Fine Arts Insider
August 27, 2026
CELEBRATIONS 🎉
Fine Arts Educators Revitalize Curriculum
Last year, Fine Arts teachers from across the district met in content-area "QUIPS" (Quality Instruction and Performance Standards groups) to collaborate, give feedback, and provide direction for rewriting the district's Fine Arts curriculum.
A special thank you goes out to the lead writers who gave up their personal summer hours to compile this feedback and craft new official curriculum documents:
- Elementary School Art: Jennifer Eskew & Walter Menchaca
- High School Art: Ashley Buehler & Jennifer Snellings
- Middle School Theatre: Sabrina Zarate & Noah Ainsworth
- High School Theatre: Judy Adams & Emily Johnson
Please join us in thanking these educators for their incredible leadership and dedication!
Comal ISD Fine Arts Teachers Connect at Annual Job Alike
On Friday, August 21, 147 Comal ISD Fine Arts educators gathered at Pieper High School for an impactful day of professional development during their annual Job Alike.
The morning featured team celebrations, new staff introductions, administrative updates, and collaboration sessions. Teachers aligned curriculum horizontally and vertically across all fine arts disciplines, while feeder-pattern meetings allowed elementary, middle, and high school directors to coordinate programs across campus levels.
During a catered lunch, Superintendent Dr. John E. Chapman and Assistant Superintendent Corbee Wunderlich delivered inspiring remarks to the group. Special thanks go to Senior Associate Maryanne Navickas for managing coffee, catering, and event logistics.
Educators also visited a vendor fair during lunch featuring 13 partners who generously provided door prizes and met with teachers to discuss their needs:
- Romeo Music
- Covenant Communications
- Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More
- JW Pepper
- School Specialty
- Terra Nova Violins
- Music & Arts
- Alamo Music
- River City Printing
- Wenger
- Gandy Ink
- Hill Country Trophy
- MusicFirst
In the afternoon, the teachers attended a session on CutTime software management followed by targeted Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) planning for the 2026–27 pilot year. It was a successful day of connection, alignment, and preparation for the year ahead!
CISD Art Teachers gather to celebrate eight consecutive years as a TAEA District of Distinction.
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, August 27, 2026
- 7:00pm - 10:00pm CHS Football @ Madison HS (Heroes)
Friday, August 28, 2026
- 7:00pm - 10:00pm CLHS Football @ Wimberley
- 7:00pm - 10:00pm DHS Football vs NB Long Creek
- 7:00pm - 10:00pm PHS Football vs Alamo Heights HS
- 7:00pm - 10:00pm SVHS Football vs Katy Cinco Ranch
Tuesday, September 1, 2026
- 12:01am - 12:02am All-State Orchestra Recording Cuts Released
Thursday, September 3, 2026
- 7:00pm - 10:00pm SVHS Football @ SA Sotomayor
Friday, September 4, 2026
- 7:00pm - 10:00pm DHS Football @ Leander Glenn
- 7:30pm - 10:30pm CHS Football vs NBHS (The Würstbowl)
- 7:30pm - 10:30pm CLHS Football @ Lago Vista
- 7:30pm - 10:30pm PHS Football vs Buda Johnson
Monday, September 7, 2026
- 12:00am - 11:59pm - CISD Student/Staff Holiday - Labor Day
Wednesday, September 9, 2026
- 8:30am - 4:00pm - CISD PD - QUIP: Dance (6-12)
Thursday, September 10, 2026
- 7:00pm - 10:00pm - CHS Football @ SA Brandeis (Ferris)
Friday, September 11, 2026
- 7:00pm - 10:00pm - CLHS Football vs Medina Valley Creek View
- 7:00pm - 10:00pm - DHS Football vs Boerne
- 7:00pm - 10:00pm - PHS Football @ Temple
- 7:00pm - 10:00pm - SVHS Football vs Austin McCallum
Saturday, September 12, 2026
- 12:00am - 11:59pm - TMEA HS Vocal District Entry Deadline
Thursday, September 17, 2026
- 8:30am - 4:00pm CISD PD - QUIP: Piano (9-12)
- 7:00pm - 9:00pm - CISD Board Meeting
Friday, September 18, 2026
- 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
Tuesday, September 22, 2026
- 6:00pm - 7:00pm NB ER Hospital Art Show 1
Thursday, September 24, 2026
- 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
- 12:00am - 11:59pm CISD Student/Staff Holiday - Fair Day
- 7:30pm - 10:30pm PHS Football vs Steele
Saturday, September 26, 2026
- 7:45am - 3:45pm TMEA HS District Choir Auditions
FORMS & LINKS
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: Dance (6-12)
Wed Sep 09 2026, 8:30am - Wed Sep 09 2026, 4:00pm CDT
This PD session is for Secondary Dance Teachers only.
Click the link below to register:
https://pulse.kickup.co/events/browse/qpQz9ttA2fzaFwPQuyXnnL
CISD PD - QUIP: Piano (9-12)
Thu Sep 17 2026, 8:30am - Thu Sep 17 2026, 4:00pm CDT
This professional development session is for CISD Piano teachers only.
Click the link below to register:
https://pulse.kickup.co/events/browse/Fqyv4MnizniXVbS4WJTXcm
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
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
Free TMEA All-State Preparation Resource
Hey, HS Music Teachers: Check out this email I received regarding a free resource to help your students prepare for the All-State Audition process.
Elementary Music Teacher Scholarship Opportunity / Materials Grant
Hi there,
Just wanted to send a quick email to help ensure everyone gets the info. two HUGE opportunities for Elementary Division. Read the message below from Elementary VP Lauren Summa.
Elementary Continuing Education Scholarship
TMEA is introducing a continuing education scholarship for current elementary music educators. Scholarships of up to $2,000 will be awarded to support registration and travel expenses for professional development courses leading to certification in an elementary music education methodology, such as Kodály, Orff Schulwerk, Dalcroze, or a related area.
Eligible courses may be offered online or in Texas and must be completed by December 31, 2027. Applicants must be current Active Members of TMEA, hold a valid Texas teaching certificate, and currently teach elementary music in Texas.
Applications will be open August 1–October 30. Review the eligibility requirements and application criteria for this opportunity to begin preparing your application.
Elementary Music Materials Grant
The Elementary Music Materials Grant will help strengthen elementary music programs across Texas. Active TMEA members who teach elementary music may apply for grants of up to $1,000 to purchase music, instruments, equipment, instructional software, and other eligible educational materials for PreK–5 classrooms.
Applications will be open September 1–October 30. Recipients will be notified in December, and funds will be distributed in January to the eligible school or district purchasing entity identified in the application.
From the TMEA Region 12 Elementary Division Meeting
Hi, this is Matthew again. Please be sure to take advantage of these opportunities. Feel free to contact me if you have read all of the info and still have questions.
The members present voted to send forth Elaine Waier as our nomination for Elementary VP. To my knowledge she is the only person seeking nominations for this position so her chances look pretty good.
Thanks to those that were able to attend the meeting today. We had a great time!!!
The late Spring Region meeting will be held on Sunday May 2, 2027 at 2:00pm at Madison High School. I will let you know the plan for that meeting as it gets closer.
Please be sure to take advantage of the wonderful online learning videos that are available to you through TMEA.org Share them out, let's get some clicks on those things to help ensure it is an initiative that continues. Many areas do not have as easy access to in person trainings trhoughout the year, so this is awesome for that.
Please join our Region 12 Facebook Group. I'd love to see some conversation in there. Use the space to ask questions, post success stories, invite people to your fun events. Let's go!!!
We will be looking for at least 1 volunteer to work the division office during TMEA. Each region is to have at least one person volunteer an hour. It is pretty simple, and there are usually snacks involved. :)
At any point feel free to reach out to me about TMEA Elementary stuff. I'd love to be a resource for you.
Get current with your TMEA membership, and if you are moving from a new region or division please be sure to update your info on TMEA.org
Thank you so much, and I hope that you have an absolutely wonderful year with your students.
Musically yours
Matthew Allen Trevino
HEB Excellence In Education
Leadership Elementary Winner
2X CMA Foundation Music Teacher of Excellence
Class of 2022 and 2023
3X GRAMMY Music Educator Semifinalist
TMEA Region 12
Elementary Division Chair
NEISD Roan Forest
Music Specialist
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
210 802 9272
Introducing the Arts Connect Student Concert Series for 2026-27
Dear Fine Arts Directors,
Alamo City Arts is excited to announce the return of our Arts Connect Student Concert Series for the 2026-27 school year. Now entering its second year, the Student Concert Series continues a long San Antonio tradition of bringing students together to experience live music and the performing arts. Through Arts Connect, our goal is to remove barriers to arts participation and provide students across our community with access to high-quality, live artistic experiences at no cost to their schools beyond transportation.
We are thrilled to once again partner with school districts across Bexar and Guadalupe Counties that are providing venues for this year's concerts. Students will experience performances by Heart of Texas Concert Band, Alamo City Dance Company, Alamo City Mariachi Academy, Alamo City Ballet Folklorico, and Alamo City Symphony Viva. Each program is designed to inspire creativity, deepen cultural appreciation, and introduce students to music and dance in an engaging and accessible way. For many students, this may be their first opportunity to experience a live performance of this kind. While the programs are designed primarily for students in grades 4 and 5, students at other grade levels are welcome and will also benefit from these experiences.
Our 2026-27 Student Concert Series will include these concerts:
October 7 and 8 - Carnival of the Animals, presented by Heart of Texas Concert Band with Alamo City Dance Company
October 7: Steele High School; October 8: Legacy High School, Southwest ISD
This program will use music from Carnival of the Animals to introduce students to the ways composers use instruments, rhythm, melody, and movement to create musical characters and imagery.
November 4-6 - DÃa de los Muertos, presented by Alamo City Mariachi Academy and Alamo City Ballet Folklorico
November 4: Clemens High School; November 5: Edgewood Performing Arts Theater; November 6: Location TBD
This program will celebrate the music, dance, traditions, and cultural significance of DÃa de los Muertos.
March 22-24 - Variations on a Theme, presented by Alamo City Symphony Viva
March 22: Southwest High School; March 23: Location TBD; March 24: Location TBD
Variations on a Theme will introduce students to the musical concept of theme and variation, exploring how composers take a musical idea and transform it through changes in rhythm, melody, orchestration, mood, and style. The program will encourage students to actively listen for how musical ideas evolve while connecting music to creativity, imagination, and artistic expression. These concerts also support the Paint to Music contest.
Each morning will include two approximately 50-minute performances, beginning at 9:50 AM and 11:10 AM. At Southwest and Legacy High Schools, the second performance will begin at 11:30 AM. There is no cost for schools or students to attend. Schools are responsible only for transportation to and from the performance. Teachers will receive an educational guide in advance of each concert to help introduce students to the music, artists, and themes they will experience. The materials will also connect the concert content to the TEKS.
Paint to Music
We are also excited to continue our collaboration with the San Antonio Symphony League and its Paint to Music contest. Paint to Music encourages students to explore the language of classical music and discover how music can inspire creative expression through visual art. Participating students will listen to designated selections from music featured in the Student Concert Series and create original artwork inspired by what they hear. Selected winning artwork will be projected during the concerts, allowing students to see their creativity become part of the live performance experience. The San Antonio Symphony League will distribute additional information about the contest and participation process.
Registration
Registration will open in phases, with schools in each hosting district receiving an early registration opportunity before remaining seats are made available to other schools. We will send registration links prior to each opening date so that you can share them with your schools and music educators. Registration dates are:
- October Concerts - Hosting districts: August 25; All schools: September 1
- November Concerts - Hosting districts: September 14; All schools: September 21
- March Concerts - Hosting districts: October 13; All schools: Oct 20
We respectfully ask that you share this information about the Arts Connect Student Concerts with your fine arts educators, elementary music teachers, principals, and other appropriate staff so they can begin planning for the 2026-27 school year. Thank you for helping us make live arts experiences accessible to students throughout our community. We look forward to welcoming your teachers and students to Arts Connect this year.
If you have any questions, please contact us at artsconnect@alamocityarts.org. Additional information about the Student Concert Series will also be available on the Alamo City Arts website.
Warm regards,
Cory McRae
President & CEO
Alamo City Arts
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,.