Fine Arts – ��Vlog

��Vlog earns national recognition in 2026 Best Communities for Music Education

Ryan Pierce — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 03:12:42 +0000

��Vlog has once again been recognized as one of the nation’s top school systems for music education, earning distinction in the 2026 Best Communities for Music Education awards presented by the .

This is ��Vlog’s 20th year to receive this recognition, placing the district among the highest and most consistently recognized systems in the country. Only 35 districts can claim the same recognition, with only five from Texas. This award underscores the significance of ��Vlog’s long-term performance and dedication to music education.

“Receiving��this award for 20 consecutive years demonstrates��Vlog's strong commitment to strengthening��student success and enriching school culture through music,” said ��Vlog interim director of fine arts. “The honor belongs not only to our educators and students, but also to a community that continues to champion fine arts education.”

The NAMM Foundation’s designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate comprehensive access to music education, sustained program quality, and strong community support. ��Vlog’s continued inclusion highlights the district’s strategic investment in fine arts programming and its alignment with broader educational goals.

��Vlog visual arts students earn statewide recognition

Kadence Stover — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 20:12:32 +0000

��Vlog is drawing major attention in the fine arts world!

Thirty-seven high school artists were selected as Visual Arts All‑Staters through the This distinction places them among the top young artists in Texas and recognizes their exceptional dedication to the visual arts.

The All‑State medals showcase the remarkable diversity of mediums, styles, and artistic voices found throughout ��Vlog’s high schools. From intricate drawings to expressive paintings, the students’ work reflects both technical skill and personal storytelling.

“VASE gives students a chance to express creativity and talent while gaining competitive experience with fellow artists,” said Tricia Turner, Lamar High School art teacher. “Through art, students explore endless possibilities, deepen their skills, and expand their understanding of what art can be.”

Earning All‑State status is the highest individual honor a Texas high school art student can receive. Students are evaluated in areas such as originality, technical ability, personal expression, and understanding of the creative process.

“Simply reaching the state level represents the culmination of months of dedicated work, both in creating their artwork and developing the ability to professionally articulate their process concepts and artistic choices,” said Sharon Miller, Martin High School art teacher. “This ability to clearly communicate one’s ideas is a skill our art students will carry with them for the rest of their lives.”

The State VASE event gives students a powerful chance to shape their artistic future by meeting directly with college and university art representatives who review their portfolios and may offer admissions acceptance or scholarships.

“I’m grateful our state and district offer such a big competition for young artists. We look forward to it every year,” said Elizabeth Fieler, Bowie High School art teacher.

��Vlog’s commitment to fine arts continues to open doors for students to explore and excel in creative fields. That support doesn’t just prepare them for events like VASE, it empowers them to discover their voice and confidently pursue opportunities that shape their future.

According to the Texas Art Education Association’s 2026 District Administrators Summary Report, 32,456 artworks were evaluated at the regional level, with 2,154 advancing to State VASE. Of the 292 ��Vlog entries submitted to High School VASE Region 11S, 210 earned the highest regional rating.

Rodriguez Junior High Band makes history with UIL Sweepstakes

Kadence Stover — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 21:17:28 +0000

The Rodriguez Junior High band just made history.

For the first time in 64 years, the Rodriguez band (formerly Carter Junior High band) earned the Sweepstakes Award, the highest honor a band can receive in Texas UIL music competitions. The achievement marks a defining moment for students, staff, and the entire ��Vlog community.

“Getting to work with them on the podium and watching that growth unfold every day has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career,” said Alexis Solomon, Rodriguez assistant band director.

Solomon explained that the band’s success didn’t come from shortcuts or flashy routines. It came from embracing the basics with purpose.

“We made a point to focus on the things that aren’t always fun but are essential to becoming a disciplined, mature musician: long tones, fundamentals, and detailed drills,” Solomon said. “The kids understood the purpose behind it, and they committed to it fully.”

That commitment radiated on the UIL stage, where students demonstrated musical maturity far beyond their years. Junior high musicians typically only have two years of experience before being expected to perform at a high level, a challenge Solomon says the students met with determination.

“This accomplishment is a reflection of who our students are: capable, driven, and ready to achieve great things, regardless of circumstances or time on their instrument,” Solomon said.

For many students, the win carried an emotional weight that went far beyond the performance itself. After months of intense rehearsals, they saw their effort turn into something historic.��

“The feeling of getting sweepstakes while knowing all the time, dedication, and hard work that went into it compares to no other,” said Lupita, an oboe player in the band.

Roman, who plays percussion in the band, understands how historic their achievement is.

“Sixty-four years of waiting. Every note carried hope, and every failure carried weight, but it all paid off,” Roman said. “Sweepstakes wasn't given, it was earned.”��

This award represents far more than musical excellence, it symbolizes a new beginning for a program raising the bar for every student.

“Hard work pays off,” said Chad Strother, head band director. “The students really strived to rise to the challenge every day. Next year's students have big shoes to fill and the established pattern of excellence our kids started this year.”

Six ��Vlog students named 2026 All-State Musicians

Ryan Pierce — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 22:31:24 +0000

Five Martin HS students earn All-State

Six ��Vlog students are hitting all the right notes��– and��earning one of the highest honors in Texas music education.��

Students from Arlington and Martin high��schools��have been named 2026 All-State Musicians by the Texas Music Educators Association (), placing them among the top��3%��of high school musicians in the state. Out of more than 70,000 students who begin the audition process each fall, fewer than 1,900 earn a spot in a Texas All-State ensemble.��

“This is truly an honor that represents dedication, talent and thousands of hours of practice,” said��Arlington��ISD assistant director of fine arts Gary Barnard. “Our all-state students have learned to set a long-term goal, work for that goal, and then achieve it. These skills will serve them well in everything they do for the rest of their lives.”��

The journey to All-State is rigorous. Students first compete at the regional level, performing selected music for a panel of judges who rank each instrument and voice part. The top musicians advance to area auditions, where they compete against the best from across multiple regions. Only the highest-ranking students��at��the��area��competition��earn the opportunity to perform in one of 18 elite All-State ensembles.��

��Vlog’s 2026 All-State Musicians are:��

Thomas Ingram-May,��12th grade, Martin HS – Bb Clarinet – 6A All-State Concert Band��

Arlo Peacock, 12th grade, Martin HS – String Bass – 6A All-State Concert Band��

Avaree Barton, 10th grade, Martin HS – Alto 1 – Large School All-State Mixed Choir��

Elijah Kerley, 11th grade, Martin HS – Tenor 2 – Large School All-State Mixed Choir��

Rose��Nyamuhokya, 12th grade, Martin HS – Alto 1 – All-State Treble Choir��

Kaleb Ladd, 11th grade, Arlington HS – Tenor 1 – All-State Tenor-Bass Choir��

These outstanding students will take the stage��this week at��the TMEA Convention in San Antonio, where they��are��performing��alongside the best young musicians in Texas.��

Congratulations to these talented ��Vlog students for��representing��their schools��and��the��Vlog��community at the highest level!��

Piano teacher brings international experience back to ��Vlog

Ryan Pierce — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 17:35:50 +0000

When piano and music theory teacher Jose Cubela teaches his students at the Dr. Marcelo Cavazos Center for Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA), he brings an international perspective, having performed and taught abroad.

Most recently, it was in Taiwan.

Six cities, more than 1,500 students, and countless performances shaped last summer for Cubela. He spent six weeks in Taiwan serving as an examiner for the . From late June through early August, he traveled across the country, working with piano students and teachers in churches, universities, and music schools.

The experience was both exciting and eye-opening.

“It is so cool,” Cubela said. “To visit different towns and big cities – it’s crazy.”

Throughout the summer, Cubela assessed performers ranging from beginners to advanced students and worked directly with both students and teachers to address technical and musical challenges. The Committee’s curriculum closely mirrors the system – a globally recognized, structured music education framework offering graded levels of study from beginner to advanced for various instruments and voice – with expectations increasing at each level.

“I worked with students all the way from beginner to advanced. Some teachers didn’t know how to fix technical issues or problem-solve, and that’s where I come in.”

Cubela’s journey began in Tainan, Taiwan’s oldest city, where he spent nearly three weeks examining students. From there, he traveled to Guiren and Hsinchu, where he visited the historic Hsinchu City God Temple, a cultural landmark located in the center of the city’s night market.

One of the most memorable stops was Hualien, a coastal city on Taiwan’s eastern shore. The train ride there – through mountains and along the Pacific Ocean – offered some of the most striking scenery of the trip.

The trip concluded in Taipei, Taiwan’s cultural and educational center and home to the Taipei Philharmonic Foundation. There, Cubela spent ten days continuing examinations and teaching, while also visiting landmarks such as Taipei 101, once the world’s tallest building.

For Cubela, the most rewarding moments came from seeing growth happen in real time.

“I loved it when the students and teachers left their work with me happy because they found something they could use. The problems that they were having – now they have a solution.”

He also emphasized the ripple effect of working with educators.

“It’s really cool when teachers can take information, see quick improvement, and then apply it to their own studio,” he said.

The lessons Cubela shared in Taiwan are part of the reason he is such a successful teacher here.

“I have worked with Mr. Cubela twice in ��Vlog,” said CVPA principal Thomas Flagg. “I hired him to join the fine arts and dual language academy at Gunn Junior High, and then he left to assume this position at the CVPA. Our students are receiving world class piano instruction because not only is he a phenomenal teacher, but he is also an incredible pianist. In the few years I've worked with him, he's performed in Spain, Portugal, and Taiwan. Our students are getting lessons from a well-respected practitioner, which makes a difference.”

Flagg also highlighted Cubela’s ability to connect with students at every level.

“Mr. Cubela is a kid magnet,” he said. “He can and will work with any student, even the most difficult students loved working with him. As a middle school teacher, he was a favorite among parents and students. Many of his former students come to study with him to this day. I know this is a high school, but he's providing college-level piano and music theory, and we're all the better for it.”

Music has always been central to Cubela’s life. He began playing piano as a child, learning from neighbors who played, and later built a career rooted in performance and education. That passion continues back home at ��Vlog’s CVPA.

“I love teaching the students here,” Cubela said. “They are just so talented, and they love being here, too.”

High School students honored as top artists in Texas

Ryan Pierce — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 14:26:21 +0000

Leah Mokiao among top 2% of student artists in Texas

Sometimes a piece of art doesn’t just show a moment – it reflects something deeper. For Martin High School senior Leah Mokiao, that feeling came to life in her piece “Comfortably Numb,” a portrait that has now earned one of the highest honors in Texas visual arts: the Texas Art Education Association .��

This year, Mokiao joined two Arlington High School 2025 graduates – Keira Cloud and Valerie Ortega – as ��Vlog celebrated three Gold Seal recipients. Out of 32,518 regional entries across Texas, only 2,363 advanced to state. From there, just 164 earned a Gold Seal, putting these students in roughly the top 2% of all artwork submitted.��

For Mokiao, creating art has always been personal.��

“The pieces I like to create always pull a personal meaning from my life or something that I am feeling at the time,” she said.��

That’s exactly what shaped “Comfortably Numb.” She chose her brother as the subject because, as she explained, “his facial structure fit the vibe I was going for.”��

The piece captures a feeling she knows well – one that’s hard to describe but easy to recognize.��

“It’s kind of like having that emotion of how a lot is going on and you’re not necessarily happy or sad. You’re just kind of there,” she said. “That’s how I was feeling at the time.”��

When she found out the piece earned a Gold Seal, Mokiao was thrilled.��

“It’s crazy,” Mokiao said. “I’m in shock, but I feel accomplished and proud of myself. That’s such a crazy number.”��

[caption id="attachment_196850" align="alignright" width="500"] Piece by Valeria Ortega, Arlington High School[/caption]

She’s quick to credit her art teacher, Sharon Miller, who has taught her for the past two years and encouraged her to keep pushing her creativity.��

“I am immensely proud of her,” Miller said. “She is a very gifted artist and student. She really puts in the time and the work. She’s just a natural and I couldn't be more proud of the success that she has garnered with the Gold Seal.”��

This year, Miller watched Mokiao take more risks – experimenting with new mediums, layering techniques and textures. Her Gold Seal piece even includes real canvas incorporated into the blanket.��

Mokiao says Miller played a huge role in helping her grow.��

“Mrs. Miller has made sure to push me,” she said. “She wants me to reach my full potential and give my emotions to the piece. She has a huge belief that your piece should have meaning – and that’s what makes art and why I love it.”��

[caption id="attachment_196849" align="alignright" width="500"] Piece by Keira Cloud, Arlington High School, on display at the ��Vlog Center for Visual and Performing Arts. Cloud created the piece while in art classes at the CVPA with art teacher Michael Bruno.[/caption]

And when trying something new felt uncomfortable, she never felt alone.��

“Mrs. Miller has helped me push out of the boundaries,” Mokiao said. “Even if I felt a little uncomfortable, she’s always there and supportive.”��

All three ��Vlog Gold Seal pieces are now traveling the state, with stops at the Glassell School of Art in Houston, the Dr. Marcelo Cavazos Center for Visual and Performing Arts in Arlington, the Austin ISD Performing Arts Center, and finally the TAEA State Conference in Round Rock.��

��Vlog’s track record in the arts is strong –12 straight years of Visual Arts All-Staters and seven consecutive years with at least one Gold Seal honoree.��

For Mokiao, “Comfortably Numb” isn’t just another assignment. It’s a moment in her life captured on canvas – and a reminder of what can happen when students are given the space and support to express themselves.��

All ��Vlog marching bands earn ‘First Division’ ratings at regional contests

Ryan Pierce — Fri, 24 Oct 2025 16:07:09 +0000

Last Saturday was historic for ��Vlog’s fine arts program. All six district high school marching bands earned top honors at the UIL Region 5 Marching Band Contests and advanced to Area contests, a feat achieved only five times since 2004.

Advancement is based on receiving a “First Division” rating, an honor awarded for superior performance.

“This milestone reflects not only musical excellence but also the dedication of our students, directors, and support staff,” said Dr. Christopher Anderson, ��Vlog director of fine arts. “It’s a testament to the enriching experiences we strive to provide for every child in the district.”

It’s also the product of a district and community devoted to providing students the best opportunities in fine arts.

“Over the past few years, ��Vlog has invested in modern sound systems, custom uniforms, new instruments, custom semi-trailers, and professional show design services to ensure our students have access to contemporary marching arts experiences,” Anderson said.

Everyone is invited cheer on these talented students at their upcoming Area contests and celebrate this remarkable achievement together.

��Vlog couple leads Mariachi Vaqueros

Ryan Pierce — Mon, 14 Oct 2024 14:00:03 +0000

Mariachi Vaqueros a legacy of Sam Houston HS' mariachi program

is a time for many to celebrate their cultural traditions with loved ones. For one ��Vlog couple, it’s an opportunity to share the vibrant sounds of mariachi music with the world.��

Albert and Beatriz Becerra — an assistant principal at Speer Elementary and secretary at Key Elementary — both discovered their love for mariachi music as high school students. Beatriz Beccera began her mariachi journey at Sam Houston High School while Albert Beccera followed a similar path in his hometown of El Paso.��

The duo met while performing mariachi, fell in love and eventually married. Their shared passion led them to form , a group devoted to preserving and celebrating mariachi music in their community.��

“For me as a first-generation American, playing mariachi allowed me to connect with my roots and honor our culture,” Beatriz Beccera said. “My parents are from Mexico and performing this music gave me a way to connect with them and our heritage.”��

For Albert Becerra, it’s about keeping the history of mariachi alive.��

“Being able to depict the music of our culture and spread it around is so awesome,” he said. “We’re letting people know how special it is and to keep carrying that history on.”��

The Becceras formed their mariachi group, Mariachi Vaqueros, nearly a decade ago with Sam Houston alumni who were members of Sam’s first mariachi group, Mariachi Tejano de Sam Houston. ��

For the past eight years, they’ve been performing at the Hispanic Heritage Month game. This season, they officially signed to play at every home game.��

“It’s been really fun to incorporate the culture within the gameday experience,” Albert Beccera said. “We’ve had people come up to us and share their backgrounds. It’s really cool, you kind of get chills. We’re from here but we get to portray their culture to the best of our ability and showcase the talent we have here in Texas.”��

Those connections are what make each performance so special.

“I love it,” Beatriz Beccera said. “We get to provide such a unique experience to people from all over the world who come out to AT&T stadium.”��

With Sam Houston having the only mariachi program in the district, Albert Becerra hopes to bring the art to Speer. Growing in schools throughout Texas, mariachi has even become a UIL-sanctioned event, further fueling their passion for teaching it to future generations.��

“Our kids are the future,” Albert Becerra said. “They get to carry on this legacy.”��

Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates that legacy and underscores the uniqueness of American diversity.��

“The fact that we have a month to celebrate the different cultures is amazing,” Albert Beccera said. “As an educator that’s always at the forefront, I’m educating people on the culture, the music and the traditions.”��

And that’s exactly what Mariachi Vaqueros aims to do — celebrate, educate and share the beauty of mariachi with audiences far and wide!��

Learn more about .��

Students create art to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at Workman Junior High

Ryan Pierce — Mon, 07 Oct 2024 17:14:31 +0000

All art students contribute

at Workman Junior High School is a thing of beauty.

That’s what happens when three art teachers work with their students to create a display that captures the essence of the month with vibrant colors and works of art.

There are pinatas, paper flowers and of course portraits.

“I wanted it to be a collaboration art project where everyone had their hands on it,” said art teacher Daniel Lara.

He got his wish, too.

His students – along with students from Efrain Lucero’s and William McElroy’s classes spent time during school and after school to transform a wall in the school.

After eight days of work, the students had created a masterpiece that included everything from flags to a portrait of Frida Kahlo.

“It’s amazing,” Lara said. “Every single art class had a hand in this. The students stayed after school. They did the work, and we wanted to get the experience of setting up an art installation. We value their opinions. They’re art students.”

It really was all hands on deck to create the project, too.

Lucero’s eighth grade advanced art students were on pinata duty, creating multiple pinatas for the design. McElroy’s seventh grade students created the paper flowers for the design. And Lara took care of the Kahlo portrait. Add in the flags that represent all the Hispanic cultures, and Workman had a masterpiece the school could be proud of.

“I’m incredibly proud of our art teachers and students for their dedication to our Hispanic Heritage art installation,” Workman principal Dr. Erin Fogleman said. “Our teachers are inspiring students to push the boundaries of their creativity and learn the importance of collaboration. I can't wait to see their next installation that is already in the works.”

Dean Corey Marching Extravaganza returns to UTA’s Maverick Stadium

Ryan Pierce — Thu, 12 Sep 2024 15:32:47 +0000

Dean Corey Marching Extravaganza is free

The Dean Corey Marching Extravaganza is returning to UT Arlington’s Maverick Stadium for the first time since 2019.

Plus, it’s free for the first time ever! Parking is free, too.

With performances from the marching bands of all six ��Vlog traditional high schools along with UTA’s marching band, this year’s event is shaping up to be one of the best ever.

So, mark your calendars for Sept. 30 at 7 p.m. at .

Each band will perform the show they’re working on for halftime at football games and marching competitions in October.

“It’s a preparatory event for our high school bands as they prepare for marching season,” said Craig Needham, ��Vlog’s assistant director of fine arts. “This is a snapshot of where they’re at in the competitive preparation.”

Back at Maverick

Cravens Field at Lamar High School hosted the Marching Extravaganza for the last several years, but the field doesn’t have enough seating for everyone to sit on the same side.

“Bands face a particular direction,” Needham explained.

So, the size of Maverick Stadium equates to a better show for the audience. It’s large enough for everyone to sit on the same side of the stadium.

“We’re able to put everybody – all our patrons, all the bands, everybody – on the home side,” Needham said.

“Everybody” includes all of the district’s junior high band performers. They’ll be bused to the event and get to watch what they will one day be a part of.

And it includes you, too! Everyone in the community is welcome to come see and hear a great show.

Craig Needham named assistant director of fine arts – performing arts

Ryan Pierce — Wed, 22 May 2024 15:51:02 +0000

Needham is past president of the Texas Orchestra Directors Association

Craig Needham is the new assistant director of fine arts – performing arts for the ��Vlog.

Needham was the director of orchestras at Richardson Berkner High School for 16 years and has spent the last three years as the orchestra director at McKinney Boyd High School. Needham is the past president of the and past Orchestra Division Vice-President for the . He’s now the president-elect of that organization.

“His history of service is huge and is central to how he is wired – a factor that is echoed by everyone I have talked to,” said Dr. Christopher Anderson, the ��Vlog director of fine arts. “He is an incredible fit for the district.”

Needham has also served as a TMEA Region Chair and UIL Sight Reading Committee Chair and as a member of the TMEA Honor Orchestra Committee, the UIL Music Advisory Committee and the UIL Prescribed Music List Committee.

Under Needham’s direction, his orchestras have achievements at the highest levels including being named the 2006-2007 TMEA String Honor Orchestra. In 2016, his full orchestra students received the coveted invitation to perform at Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic, including a collaboration with the Canadian Brass.

Needham is taking over for Joe Munoz, who left the ��Vlog to become the executive director of the Texas Music Educators Association.

Art student’s painting featured on cover of art education newsletter

Ryan Pierce — Thu, 22 Feb 2024 19:43:34 +0000

Keira Cloud's painting evokes nostalgia

For Arlington High School junior Keira Cloud, her passion for art goes beyond the classroom.��

“She puts in 100%, she’s all-in,” said Arlington High School art teacher Michelle Justice. ��

That’s why her artwork goes beyond the classroom, too.��

As the artist featured on the cover of the 2024 Winter Texas Art Education Association () Newsletter, Cloud’s��“Diner in the Snow” is being��displayed across Texas.��

“It feels really exciting,” said Cloud. “It’s super rewarding to see something I put so much effort into on the cover of the E-STAR.”��

But the piece is��more than just the cover of a��newsletter. It’s a special childhood memory.��

“My inspiration was my childhood love for the holidays,” Cloud��said. “In the painting, the view from the windows is a photo my dad took of my childhood house’s street during a snowstorm when I was younger.” ��

She grew up with a fondness for wintertime and Christmas and was successful in creating that��nostalgic feeling in her painting.��

“What I especially love about her piece making the cover is how it compares to the artwork that usually gets selected for these honors,” said Justice. “It is refreshing to see Keira's atmospheric, subdued, poetic landscape earn this recognition.”��

In fact, the��painting has been recognized for its ambiance��multiple times before. ��

“Diner in the Snow” previously received a regional medal, a state medal and the highest honor in the event, the Gold Seal Award.��

“My entire childhood I grew up with the dream of being an artist,” said Cloud. “I’ve always admired the expression of beauty and emotion through art. I hope to continue developing my skills and understanding for as long as I can.” ��

Cloud has a willingness to try new things, and her teachers have helped encourage her��dream, too.��

“This piece was her first oil painting,” said Justice. “I had a feeling she was going to love it and it would open a whole new world of possibilities for her.”��

After taking on the challenge, Cloud discovered��a new favorite medium of art.��

“Since this painting was my first time working with oil paint, I'm very grateful to have had such a patient and thoughtful teacher to help me learn the basics,” Cloud said. “I believe the memories and bonds between me and my teachers will stick with me forever.” ��

Learn more about .

Corey Cub Chorus to perform at music educators convention

Ryan Pierce — Tue, 06 Feb 2024 14:33:59 +0000

Corey chorus performance will honor teachers

Prepping since September, the Corey Cub Chorus from Corey Academy of Fine Arts and Dual Language is almost ready to take the stage at the (TMEA) convention this week.��

But it all started back in July when Corey’s music teacher, Felipe Rosales, submitted a recording of one of the chorus’ performances.��

“I wanted to bring forth the love of music making,” said Rosales. ��

As one of only three elementary choirs in Texas selected to sing at the convention, that’s exactly what they’ll do at the convention that runs Wednesday through Saturday. Corey’s singers perform Thursday afternoon.��

“The kids are really excited,” Rosales said. “I told them, ‘You are going to be performing for all the Mr. Rosales’ and that’s when they really understood how big of a deal this is.”��

The Cubs are set to sing a selection of five choral songs for children.��

"I’m excited about performing in front of a lot of people,” said fifth grader Daniel Aguirre.��

But it’s not just about music.��

“It’s also a big thank you to our teachers,” said Rosales.��

That’s why the Cubs will be sharing personal letters to teachers who have inspired them in between each song.��

From singing, dancing and inspiring transitions, it’s an expression of gratitude to the educators who have played a pivotal role in shaping the success of young performers.��

"I'm mostly excited to make the teachers at TMEA happy and perform for them because they don't always get the appreciation they deserve," said fifth grader Elise Gonzales.��

“We are so excited to be representing ��Vlog at the state level,” Rosales said. “This is one of the largest honors a choir can receive.”��

Leading up to the convention, the choir had the chance to perform at the Dr. Marcelo Cavazos Center for Visual and Performing Arts and another show this past Sunday in University Park.��

These young performers sure are worth celebrating, and teachers like Rosales, too!��

"It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Gonzales. “It will be a memory I will never forget."��

DeMarcus Ware surprises art class with Cowboys tickets

Ryan Pierce — Fri, 17 Nov 2023 15:08:33 +0000

Cowboys and Pepsi donate $5,000 to art program

Football and art go together.

At least that’s what Dallas Cowboys legend DeMarcus Ware said. And he proved it Wednesday when he showed up to the ��Vlog’s Dr. Marcelo Cavazos Center for Visual and Performing Arts.

He walked into the Art IV class and surprised all 32 of the stunned students with two tickets each to the Nov. 30 Dallas Cowboys game. He also delivered a $5,000 check from the Dallas Cowboys and Pepsi for the art program.

The Nov. 30 game against the Seattle Seahawks is where Ware will receive his NFL Hall of Fame ring.

It’s also where an original piece of art – currently being created by the Art IV class – will be revealed. The class includes 32 seniors from across the district who have been collaborating on the project designed to celebrate Ware’s legacy.

Pepsi commissioned the art as part of its campaign that encourages people to recycle. Pepsi also gifted all of the art students backpacks made of upcycled materials.

The unique art is made completely of repurposed materials. It includes parts from old furniture, foam fished out of Joe Pool Lake and plenty of empty Pepsi cans.

“The biggest part of it is the blue flame,” Martin High School senior Aryana Louys explained to Ware. “It’s not completed yet, but I think it really represents what an inspiration you are and the inspiration you ignite in others.”

The sculpture also features Ware’s entire Hall of Fame acceptance speech that he gave in Canton, Ohio. One of the art students transcribed it by hand on the sculpture.

One element that wasn’t on the statue yet is a mold of Ware’s hand clutching a Pepsi can – because it still had to be made. So, surrounded by the class, Ware stuck his hand – clutching the Pepsi can – into a bucket of wet alginate.

And then he waited.

As the alginate dried to create the mold, Ware invited the class to ask questions. The students, awed to be in the presence of the 6-foot-4-inch Cowboys legend, hung on his every word.

But Ware was as down to earth as can be as he shared from his heart and talked about the challenges from his youth that shaped who he became.

“I was a kid that was really different,” Ware said. “It felt like I didn’t belong.”

But eventually, he realized that being different made him special.

“Be yourself,” he challenged the students. “If you dare to be different, that’s when you’re really going to be a gamechanger … Stick with it. Be you. And eventually, you’re going to sit in the right seat that God made for you.”

The students were touched.

“It was so inspiring to hear him talk about his life,” said Martin senior Ariana Wolf. “I can’t even describe it in words. It’s truly inspiring to all of us.”

Elizabeth Fender, a Sam Houston High School senior, felt the same way.

“With DeMarcus Ware here and seeing what he’s accomplished and hearing his [Hall of Fame] speech and reading his speech and just talking about his life here really does inspire me to try to be fully who I am and just be all that I can be.”

Now that the mold is ready, the students need to finish the project by Nov. 30 and figure out who they are taking with them to the game. Even though AT&T Stadium is across the street from the CVPA, only a couple of the students have ever been to a Cowboys game.

And they can’t wait.

One student proudly showed Ware the Cowboys sweatshirt he had on – and the Cowboys t-shirt he had on underneath.

Fender is excited, too, even though she’s more of an artist than a football fan.

“I’ve never been to a football game in my life, not even to my little brother’s,” she said. “I’ve never liked sports much, but just to have this reward is really appreciated and I would love to go.”

It turns out, art and football really can go together.

��Vlog junior high students earn nearly half of regional orchestra seats

Ryan Pierce — Wed, 01 Nov 2023 20:32:38 +0000

TMEA orchestra concert is at I.M. Terrell Academy in Fort Worth

The Region 5 Orchestra concert this Saturday, Nov. 4, will have a decidedly Arlington feel.

That’s because nearly half of the 226 orchestra members hail from ��Vlog junior high schools. ��Vlog is one of five participating districts, along with Fort Worth, Mansfield, Cedar Hill and Grand Prairie. ��

"��Vlog has an incredible tradition of excellence in TMEA Region 5 orchestra competitions, often placing more students in the Region 5 junior high and high school orchestras than any of the other participating districts,” said Donald Sibley, head orchestra director at Gunn Junior High School and Fine Arts and Dual Language Academy.

[caption id="attachment_175434" align="alignright" width="500"] Gunn's orchestra performing at the ��Vlog Center for Visual and Performing Arts.[/caption]

In fact, Sibley’s own school, Gunn, placed 37 students in the middle school orchestra, more than any other school in the region.��

The 109 ��Vlog students who earned a seat in one of the three Region 5 ensembles that will perform this Saturday – a symphonic orchestra, philharmonic orchestra and camerata orchestra – are all incredible musicians. They were selected from among 425 students who auditioned.

“The members of the Region 5 orchestras are among the elite student-musicians in the area and perform at a level of artistry that is sometimes hard to believe," Sibley said.

See them perform this Saturday at 3 p.m. at I.M. Terrell Academy in Fort Worth.

Arlington Jones brings art of improvisation to students at the CVPA

Ryan Pierce — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 19:11:04 +0000

Jones is a classical jazz pianist and Steinway Artist

When you hear the word improv, you might think of comedy.

But Arlington Jones’ masterclass on improvisation last week at the Dr. Marcelo Cavazos Center for Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA) wasn’t about being funny.

But it sure was fun.

, a classical jazz pianist and composer, gave students in Toni Worley’s piano and AP Music Theory classes a front-row masterclass on the art of musical improvisation.

“Mr. Jones is awesome,” said Arlington High School senior and guitarist Sal Osorio. “I really enjoyed him coming to show us new techniques and making it fun.”

Jones is a who has performed all over the world, but he is also an educator who loves to share his passion for piano and jazz with all ages. He knew that to keep kids interested in his improv class, he would have to keep them engaged. Students learn to listen to measures in the class and find their pocket inside of the rhythmic tunes.

“Arlington Jones is an amazingly talented performer and musician," Worley said. “His creative methods to draw our students out provided a unique opportunity for interaction and collaboration with a master musician that was enjoyable and fun. Our students loved this presentation!”

Arlington Jones

Jones, a native of Chicago, moved to DFW as a boy with his parents, and through their encouragement, began to play the piano. Jones credits his parents for his diligence in perfecting his craft. He also cites jazz artists like Ramsey Lewis and gospel artists like the Clark sisters as inspirations in his musical journey.

“I realized I had an ear for music when I started to play around age eight,” Jones said. “My parents recognized my talent and didn’t allow me to quit. They inspire me greatly. I started out playing classical music and then I began playing in church and started writing music. It wasn’t until my junior year in high school that I decided that I wanted to pursue music full-time.”

Jazz opera world premiere at the CVPA

Jones will be back at the CVPA on Dec. 20 for the world premiere of the jazz opera “Promise of the Heart.” Jones wrote the opera, along with his wife Hope.

Get tickets and learn more at .

Lamar High School wind and percussion ensembles invited to national music festival

Ryan Pierce — Wed, 18 Oct 2023 18:46:04 +0000

Lamar's ensembles two of only 45 selected from across the country

Lamar High School’s wind ensemble will have some company when it heads to a prestigious national festival in March.

That’s because the Lamar percussion ensemble was selected to participate, too.

Both ensembles will be headed to Indianapolis to perform at the 2024 .

Following a rigorous application and audition process, only 45 ensembles across the country were invited. The festival will feature both high school and middle school ensembles and is considered the nation’s premier non-competitive festival for scholastic instrumental music ensembles.

The two Lamar groups were selected and deemed to have achieved the level of musical performance and artistry worthy of being featured and celebrated on a national stage. This will be the second festival for Lamar’s percussion ensemble and the first for the wind ensemble.

“I am proud of the Lamar Band students for being selected for this prestigious honor,” said Lamar director of bands Alan Lang. “The directors have been working for years to elevate the Lamar Band to this national standard of performance.”

Students will have the chance to perform at top venues, receive evaluations and feedback from a panel of renowned conductors and clinicians and participate in educational workshops.

“The kids are incredibly excited,” said Lang. “They know that this is a unique opportunity to be able to perform a concert, socialize with band students from around the country and learn from amazing professional musicians and conductors.”

The festival will take place from March 21-23. Leading up to the trip, the program will begin fundraising activities to support their travel to Indianapolis.

So, be on the lookout for upcoming opportunities to support the Vikings as they prepare for their incredible adventure.

Congratulations to all our students and staff of Lamar’s wind and percussion ensembles on being selected for this prestigious honor.

“Accomplishing something like this shows that ��Vlog fine arts continues to be a nationally recognized district for music education,” said Lang. “We expect the festival to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

You can learn more information about the festival or make donations .

��Vlog visual fine arts program honored with state award

Ryan Pierce — Mon, 14 Aug 2023 20:22:08 +0000

Among top 5% of visual arts programs

As a district that believes every child deserves a well-rounded education embedded in the arts, ��Vlog has earned the .

The honor goes to districts that are among the top 5% of visual arts programs in the state. It also honors the district for providing an education that advocates and integrates visual arts curriculum to inspire creativity and build social-emotional learning that connects learners to their community and beyond.

“It was an honor and special moment for ��Vlog to be named a District of Distinction, as it signifies our visual arts vision coming to fruition,” said Linh Nguyen, the district’s assistant director of visual fine arts. “This recognition represents the commitment and dedication of our district, fine arts department and all the amazing art teachers in providing every student the opportunity to be successful in the arts.”

TAEA is the largest state professional organization for art educators in the United States. The District of Distinction Award just completed its fifth year in recognizing school districts with outstanding leadership in promoting the arts in their district and community.

This November, Nguyen will attend the TAEA fall conference to accept the District of Distinction Award and be sworn in as the President of TAEA.

“It’s such a blessing to be able to experience both perspectives at the state and district level,” said Nguyen. “It was not an easy feat, and I am so proud of those who made it happen.”

��Vlog named a Best Community for Music Education

Ryan Pierce — Mon, 12 Jun 2023 16:10:45 +0000

Best Communities for Music Education

This sounds like a broken record, but it sounds really good.

For the 17^th time, the ��Vlog has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from The NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education.

“Few districts offer the breadth of music experiences that Arlington does,” said ��Vlog director of fine arts Dr. Christopher Anderson. “From the extraordinary Center for Visual and Performing Arts down to the fact that every student gets weekly music instruction at the elementary level, we have distinguished ourselves as one of the top 4% of districts nationwide for access to excellent music education. The continued support of the board of trustees, the superintendent and the community makes this one of the premier places for children to receive music training.”

To qualify for the Best Communities designation, the ��Vlog answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program and community music-making programs. Responses were verified by school officials and reviewed by at the University of Kansas.��

The NAMM Foundation is a nonprofit supported in part by the National Association of Music Merchants and its 15,000 member companies and individual professionals. The foundation advances active participation in music-making across the lifespan by supporting scientific research, philanthropic giving and public service programs. For more information about The NAMM Foundation, please visit .��

Dance in the new year with Gunn Junior High School and Fine Arts and Dual Language Academy

Ryan Pierce — Thu, 22 Dec 2022 14:00:54 +0000

Dance with Gunn teacher DeeAnn Evans and students

Our schools may be closed over the holiday break, but we’re ready to dance into the new year! We visited schools across the district to learn some fresh dance moves to take into 2023.

Gunn Junior High School and Fine Arts and Dual Language Academy was our second stop on the dance tour. We met with dance teacher DeeAnn Evans and her sixth graders from Jones, Corey and Wimbish to learn a jazz and musical theater piece. Evans isn’t a rookie. She began dancing when she was five years old and got her first job at 13 teaching ballet, tap, jazz and clog. Now, she’s using her talents at Gunn.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDd-lzdYi-0[/embed]

Specialized Programs

��Vlog has several specialized programs to allow students to explore their passions, including fine arts, dual language, early college pathways and STEM.

If your kiddo is a dancing machine and ready to explore opportunities beyond the classroom, head to aisd.net/specializedprograms to join the fun! The deadline to apply for specialized programs for the 2023-24 school year is Jan. 18, so don’t wait to get in on the action. Get ready to dance into the new year by trying these moves at home with your family and share the with a loved one. Happy holidays from ��Vlog!

Art students take the field before Dallas Cowboys game

Ryan Pierce — Fri, 16 Dec 2022 17:00:40 +0000

Program inspires students to pursue art

Art IV students in the ��Vlog got to take the field at AT&T Stadium thanks to the district’s partnership with the .

The 20 students were on the field Sunday before the Dallas Cowboys game to mark the milestone. They were greeted by Gene Jones.

“The story is about giving these kids a pathway and opportunity to find out what they want to do,” said Linh Nguyen, the ��Vlog assistant director of fine arts – visual arts. “They decided the arts are part of their life at this point. A lot of these kids, it was their first time at a football game. This not only highlighted them, but it gave them an opportunity they might not have otherwise.”

The students are part of the first cohort to participate in the ��Vlog/Dallas Cowboys Art Tour program, which started in 2015. They attended the art tour as fifth graders. Three years later they were back as eighth graders, and Sunday they were honored before the game along with ��Vlog superintendent Dr. Marcelo Cavazos.

This art program has served as a rite of passage for students entering the next level of arts instruction in junior high and high school. Over the course of the school year, more than 5,000 fifth- and eighth-grade students received a guided tour of the vast Dallas Cowboys��(about 92 artworks from 62 artists) at the stadium as a way to jump-start inspiration to create their own works of art.

“You really can’t measure the exposure the kids have in seeing the artwork at AT&T Stadium,” Nguyen said. “They get to see art in action. For the Cowboys to share that with our students, it’s a chance of a lifetime.”

Dean Corey Marching Extravaganza is Sept. 26

Ryan Pierce — Fri, 16 Sep 2022 20:53:45 +0000

40th Annual Marching Extravaganza

Join ��Vlog on Monday, Sept. 26, for the 40^th annual Dean Corey Marching Extravaganza.��

All six of ��Vlog’s phenomenal high school marching bands (Arlington, Bowie, Lamar, Martin, Sam Houston and Seguin) will take the field and perform from 7-8:30 p.m. at Cravens Field.��

Each band will perform the shows they will take to the��Marching Contest that takes place Tuesday, Oct. 11, at Vernon Newsom Stadium in Mansfield. Bands that receive a first division rating advance to the area competition, and the top bands from the area move on to the state marching competition in the first full week in November.��

The extravaganza is a unique opportunity to witness the prestige of each of ��Vlog’s spectacular bands. ��Vlog Director of Fine Arts Christopher Anderson is thrilled about this year’s event.��

“Although our bands see each other every week at football games, there are just not opportunities to come together to support each other that are quite like this one,” he said. “Each band can perform their show the way it was intended to be performed without the constraints that come with halftime schedules at football games. They can get comments to help improve their performances for UIL as well as a chance to get an early run-through of the show logistics that will mimic the contest. This is a community event as well as an educational event, and when those two things can come together, that is a win for everyone.”

The extravaganza honors the legacy of Dean P. Corey, an Arlington High School band director from 1949-1972, who later served as coordinator of music activities for the district from 1972-1980. Corey is also the namesake of ��Vlog’s elementary school,��Corey Academy of Fine Arts and Dual Language.��

The University of Texas at Arlington’s marching band will also perform at the extravaganza, giving district students the opportunity to see a university marching band up close and personal.��

Tickets are $5 per person at the gate (cash only), and proceeds from all ticket sales will benefit the Arlington Music Enrichment Program. The mission of the Arlington Music Enrichment Program is to improve the musical education experience for all ��Vlog students in band, choir and orchestra programs by providing financial assistance to students for music lessons.��

Concessions will be open. Please do not bring outside food or drinks into the event.��

Be sure to follow the district’s��,��and��Twitter��pages for posts from the event on Sept. 26.��

For any questions about this event, email the event coordinator, Raeanne Byington, at��rbyingto@aisd.net.��

CVPA Exhibit Features Exclusive Art from Disney

Ryan Pierce — Tue, 26 Jul 2022 21:12:19 +0000

Exhibit runs until Aug. 14

Some things in life just have a way of transporting you back to your childhood and bringing old memories back to life.

Now, you don’t have to watch a movie or rummage through old photos to get that special feeling. Just head to the ��Vlog Center for Visual and Performing Arts to see the exclusive art exhibition featuring “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” and Academy Award-winning Eyvind Earle, a former Disney background artist.

In conjunction with the , the exhibition features private, never-before-seen original paintings and collections from Earle and the 1988 hit Disney movie.

The Roger Rabbit exhibition shows a combination of classic hand-drawn animation on cels that are laid over the live-action shot frame-by -rame. It takes 24 cels to create one second of an animated film, so you can only imagine how many cels an artist like Earle would have to create to produce a 90-minute film.

The Eyvind Earle Collection also displays landscape serigraph prints created by the artist. His work includes painting the settings for a few stories you may know like Peter Pan, Paul Bunyon and Lady and the Tramp. Earle was even responsible for the styling, backgrounds and colors for the highly-acclaimed Sleeping Beauty movie.

Disney is Nostalgia��

“The beauty of this is connecting with the museum and creating access to this unique opportunity to see some incredible art,” said Linh Nguyen, ��Vlog assistant director of fine arts. “This art influenced the future of Disney movies and shows. This is an experience for our kids and community to see images they grew up with in real life, and it brings a sense of nostalgia and childhood memories back in art form.”

Art educators across North Texas are welcome at the CVPA for a special exhibition night from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, August 3. Ioan Szasz will be the guest lecturer for Earle’s collection followed by an art hop to the Arlington Museum of Art to view the .

Don’t wait to check out these exclusive collections because the exhibition will only run until August 14. The art gallery is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and admission is free to the public.

Jacob Lawrence art exhibit opens this week

Ryan Pierce — Tue, 29 Jun 2021 22:10:51 +0000

If you’re looking to try something new this summer, your plans just got a little more interesting with the Jacob Lawrence art exhibit opening up at the ��Vlog Center for Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA). The exhibit will have a soft opening to the public on Thursday, July 1 and will remain open until Sept. 5.

EXHIBITION DATES: JULY 1 - SEPT. 3

- COST: Free
- GALLERY HOURS: July 1-July 15, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (Mon-Thurs);
  July 19-Sept. 3, 10 a.m.-4p.m. (Mon-Fri)

Lawrence was one of the first nationally recognized African American painters whose work was heavily influenced by the Harlem Renaissance in the early 1900s. His 20^th-century paintings depict the struggles and celebrate the successes of African Americans through colorful, abstract styles. The history, culture and life of African Americans inspired three series that will be featured at the CVPA throughout the summer: Genesis, Hiroshima and Toussaint L’Ouverture.

“It’s very surreal, because we have a nationally acclaimed artist in our K-12 public institution,” said Linh Nguyen, ��Vlog assistant director of fine arts. “It’s not every day that you can experience a world-class facility and artwork, and I’m glad our students get the chance to study this in the classroom and see it in real life, too.”

The showcase at the CVPA is a continuation of art currently being featured at the Arlington Museum of Art, which aims to celebrate diversity and African American artists specifically. The showcases works by 30 emerging and established African American artists of the last 30 years. On July 22, the CVPA will host a grand opening in collaboration with the Arlington Museum of Art and College Town Renaissance Center.

“Students will learn how to design shows, display artwork on the walls and curate an incredible experience all before they even leave high school. That’s unheard of,” said Nguyen. “Our goal is to get them ready for college, and when they leave us, they’ll already know how to function in a gallery.

“This building will leave an impression on the young students that come through here. Giving them the opportunity to be a part of something this special is getting them ready for the world.”

The CVPA normally showcases ��Vlog student work throughout the year and guest artists in the summer. Guests can range from locals to nationally acclaimed artists, but Nguyen stressed the importance of partnering with the community to continue to highlight fine arts in the future.

“It’s about giving the community opportunities to see something different than what they would normally experience,” said Nguyen.

Nguyen and Christopher Bryant, director of the CVPA, plan to continue creating these opportunities for Arlington and the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex by hosting at least four community events throughout the year. The duo is already preparing for next year’s summer showcase, so stay tuned for more information.

And take advantage of this year's summer showcase starting this Thursday. The Jacob Lawrence exhibit is free and open to the public at the CVPA, located next to AT&T Stadium (). Gallery hours are July 1-15 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (Monday-Thursday) and July 19-Sept. 3 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (Monday-Friday).

If you want your child to get involved in visual and performing arts, take advantage of the resources and opportunities offered by the newly-built CVPA today. The ��Vlog transfer window will be open from July 7-21. For more information on how to transfer, go to aisd.net/transfer.

��Vlog’s Assistant Director of Fine Arts elected President of the Texas Music Educators Association

Ryan Pierce — Mon, 07 Jun 2021 14:52:03 +0000

Music. It can give us goosebumps, drive us to tears, and even involuntarily nod our heads and tap our feet. There is no denying the emotional impact music has on humans. We’ve been creatively developing ways of self-expression for nearly 40,000 years through dance, song, music and the visual arts. Used as ritual, story, and as ways to communicate grief, as well as joy. That’s a lot of history!

As we progressed, so did our instruments and techniques. We developed sophisticated ways to read and write music, fine-tune and invent new musical instruments, and how to teach music, art and voice to others. In time, studies have shown that musical experience has proven to quicken brain development and improve math and literacy skills. ��Vlog’s “All Arts for All” award-winning fine arts program completely embraces and embodies how music and art enriches the lives of students both culturally and academically.

With Assistant Director of Fine Arts, Michael Stringer, elected President-Elect of the (TMEA), the ��Vlog has the chance to make an even bigger impact on the lives of not just local students, but students all over Texas.

“After two years of serving on the executive board as Vice-President and Chair of the Orchestra Division it is an honor to be selected by my colleagues to help lead this tremendous association into the future,” Stringer said. “As we move forward after the pandemic, I feel that the arts will be a key component in the social and emotional health of all students. ��TMEA has been and will continue to be a leader in the advancement of arts education to ALL children of Texas and I am humbled to be a small part of the mission and vision of the association.”

By nurturing relationships with policy influencers, testifying on important music education legislation, and acting as an advocate for teachers and students, TMEA works to ensure every student has access to high-quality music education.

Stringer began his career in the ��Vlog in 2006 at Martin High School, leading the Martin High Symphony Orchestra to the finals of the TMEA Honor Orchestra Competition 11 times and winning the titles of 2015 TMEA HS String Honor Orchestra and 2017 TMEA HS Full Honor Orchestra. His dedication to music education has not gone unnoticed. In 2014, he was awarded the AWARE Award for Educational Excellence.

An elected position, Stringer will serve on the President Council for a three-year term, bringing a comprehensive perspective of arts administration to TMEA and first-hand experience to the capital of Texas to influence the future of musical education.

“As an arts administrator in the ��Vlog, continued service on the TMEA Executive Board helps connect me to other parts of the state in order to help align our work as a district to that of other districts, learn the newest methodologies of instruction, and keep apprised of legislative items that may influence the arts in our schools,” said Stringer, who is only the second Arlington administrator to hold the position. “The ��Vlog has a rich tradition of arts education for all and continued service allows me to showcase the outstanding work being done by students, teachers, and administrators in our amazing school district.

New Steinway Spirio pianos introduced at Center for Visual and Performing Arts

Ryan Pierce — Wed, 24 Mar 2021 21:36:54 +0000

World-class instruments and amazing technology

The ��Vlog’s new Center for Visual and Performing Arts was filled with the sounds of two professional Steinway pianists today as they played a rousing duet, four hands masterfully flying across the keyboard.

But the pianists weren’t at the CVPA. They were in New York, and a screen showed the performance on video. But the sound was live and came from the Steinway & Sons Spirio player piano, the keys dancing in perfect sync with the pianists’ fingers thousands of miles away.

This was the christening of sorts for the district’s two new Steinway pianos, a Spirio B in the lobby and a Spririo-R D in the concert hall.

Dan and Linda Dipert, who donated the Spirio B, came to hear the piano for the first time – and see its incredible new home, the CVPA, which opened earlier this year and was funded by the 2014 Bond.

The donation from the Diperts is yet another example of their lasting support. Dan Dipert, a former district trustee, is also the namesake for the ��Vlog Dan Dipert Career & Technical Center.

“Dan is a great friend of the district,” Superintendent Dr. Marcelo Cavazos said. “He decided he wanted to do something special for this fine arts center back when it was approved as part of the 2014 Bond. And this is really special. It’s going to have an impact on countless fine arts students for years to come.”

For Dipert, it’s about our local students and the lasting impact music has on all of us.

“Music has something to do with all of our lives. It lives forever,” Dipert said. “I want a child to play this every day.”

Spirio Pianos

��Vlog is now the first and only school district in the country with both a Steinway Spirio B and the larger Spirio-R D piano, which can record performances.

The new pianos have been described as “not your momma’s player pianos.” The world’s finest high-resolution player piano, the Spirio is not only a fully functioning world-class instrument, it’s also an amazing piece of technology. It can mirror a live or recorded performance from anywhere in the world. A live recital in Carnegie Hall, for example, can play in real-time on either of these pianos in the CVPA.

They’re also beautiful.

“In an entire career of working with Steinway pianos, this is physically one of the most beautiful instruments I’ve ever seen,” said Dr. Christopher Anderson, ��Vlog director of fine arts. “It’s a work of art.”

Above all else though, the most exciting thing about the Spirios is how they will benefit students. Students will get the opportunity to play and perform on a world-class piano in a state-of-the-art venue. Plus, with the player functionality, students will experience live and recorded performances by professionals from New York or anywhere in the world. It will also allow for professional pianists to teach masterclasses remotely to students. And that’s just the beginning.

A long journey

While this was the first time the Diperts heard the piano, it wasn’t the first time they’d seen the Spirio B – or parts of it.

Back in 2018, the Diperts and a contingent of ��Vlog administrators, fine arts staff and students visited the Steinway plant in New York and saw the piano being built. They even got to sign their names on boards used in the construction. (.)

“What was striking in New York when we visited the Steinway factory was that this was made with loving hands – literally,” Dipert said. “It’s done by craftsmen and women by hand.”

And it takes about 18 months to build.

After that, the pianos were shipped to Texas in airtight containers and arrived at Steinway Dallas in January of 2020. In November of last year, the containers were opened so the pianos could acclimate to DFW weather before ever being played.

Finally, this month, the Spirio pianos arrived home in ��Vlog.

Fine Arts – ����Vlog

����Vlog earns national recognition in 2026 Best Communities for Music Education

����Vlog visual arts students earn statewide recognition