Students, teachers spotlight Chandler Unified fine arts; seniors describe impact on leadership and future plans

District fine arts staff and students presented a Youth Arts Month program to the Chandler Unified School District governing board on March 26 showcasing band, choir, dance, theater and visual art programs across the district.

Dr. Edgar (presenting for the district fine arts team) outlined K–12 offerings: general music and rotations for elementary students, band/orchestra/choir options at middle school, and band, orchestra, choir, dance and theater electives at the secondary level. The presentation listed annual events — marching band showcases, elementary choral festivals, district honor ensembles and a juried District Art Show — and noted community partnerships with the Chandler Center for the Arts, the City of Chandler and the East Valley Pops Orchestra.

Four seniors addressed the board about how arts programs shaped their school experience. Sammy, a junior band leader at Castile High School, summarized the social and leadership benefits: “Our band is a family,” she said, describing leadership roles in marching band, drum major duties and plans to arrange and conduct a piece as part of her pursuit of the state arts seal. Isabella Buchanan, a Hamilton High senior and AP art student, described an AP portfolio sustained investigation and community art events she volunteered at. Perry and Chandler students described dance and theater programs that led to festival performances and competitive awards; Haley Leydig, a Chandler High senior active in theater, said the program’s connections and awards helped prepare her for a planned move to study musical theater.

Staff described the Arizona State Seal of Arts Proficiency and district participation: in recent years dozens of CUSD students earned the seal, with staff reporting 47 students earned 50 seals in 2023–24. The board was invited to district performances and a juried District Art Show at the Chandler Center for the Arts gallery; staff noted many art pieces offered for sale at the gallery provide funds that go to student artists.

Why it matters: Fine arts programming contributes to district extracurricular life, offers pathways for honors and credentials such as the state arts seal and supports community engagement through performances and juried displays. Student speakers emphasized leadership, belonging and college or career plans tied to arts participation.

The board and audience were urged to attend upcoming district concerts, theater productions and the District Art Show.