebrates young artists and their freedom of expression.

To get started:

• Go to www.artandwriting.org and create your teacher account!

• Students will create their account at www.artandwriting.org - make certain they select your school/program and you as their teacher.

• Students have until 11:59 pm on Friday, December 4, 2026 to complete their entries.

• You may pay for your entries individually, in bulk (by teacher or campus) using a credit card or check.

• Concerned about a student's ability to pay? Participants with financial need may use a fee waiver. Scholastic Art supports open access for all students!

New to Scholastic Art? Have questions? Need help? Join us Wednesday, October 28th at 4:30 pm for a virtual meeting covering how to create an account, adding entries, plus other tips and insight. Please RSVP using the attached Google Form, meeting link shared below:

RSVP Form

Scholastic Art Info Session Meeting Link

Questions? Please email me at jgonza120@neisd.net or Stephanie Greathouse at sgreat2@neisd.net. We look forward to celebrating your students’ achievements in visual art!

Warmly,

Jessica Jones Gonzales

Director of Visual Art

North East School of the Arts

The UT Austin Department of Theatre and Dance invites you to our next student matinee performance of The Visit by Friedrich Durrenmatt. This show is recommended for grades 7-12 and will take place on Friday, November 6th at 10:00 am. Space is limited so reserve your tickets today at https://theatredance.utexas.edu/education-and-community-engagement

Good morning!

As you head into the weekend, I wanted to reach out with more helpful information as you and your

students prepare to submit work for the Western Art and Photography contests.

Our Western Art and Photography contests are open for registration. Registration closes October 31,

2026. Training guides and videos are available to assist you and your students with registration on the

Texas Show Pass System.

You can use the link below to view the Training Session recording for registering on the new Texas Show Pass entry system.

https://www.sarodeo.com/p/competitive-events

Under the "complete" page, scroll down towards the middle to bottom of the landing page and look for

the title "Western Art & Photography Training Recording". Click on this link to view the training

recording.

Additionally, there is a help guide under the "Entry System Help Guides", click the Western Art/Photography Help Guide link to view the guide.

Hope this helps!

Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions about contest rules or the registration entry system.

We are excited to see your students participating this year!

Thank you for your continued support!

Clay McClure

Western Art Committee, School Team Liaison

San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo

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

A new Chipotle restaurant has recently opened at 323 Creekside Crossing Suite 101 New Braunfels, TX 78130. They are looking forward to connecting with local organizations and supporting the great work happening in the area.

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,.