02/28/25 Fine Arts Department News

One more ‘Congratulations' to our Highland Park Band, Choir and Orchestra students for achieving All-State! Approximately 70,000 students start the All-State audition process, with only a little under 2.6% actually making the performing organizations. TMEA keeps meticulous records of all kinds of data that goes along with the audition process, but they also track SAT scores across the nation and compare it to the scores of the TMEA All-State musicians.

The average SAT score for:

Texas - 971

the Nation - 1024

Texas All-State Musicians - 1284

There is an absolute correlation between music and its effect on, not only the brain, but the whole human being. So proud to be a part of something so very special!

Art 1 is busy sewing stuffies designed by kinder pals at UP! This is the second time we've done this project. Students will get to meet the artists behind the designs and gift them their stuffed creations later in the semester!

Our Indoor Drumline participate in the Rowlett Indoor Drumline competition and earned 3rd place! Congratulations to our Indoor Drumline members. Way to go!

Our Winter Guard participated in the North Texas Colorguard Association competition at Chisolm Trails High School. They performed beautifully and earned 5th place in a very competitive field. Congratulations to our Guard members!

Six musicians from the Highlander Band traveled to San Antonio for the TMEA All-State convention to attend clinics and perform in concerts last week. TMEA All-State is the highest honor a Texas music student can receive. Approximately 1,800 students are selected through a process that begins with over 70,000 students from around the state vying for the honor to perform in one of 18 ensembles sponsored by the Band, Orchestra, or Vocal Divisions. Congratulations to Highlander Band Musicians Lucy Zeng, Ian Hyde, Sam Stobaugh, Reuben Obel, Luke Bowden, and Carson Critcher for being named 2025 TMEA All-State Musicians and for their incredible performances at All-State! We are so proud of you

HP hosted weaver Christine K. Miller for professional development day. She shared her insights and techniques to Art teachers across the district!

Our Indoor Drumline participated in the NTCA Indoor Drumline Contest at Burleson Centennial and tied for 1st Place! Congratulations to our Indoor Drumline members!

Our feature twirler, Karianne Grove, earned a first division rating at the UIL Twirling Solo and Ensemble Contest! Way to go, Karianne!

Congratulations to our Highlander Band Musicians who received a “one” (the top score) on their solo in the UIL Solo and Ensemble Contest:

• Nicholas Garretson - Euphonium solo
• Jake Neilson - Euphonium solo
• Will Forsberg, Nicholas Garretson, Drew Langer & Jake Neilson - Euphonium Quartet
• Olivia Allan, Mackie Beitsch, Ian Hyde, & Regina LeBron - Clarinet Quartet
• Saryan Pandey - Baritone Sax Solo
• James Zhong - Alto Sax Solo
• Ryaan Khan - Alto Sax Solo
• Olivia Allan - Clarinet Solo
• Ian Hyde - Clarinet Solo
• Ben Braidfoot - Bassoon Solo
• Charlie Crain - Bassoon Solo

Congratulations to our Highlander Band Musicians who qualified for the UIL State Solo and Ensemble Contest:

• Nicholas Garretson - Euphonium solo
• Jake Neilson - Euphonium solo
• Will Forsberg, Nicholas Garretson, Drew Langer & Jake Neilson - Euphonium Quartet
• Olivia Allan, Mackie Beitsch, Ian Hyde & Regina LeBron - Clarinet Quartet
• James Zhong - Alto Sax Solo
• Ryaan Khan - Alto Sax Solo
• Olivia Allan - Clarinet Solo
• Ian Hyde - Clarinet Solo
• Ben Braidfoot - Bassoon Solo

We are so proud of you!

Drawing class with Ms. Talkington is finishing up beautiful colored pencil snacks!

Last week, Hyer’s first graders took the stage for a delightful Valentine’s Day performance that warmed hearts throughout the community. Dressed in their best red, white, and pink, these young stars sang, danced, and filled the room with joy. Families and friends gathered in the cafetorium, smiling and swaying along to the sweet melodies of love and friendship. From beloved classics to unexpected delights, the performance truly captured the spirit of the season. A heartfelt thank you to our students, teachers, and families for making this event so special.

First grade students are learning folk dances in music class with Ms. Conklin. They danced to Chimes of Dunkirk this week.

Using scrap cardboard and TP tubes, UP 4th graders created beautiful, recycled, low-relief sculptures that showed their understanding of radial symmetry. Once designed and glued, students added color using tempera paint, spray paint, and Acrylic Posca pens to finish their artworks.

Fourth-grade students recently hosted a talent showcase for the entire school and community. The event featured a diverse range of performances, including violin and piano playing, singing, dancing, and even comedy acts! This cherished tradition celebrates our outgoing fourth graders and highlights their creativity and talent.