Fine Arts Insider

The Davenport High School Band and Color Guard delivered an outstanding performance at the UIL Area D 4A Marching Contest on Saturday, October 31, at The Pfield in Pflugerville. Competing among 32 bands, DHS earned first-place votes from every judge in the preliminary competition, securing a spot in the finals.

The Wolves continued their impressive performance in the finals, once again earning first-place votes from every judge to claim the Area Championship! This achievement marks the band's fifth consecutive trip to the UIL 4A State Marching Contest and its fourth consecutive Area championship, despite competing in Area D for the first time this year.

Congratulations to band directors Michael Lehmann, Tyler McClendon, and Elijah Patterson; Color Guard Director Matthew Sotelo; and Danville Middle School Band Directors Kelsey Lien and Nichele Rios for their dedication and leadership in helping make this achievement possible.

A heartfelt thank-you also goes to the incredible parent volunteers and supporters whose unwavering encouragement, time, and commitment make successes like this possible. Congratulations to the entire Davenport Band and Color Guard family!

The Wolves will continue their season at the UIL 4A State Marching Contest on November 11 at the Alamodome. Best of luck at State!

As previously reported, all five Comal ISD marching bands advanced to the UIL Area Marching Contest this season for the sixth year in a row. Every program achieved higher rankings than in previous years, with two schools advancing to the UIL State Marching Championship.

Program Results & Highlights

• Canyon Cougar Band (Class 6A)

  • 6A Area D: Placed 15th out of 29 bands in prelims, delivering a strong showing in a competitive field.

• Canyon Lake Hawk Band (Class 4A)

  • 4A Area D: Placed 14th out of 32 competing bands, narrowly missing the 12-band cutoff for Area Finals.

• Davenport Wolf Band (Class 4A)

  • 4A Area D Champion (1st Place) — Awarded 1st place by all judges in both prelims and finals.

  • STATE BOUND: Competing at the UIL 4A State Championship on Monday, November 11 at 9:00 AM.

• Pieper Band of Warriors (Class 6A)

  • 6A Area D: Placed 9th out of 29 bands in prelims and advanced to Area Finals—an outstanding result for their first year competing as a 6A school.

• Smithson Valley Ranger Band (Class 5A)

• 5A Area H Champion (1st Place) — State Qualifier.

• State: Placed 26th out of 39 bands in the preliminary round at State.

Congratulations to our incredible student musicians and dedicated band directors for a historic season of musical excellence. Achievements of this caliber are a team effort. We extend our deepest gratitude to our parents, booster clubs, staff, and community supporters—your countless volunteer hours, relentless encouragement, and unwavering support behind the scenes make our students' success on the field possible.

Advanced art students from Canyon High School recently took an inspiring field trip to San Antonio’s McNay Art Museum alongside teachers Mr. Jorgensen, Mrs. Spandau, Ms. Estrada, and Ms. Deatherage. Students got an up-close look at priceless original works by masters like Picasso, Rodin, and Monet while diving deep into art history. Beyond admiring the masterpieces, students explored the creative decisions behind each piece, learning how artists select their subject matter and use color themes to bring their vision to life.

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

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 SVHS Band at 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 (5A Finals PM)
• 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
• 8:00am - 9:30am FSES Veterans Program (featuring 3rd Grade(
• 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

• all-day UIL State Marching Band Contest (2A-4A-6A)
• 8:30am - 9:30am CSES 3rd Grade - Veterans Day
• 8:30am - 9:30am CSES Choir - Veterans Day
• 6:00pm - 12:00am CLHS JV Theatre- Fall Theatre

• 8:30am - 10:00pm UIL State Marching Band Contest (2A-4A-6A)
• 9:00am - DHS Band Performs in Prelims
• 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 - 9:30am ASES Veteran's Day
• 8:30am - 9:54am RBES 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 MES 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 SES 3rd Grade Concert
• 6:30pm - 8:00pm DHS-Fall Musical "Drowsy Chaperone"
• 6:35pm - 12:00am CLHS JV Theatre- Fall Theatre
• 6:00pm - 9:00pm PHS Theatre - 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"
• 6:00pm - 9:00pm PHS Theatre - Hadestown: Teen Edition Performance 2
• 7:00pm - 9:00pm CHS Theatre-Fall Main Stage Production

• 12:00am - 9:35pm CLHS JV Theatre- Fall Theatre
• 11:00am - 1:00pm PHS Theatre - Hadestown: Teen Edition Matinee Performance
• 6:30pm - 8:00pm DHS-Fall Musical "Drowsy Chaperone"
• 6:00pm - 9:00pm PHS Theatre - Hadestown: Teen Edition Closing Performance
• 7:00pm - 9:00pm CHS Theatre-Fall Main Stage Production

Monday, November 16, 2026

• PHS Dance - TAEA Dance Team Fall Assessment

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)

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

Friday, November 20, 2026

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

Saturday, November 21, 2026

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

November 22-28

Wednesday, December 2, 2026

• 4:00pm - 8:00pm 7th Grade Girls Basketball - PRMS Charmer Performance

• 5:00pm - 11:30pm PHS Band - Round 2 Region Band Auditions (Reagan HS)
• 5:30pm - 9:30pm Wassailfest
• 6:00pm - 12:00am SVHS Theatre- JV Fall Performance (Non-Musical)
• 6:00pm - 7:00pm SVMS Band - Beginning Band Concert
• 6:00pm - 6:30pm 4th Grade Christmas Concert and Art Show
• 6:00pm - 6:30pm FES Choir Wassailfest
• 6:05pm - 6:35pm CSES Choir Field Trip - Wasslefest - 12/03/2026
• 6:30pm - 8:00pm DMS/DHS Winter Concert
• 6:30pm - 7:30pm CHS Winter Orchestra Concert
• 6:30pm - 7:30pm PHS Choir Winter Concert
• 7:00pm - 8:00pm GFES Wassailfest

• 12:00am - 7:00pm SVHS Theatre- JV Fall Performance (Non-Musical)
• 10:30am - 12:30pm CISD SS - Comal Speaks Finals - CHS PAC
• 2:55pm - 3:40pm SVMS Band - Holiday Pep Rally
• 5:00pm - 12:00am CMS Band - Region Band Clinic and Concert
• 5:15pm - 7:00pm GRES- Choir sings at City of Garden Ridge Tree Lighting
• 6:00pm - 7:00pm CMS Theatre - 4 Ways to Survive the Holidays
• 7:00pm - 8:30pm CLHS Varsity Theatre Holiday Show
• 7:00pm - 7:45pm CMS Theatre - 4 Ways to Survive the Holidays!

• 12:00am - 4:00pm CMS Band - Region Band Clinic and Concert
• 7:00pm - 8:30pm CLHS Varsity Theatre Holiday Show

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

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

• K-12 VISUAL ARTS will meet from 10:00a - 3:00p (SVHS Cafeteria)
• PERFORMING ARTS will meet from 12:00 to 4:00p
• LUNCH PROVIDED in SVHS Senior Dining Hall

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

Hey Secondary Music Directors,

Did you know you can check how often UIL PML pieces were performed at Concert Contest in past years? Before committing to a piece, it can be helpful to see if it’s currently over-performed or a hidden gem. Check out this quick video tutorial for a step-by-step walkthrough on how to look up PML performance counts: PML Concert Selection Rankings.

Best,

Jay

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.

Don't Delay! Register for CAC today!!

✨ REGISTRATION IS OPEN✨

We are so excited to welcome you to Central Austin Challenge on February 13th in Austin, TX!

Get ready for an exciting day of dance, competition, and incredible performances! The Central Austin Challenge offers a streamlined, competitive contest experience designed for teams from all across Texas. ️

📅 Date: February 13
📍 Location: Austin, TX
💻 More Info & Registration:
https://ascension.dancecompgenie.com/Dance-Competition/competitiondefault.aspx?action=login-studio

✨ Spots are limited, so don’t wait to secure yours! We would love to have your team join us for an incredible day of competition!

We can’t wait to welcome you! 🤍

Jenna Drummond, Cierra Cunningham & the Westwood HS SunDancers

The New Braunfels Chamber Music welcomes you to its annual Piatigorsky Concert at 7 pm, Friday, November 13, at NBUU, 135 Alves Lane.

Pianist Richard Dowling and cellist Even Drachman combine their talents and passions to create an unforgettable night’s experience, whose centerpiece is one of the greatest classical concertos ever written: Haydn’s Concerto in C Major for cello and orchestra. The “Dowling Philharmonic” performs as the orchestra.

The rest of the program is an exploration of the cello and song. It is often said that the cello is the closest instrument to the human voice. The range is the same and the strings are like vocal cords. Each of the other works are either written for voice or are meant to be songs for the cello.

The Piatigorsky Foundation was formed, in honor of renowned cellist Gregor Piatigorsky, to share the joy of live classical music to all communities.

I am writing to invite Comal ISD elementary groups to experience our award-winning, TEKS-aligned Austin Symphony Orchestra (ASO) Young People's Concerts at The Long Center for the Performing Arts in Austin - on March 8, 9 or 11, 2027:

ASO Young People’s Concerts are full orchestra performances engaging over 12,000 students annually with carefully-crafted programming of symphonic music and narrative that is targeted to the age group, richly cross-curricular, multi-sensory and interactive, supported by robust educational materials and aligned to state teaching objectives. School groups attend during the school day as an educational field trip opportunity.

This year, our cross-curricular theme is Social Studies, and our concert title is Billy the Kid & The Western Frontier. Please see also:

https://austinsymphony.org/education-community-concerts/young-peoples-concerts/

To place a group reservation, please fill out the Google Form linked below:

https://bit.ly/ASO2027YPC1140school-reservation-form-4RPA6

Thanks to our generous funders, reservation fees are typically only $1-3 per person! Actual amount depends on total group headcount; see reservation form linked above for more information.

Please forward this message as you see fit. I welcome any questions or concerns - and I'm crossing my fingers that it is something that you and colleagues can consider for your students! We'd love to have Comal ISD school groups join us at a concert this year.

Sincerely and with kind regards,

JEREMY BRIMHALL | ASO | Director of Education and Community Engagement

Direct (512) 617-0489 | Main (512) 476-6064 | jbrimhall@austinsymphony.org

Click on the YAM paragraph above for more information.

CISD must submit at least six entries at $12 each to meed DOD requirements.

Sign up on "2. Youth Art Month" in our Collaboration Document if you are willing to submit an entry. Registration opens on November 2.

Each year, districts across the state may submit artwork created by Pre-K through 12th grade student artists in Public and Private Schools which will be selected to be on display in the YAM Spring Exhibition at the Bullock Texas State History Museum in Austin, Texas during the month of March. The exhibition is followed by an Awards Celebration at the end of the month recognizing Flag Design winners from elementary, middle and high school, highlighting the overall Flag Design which will represent Texas Youth Art Month for the year. Friends and family are invited to the Awards Celebration at The Bullock (date will be announced) to view the exhibit, recognize all of the amazing artists and enjoy some light refreshments.

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

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,.