Vail students who have earned the Arizona State Seal of Arts Proficiency this year reached record numbers. Thirty students earned the distinction that will be added to their diplomas in theater, orchestra, and steel drums!

The goal of the Arizona State Seal of Arts Proficiency, commonly known as the Arts Seal, is to recognize students who demonstrate high levels of proficiency in the Arizona Arts Education Standards through personal expression and creative experiences in arts education programs. It is awarded by the Arizona Department of Education’s Office of Arts Education and is awarded to graduates who complete minimum arts pathway requirements throughout their high school career.

High Schools in Vail recently had their Fine Arts Senior Showcases where seniors completed their capstone projects for their AZ Seal of Arts Proficiency. These students showcased their projects and talked about what they did to complete their capstone. There were also displays set up for parents to view all they accomplished during their time in Fine Arts. 

The evenings are wonderful events filled with a true sense of accomplishment on the part of our seniors and their teachers. We are grateful to all of our fine arts teachers for taking fine arts to the next level and helping students to complete these capstone projects and this great honor. And, we are grateful to our community who shows up and supports our students at concerts, theater productions, and more. It is one more example of living and serving in a place, “Where Education Is a Community Effort.” 

Cottonwood Elementary School has launched a new program to provide easier access to opportunities for growth in band and orchestra. Students have specials available including art, music, and PE. Now, CWE's fifth grade students may choose band, orchestra, or music class during their music time. The purpose of the new performing arts program is to help students to build a strong foundation of instrument knowledge before moving on to middle school.

The program is also eliminating obstacles for students who previously may not have been able to participate. By placing the programs during the school day, students who are not able to participate in afterschool programs are now able to do so. Another obstacle for students has been the expense of renting or buying instruments. To launch the program successfully and ensure all who desire to participate are able to do so, the District has invested in instruments for students to borrow for their year in the program.

The first few weeks of school, students are able to rotate through music as a special class and get information about the different kinds of instruments in orchestra and in band. They then submit their choice of instrument if they are interested in participating. 

The enthusiasm for the new music program is evident with 46 students signing up for band and 32 for orchestra! This is a huge leap in participation as the previous year with afterschool only options saw just 10-12 students participating in each. All 5th grade students will participate in a musical performance in December whether in band, orchestra, or general music.

There is something truly magical about witnessing students’ faces light up as they produce their first sounds on instruments. At Cottonwood, this is now becoming a new normal rather than the exception.