Chandler Unified highlights fine arts programming and student achievements
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Summary
District leaders showcased K–12 fine arts offerings, community partnerships and student accomplishments, including state Arts Seal counts and upcoming performances and exhibitions.
Chandler Unified officials used Tuesday’s meeting to spotlight visual and performing arts programming across the district, presenting course offerings, partnerships, student accomplishments and upcoming events.
Dr. Edgar (presenter) and staff described K–4 general music, grades 5–6 general music/ band/ orchestra, and secondary options including band, orchestra, choir, visual arts, dance and theater. The district noted partnerships with the Chandler Center for the Arts, Shields (ASU Heiberger Institute for Design in the Arts), Arizona Diamondbacks, City of Chandler and the East Valley Pops Orchestra.
Students and staff highlighted annual events such as the marching‑band showcase, elementary choral festival, district art show (juried, hosted at the Chandler Center for the Arts gallery) and secondary band, orchestra, choir and dance festivals. Students described personal experiences: Sammy, a junior and brass section leader at Castile High School, said band “is a family” and is working toward the state Fine Arts Seal. Isabella Buchanan, a senior at Hamilton High School, said art classes helped her build community connections and prepare an AP portfolio; Isabella plans to attend Northern Arizona University. Yumi Chan (dance, Perry High) and Haley Leidig (theater, Chandler High) described performance, leadership and competitive recognition opportunities.
The district reported Arts Seal counts over recent years: 37 art seals in 2019–20, 80 in 2020–21, 19 in 2022–23 and 50 in 2023–24, and said CUSD ranked among the top districts in Arizona for students earning the Arizona State Seal of Arts Proficiency. Officials described capstone requirements for the seal (four years of study, 80 extracurricular hours and a capstone project such as choreography, directing or original composition).
Board members were invited to attend multiple upcoming concerts and the district art show. Presenters emphasized the role of fine arts staff and volunteers and said proceeds from gallery sales go directly to student artists when applicable.
