Denton ISD Fine Arts

Denton ISD has earned the Texas Thespians Premiere Communities for Theatre Education Award. Only nine districts in Texas were awarded this out of the 1,026 districts eligible in the state. This program recognizes and honors school districts that provide theatre programs with the resources to achieve above standard, as rooted in the Educational Theatre Association’s Opportunity to Learn Standards, Texas Theatre Knowledge and Skills for Fine Arts (TEKS), and support of International Thespian Society Troupe involvement.

To qualify for the Texas Thespians Premiere Communities for Theatre Education Award, Denton ISD answered detailed questions about curriculum, scheduling standards, class sizes, facilities, theatre safety, technical equipment, production elements, overall support for the theatre program, and Thespian troupe involvement. Responses were verified and reviewed by Texas Theatre Education specialists.

Research on theatre education continues to demonstrate numerous educational benefits across student populations, student age levels, and learning environments. Theatre education provides several social benefits, including teamwork skills, how to give and receive constructive criticism, problem-solving, trust, cooperation, and collaboration. Additionally, theatre education helps students develop a strong sense of self, build empathy and understanding amongst peers, and helps broaden their knowledge of the world around them while preparing them for future careers.

Congratulations to our theatre directors, students, administrators, and community!

Denton ISD is proud to announce that 10 DISD high school students have been selected to perform with the Texas All-State Band, Choir, and Orchestra. These All-State students participate in four days of rehearsals directed by nationally recognized conductors during the 2023 Texas Music Educators Association Clinic/Convention in San Antonio at the Henry B. González Convention Center. Their concerts for thousands of attendees bring this extraordinary event to a close Saturday, February 11. Click here to read more about how these outstanding students were selected to the All-State band, choir, and orchestra.

Band

Braswell, Arianna Shepherd, 3rd Chair Trumpet, All-State Jazz Ensemble II

Denton, Caleb Harold, 6th Chair F Horn, All-State Sinfonietta Orchestra

Denton, Leo Illari, 2nd Chair Trombone, All-State Sinfonietta Orchestra

Guyer, Cale Golden, 5th Chair Bb Clarinet, All-State 6A Concert Band

Choir

Guyer, Aiden Daniels, Bass 1, All-State Tenor-Bass Choir

Guyer, Maxwell Douglas, Bass 2, All-State Mixed Choir

Ryan, Favour Ayeni, Alto 2, All-State Treble Choir

Ryan, Jack Bowman, Tenor 2, All-State Tenor-Bass Choir

Orchestra

Guyer, Celine Cho, Violin 1, All-State Philharmonic Orchestra

Guyer, Audrey Lee, Violin 1, All-State Philharmonic Orchestra

Congratulations to the Denton ISD students below who were selected to perform in a TMEA Region 2 band, choir, or orchestra.

The Texas Dance Educators Association All-State Dance Team is comprised of dancers representing schools from across the state of Texas. All-State dancers participate in an exciting convention experience that includes dance workshops, leadership training, master classes, and networking with other students. The All-State Dance Team experience culminates in a performance choreographed by a master choreographer. Each school participating at the TDEA State Convention is allowed to bring one All-State dancer per school.

Congratulations to these outstanding dancers who represented Denton ISD on the All-State Dance Team!

Braswell HS - Keira Oshunkentan

Directors: Kristina Shelburne and Jessica Johnston

Denton HS - Reagan Shugart

Directors: Kerri Burgess and Jamitrice Keating-Lynton

Guyer HS - Rosie Adams

Directors: Rachel Simpson and Lauren Uddin

Ryan HS - Ziya Brroks

Directors: Keli Jones and Emily Schaefer

Go "into the woods" with the Braswell Fine Arts Department on January 26th-28th and 30th as they present Into The Woods for their 2023 winter musical. Written by James Lapine with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, this classic musical brings all your favorite fairytale characters together as they journey together through the woods to fight giants, find love, and break curses. Will everything turn out “happily ever after”?

This production marks the first full scale fine arts musical presented by Braswell since 2020. The cast and crew of 45 is joined by a live pit orchestra filled with over 20 BHS Band and Orchestra students. All performances are at 7:00 PM and will be held at the Braswell Fine Arts Center at 26750 E. University Drive, Aubrey, TX. Tickets are $10 pre-sale and $15 at the door. Tickets can be purchased at www.braswelltheatre.com Denton ISD Faculty and Staff receive one free ticket with their district ID.

Guyer HS Theatre performed the musical, Anastasia, for local audiences at the Guyer Fine Arts Center on January 19-22 and 24. The sets included new projection technology acquired for the Denton ISD Fine Arts Centers that bring incredible dimensions of depth to the scenes. Congratulations to the cast, crew, pit musicians, and directors, Eleshia and Chris Crotwell for outstanding shows each night.

Congratulations to Denton HS 9th grade art student, Angel Salazar De Leon. Angel submitted his original oil painting, "El Mariachi," in the 2022-23 PTA Arts in Education "Reflections" Contest, and earned first place in the Denton HS campus level contest. His work was then advanced to District level where it competed against the finalists from other Denton ISD high school campuses. "El Mariachi" has now advanced to the State level Reflections contest, which takes place in Austin. Best wishes to Angel at the State level!

50 art students from Denton HS, participated in the Memory Project, creating portraits of Ukrainian children who have been displaced during the Ukraine-Russia conflict. Each Ukrainian child received their portrait and had the opportunity to make art in return. In this video, see the children receive their portraits and express their thanks to art students who created and sent artwork to them. Many thanks to the art teachers at DHS for providing this opportunity to their students who wanted to participate.

The Texas Council of Women School Executives showcases inspiring young women artists in an annual art show and silent auction. Students have the opportunity to exhibit their artwork, receive recognition for their effort, and showcase their talent. If students elect for their work to be part of the silent auction, the students will receive 100% of the money raised from the sale of their work. Braswell HS senior art student, Bella Rayos, is participating in this year's TCWSE art show and silent auction taking place in Austin on Saturday, January 28 at 5:00pm. Bella is a student of Braswell Art Teacher, Kiba Jacobson. Congratulations and best wishes to Bella!

Denton ISD is in need of extra bus drivers for Fine Arts trips, like contests, field trips, and football games. Drivers are paid $20 per hour to drive groups to field trips, contests, and after school/weekend events. This is an excellent, flexible part-time job, and a wonderful way to serve students in Denton ISD. We encourage Denton ISD volunteers and PTA members to consider applying for this as an option to serve the students and programs in Denton ISD, and an opportunity to gain some extra income. Click this link to apply and share it with anyone who would be interested. The job description is titled, “Bus Driver-Special Events”.

Candidates need to earn their CDL, which can be done through the Denton ISD Transportation Department, 940-369-0317. Once hired as a Bus Driver-Special Events, a driver could drive groups to field trips, contests, and events, helping to get students and their teachers/chaperones to their destination safely and on time. This important work makes Fine Arts contests and events possible and contributes greatly to the educational experience of our students. Please share the application link above with anyone who would be interested in this opportunity.