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Performing and Fine Arts
The Chandler Unified School District is a premier district of choice, offering some of the top fine and performing arts programs in the state of Arizona. All students have the opportunity to participate in Band and Orchestra upon entering 5th grade. Students in grades kindergarten through 4th grade receive General Music instruction, and in grades 5th and 6th students can choose between General Music, Band or Orchestra.
Each of Chandler's six high schools provide award-winning instrumental and vocal music programs as well as a wide range of visual arts opportunities. Chandler junior high schools provide elective opportunities with highly qualified instruction in instrumental and vocal music through band, orchestra, jazz band, chorus, visual arts, and many more. In addition, many before and after school clubs at all levels offer a variety of fine and performing arts opportunities..
Scroll down to check out our BRAGS in Performing and Fine Arts below!
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- Click here for information about the Music and Fine Arts curriculum in CUSD.
- Click here for information about Open Enrollment in Chandler Unified's outstanding schools.
Our BRAGS!
Honors, Awards and Special Programs
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Jacobson Elementary (2022-2023) 
Jacobson Artist WINS City contest - JETS fly with PRIDE! Congratulations to fourth grader Emma Liao! Emma has been selected as one of 19 student-winners in the City of Chandler's 20th Annual Environmental Art Contest. Emma's picture which encourages Chandler residents to recycle will be one of 19 student works of art included in the annual city calendar and on city buses! In honor of her effort and commitment to the environment, she and her teacher will be honored at a ceremony in April in the City Council chambers. We are PROUD you took a chance on a big contest, Emma! City of Chandler Environmental Art Contest website
Chandler High (2022-2023) 
Theatre students represented Chandler High like champions at the AZ State Thespian Conference. During the conference, the tech team and "APAC" (company theatre) competed and all of the CHS Theatre students attended workshops and watched performances. Students also met Stephen Gregg (playwright of their fall play Trap) and took his workshop on playwrighting. APAC's One Act "Pirates!" received a Superior Rating, senior Katie Stone received a $500 scholarship to Open Jar Institute, and senior Nicki Glorioso was one of eight to receive a $1,500 college scholarship!
Basha High (2022-2023) 
STATE CHAMPIONSHIP: The Basha Bear Regiment won the Arizona State Marching Band Championship for Division 2 bands! On November 19, the Bears performed in the Arizona Band and Orchestra Directors Association (ABODA) event where they secured the win. Please join us in congratulating the students and teachers!
Hamilton High (2022-2023) 
The three Hamilton High Orchestra's under the direction of teacher Amber Dudley performed at the Fall Orchestra festival and earned the high marks from the judges. Congratulations!- Chamber Orchestra - Superior with Distinction (highest score from all judges)
- Symphonic Orchestra - Superior with Distinction (highest score from all judges)
- Concert Orchestra - Excellent (2nd highest score)
San Marcos Elementary (2022-2023) 
Paige Godrich's 5th Grade class created "scratch art" to create excitement around the new school year and to encourage relationship building in her classroom.
Basha Elementary (2021-2022) 
Beautiful night for some music! Basha Elementary fifth and sixth grade band serenaded families in the park. Thank you, Madison Freeman, for your hard work with the students. They were outstanding!
Casteel High (2021-2022) 
Casteel High School concert choir and jazz choir recently went to San Diego with Casteel symphonic band to compete in the Worldstrides music festival. Chorale received a gold scoring 2nd place in concert choir division. Encore Jazz choir got a gold rating and 1st place in their category. The symphonic band got a silver rating with a 3rd place finish. The combined jazz, chorale and band scores earned Casteel the grand prize: Sweepstakes trophy, given to the school with the highest combined scores!
Hamilton High (2021-2022) 
Hamilton Theatre is proud to announce many semi-finalists and finalists for the 2021-2022 ASU Gammage High School Musical Theatre Awards. Winners will be announced at a Gammage Awards Ceremony on May 28 where six of our lucky cast members will perform on the Gammage stage. Congratulations to:
Finalists- BEST SUPPORTING MALE - Viet Zaengle
- BEST COSTUMES - Kris Crane
- BEST MUSICAL - Matilda
- BEST LEAD MALE - Jonathan Almog
- BEST LEAD FEMALE - Alyse Negroni
- BEST SUPPORTING FEMALE - Ellie Barker
- BEST VOCALIST - Alyse Negroni
- BEST DANCE ENSEMBLE - Loud
- BEST HAIR and MAKEUP - Quincy Cowans and Taylor James
- BEST LIGHTING - Chloe Applegate
- BEST SOUND - Kelton Hoffmeyer
- BEST SET and PROPS - Alex Price and Catherine Morse
- ASU GAMMAGE LEADERSHIP AWARD - Alyssa Fabio
- EXCELLENCE IN STAGE MANAGEMENT AWARD - Dylan Strickland
Chandler High (2021-2022) 
Student Council's freshman class hosted its annual Chandler's Got Talent variety show to showcase Chandler's best and brightest to a packed house and cheering audience. From musicians to poets, the show proved that Chandler has talent. Congratulations to Natalia Scott and Olivia Gibbons for taking home the grand prize which consisted of over $100 worth of prizes donated from local businesses. PHOTO ALBUM: Chandler's Got Talent
Chandler Unified School District (2021-2022) 
Eighty CUSD students from the Class of 2022 earned a fine arts diploma seal! The Arizona State Seal of Arts Proficiency is awarded to students who have demonstrated high levels of proficiency and commitment to the Arizona Arts Education Standards through personal expression and creative experiences. Students focus on one or more artistic disciplines: visual arts, theatre, music, dance, and media arts.
Chandler Unified School District (2021-2022) 
On April 19, the City of Chandler held the 19th Environmental Art Contest in city council chambers to to recognize nineteen fourth grade winners. Hundreds of school children from private, charter and public schools within the city submitted artwork focused on recycling, water conservation and storm water pollution prevention. Twelve winners from seven Chandler Unified School District schools were winners of this year's contest. Their winning artwork will help promote the City of Chandler's conservation messages though a calendar, poster, city newsletters, social media and more. Congratulations to all the CUSD students!
Chandler High (2021-2022) 
The Chandler High Dance performed an outstanding Crossroads Dance Concert featuring Modazz, Improv/Choreo, and Advanced Dance. The groups shared their talents and wowed the Chandler Center for the Arts audience.
Chandler High (2021-2022) 
Chandler High had five students participate at the All-State Honor Choir Festival at NAU, Flagstaff. This 200-voice group had the top musicians audition a solo and sight read for a judge. These students also made the Regional Honor Choir, which qualified them for the All-State level. Congratulations to Bass: Todd Applegate, Alto: Olivia Gibbons, Bass: Kyle Collins, Tenor: Jacob Hernandez, Tenor: Grant Kelsey, and Ms. Umbrianna, CHS Choir Director!
Chandler High (2021-2022) 
Nine Chandler High students have earned the Fine Arts Diploma Seal. These students represent the first at Chandler High to earn this in both dance and theatre. Congratulations to the following students and their mentor teachers for this impressive achievement:- Music: Kayla King, Kyle Collins, Todd Applegate, Charlotte Ruth, Chelsea Grayling, Jacob Hernandez (Wendy Umbrianna, Mentor Teacher)
- Dance: Dana Son (Tiffany White, Mentor Teacher)
- Theatre: Katie Hisle, Ryan Cogley (Stephanie Likes, Mentor Teacher)
Jacobson Elementary (2021-2022) 
Jacobson JETS are artists! Third graders are learning about Pablo Picasso and his style of art, known as Cubism. This means his paintings, which were typically portraits or himself or others, showed the person broken apart into many flat shapes. Students had the opportunity to create their own self-portraits in the same style. Using scraps of paper, they added details to their portraits to make them look unique. Thank you to the amazing Arts Masterpiece program!
Chandler High (2021-2022) 
The following students auditioned and were selected to participate in the All-State Choir last weekend at NAU. The students were ranked among the most elite musicians in the state. Congratulations to Todd Applegate, Kyle Collins, Olivia Gibbons, Jacob Hernandez, and Grant Kelsey!
Chandler High (2021-2022) 
Chandler High School Band and Choir traveled to California to compete in the Forum Music Festival, where Choir earned Gold, Jazz Band earned Gold, and Symphonic Band earned Silver. Choir's Bass Section, and Band's Dakota Rains and Melanie Lin were also recognized for Outstanding Musicianship.
Chandler Unified School District (2021-2022) 
The elementary and junior high district honors orchestra concert on April 5 was a wonderful success. Superintendent Frank Narducci, and the Director of Elementary Education, Leo Schlueter had a blast celebrating the hard work of these students.
Santan Junior High (2021-2022) 
STATE CHAMPIONSHIP: Santan Junior High School drumline won the WGAZ (Winter Guard Arizona) State Championship on April 2-3. Additionally, the Santan band director Mike Hancock was named the WGAZ Director of the Year.
Chandler Traditional Academy - Independence Campus (2021-2022) 
Congratulations to 4th grader Zoe Tezak and 6th grader Paisley Bishop who each took 3rd place in their grade level category for the Maricopa County Environmental Services Stormwater Poster Contest. Maricopa County's Stormwater Quality Pollution Prevention Poster Contest website
Sanborn Elementary (2021-2022) 
Congratulations to Riley Troutman for being selected for Chandler Unified School District's Honors Band. Congratulations also to Kaidence Lowry and Sarah Harder for being selected for the district's Honors Orchestra. We are so proud of them!
Hamilton High (2021-2022) 
Hamilton Theatre completed the Southwest Shakespeare's high school competition and came back with some of the highest honors.- Superior Group Acting: Regan Blawn, Megan Burke, Quincy Cowans, Lindsay Dussault, Alyssa Fabio, Taylor James, Colby Raskin and Viet Zaengle
- Superior Group Acting: Maya Cisneros, Landry Howard, Ty Humphrey, Jennifer Kao and Hanna Moore
- Superior Duo Acting: Ellie Barker, Kaleb Vallier Schulken
- Superior Monologue: Regan Blawn
- Superior Monologue: Taylor James
- Superior Monologue: Alina Pierzga
Basha High (2021-2022) 
Basha High School bands took first place at the Winter Guard International Phoenix Regional.
Chandler High (2021-2022) 
Pink was the prominent color in the Chandler Center for the Arts last week when CHS's Legally Blonde hit the main stage for three incredible nights of top-notch entertainment. Congratulations to Chandler High's talented cast, crew, and directors for another amazing production! PHOTO ALBUM: 'Legally Blonde' Hits Chandler Center for the Arts
Chandler High (2021-2022) 
Los Lobos de Chandler High School Ballet Folklorico performed at CTA Humphrey for their Multicultural Festival.
Hamilton High (2021-2022) 
Four Hamilton High art students won the recent 2022 State of the City Art Contest! The theme was "Chandler Through Your Eyes." There were more than 60 entries in the age 14-18 category. Winners: Payton Harvey, 1st place; Noura Ibrahim, 2nd Place; Alyssa Gamby, 3rd Place; Mayor's choice was Kimberlie Martinez-Wolf (pictured).
Sanborn Elementary (2021-2022) 
Zeek Carrillo, Eva Johnson, and Brisa Cota were selected as Blue Ribbon Winners from the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show Art Contest. Only 10 were awarded in 2nd grade, and Sanborn received THREE of them. We are so proud of our second grade Suns!
Santan Junior High (2021-2022) 
Santan Junior High seventh grader, Emma Robertson, placed second in her age division in the Chandler inaugural Through Your Eyes art contest with her submission. She was recognized with a $250 scholarship and presentation at the State of the City address by the Mayor where her submission was displayed and she got to meet the City Council.
Andersen Junior High (2021-2022) 
Congratulations to the Andersen JHS Jazz band for participating and performing at the NAU Jazz Festival in Flagstaff, Arizona on the weekend of February 26. The Jazz band was awarded Superior by every judge, which is the highest ranking achieved. The following students also were awarded "Outstanding Soloist Awards": Aliyah Mayfield on Trombone, and Mycah Ransom on Trumpet. Way to go, Jaguars!
Willis Junior High (2021-2022) 
Congratulations to the Willis Jazz band for participating and performing at the NAU Jazz Festival in Flagstaff, Arizona on the weekend of February 26. The Jazz band was awarded Superior by every judge, which is the highest ranking achieved. The following students also were awarded Outstanding Soloist Awards: Dante Maxim on Vibes, Lincoln Rounds on Tenor Sax, Owen Anderson on Bass Trombone and Maya Lampol on piano. Way to go, Firebirds!
Chandler Unified School District (2021-2022) 
Nineteen elementary schools took part in the CUSD Elementary Choral Festival! The elementary choirs spent the day at the Chandler Center for the Arts working with choir members from other schools to rehearse and perform choral repertoire. Each school also got a chance to sing on stage at the CCA and receive feedback from other schools. The Chandler High School choirs, under the direction of Wendy Umbrianna, also performed for all the elementary schools, and gave the students a look at what awaits them when they continue singing at the secondary level. Thank you to all of the elementary choral directors for making this a fantastic day for their students! PHOTO ALBUM: Elementary Choral Festival
Chandler High (2021-2022) 
Chamber Choir recently attended the NAU Jazz-Madrigal Festival and received the highest honors, Superior ratings, in both Madrigal and Jazz. Congratulations, Chamber Choir and Mrs. Wendy Umbrianna, CHS Choir Director, for continued choral excellence at Chandler High.
Chandler High (2021-2022) 
The CHS Jazz Band hosted the Andersen and Willis Jazz Bands for a "Night of Jazz - Step up Concert." It was an eventful concert featuring several different soloists from all three groups. All groups showcased creativity, a variety of styles, and some smooth, smooth jazz!
Perry High (2021-2022) 
Perry High students won Best of Show for their Cactus Collective exhibit at Scottsdale Fashion Square unveiled on March 2. Perry was the only high school participating. They competed against 14 working artists in an open call from Scottsdale Public Art to design an 8 ft. tall Styrofoam cactus based on one of Arizona's five C's. This group chose copper as their theme and wanted to pay respect to all the mining towns in Arizona, as well as the Indigenous tribes that have copper mines on their land. The Scottsdale Cactus Collective exhibit is on display through the end of March. Congratulations to Perry Sculpture teacher Sharon Biemond and her students. PHOTO ALBUM: Perry's Cactus Collective Exhibit
Bogle Junior High (2021-2022) 
Congratulations to all who auditioned for Chandler USD's honor orchestra. EIGHT Bogle students were selected to participate. Congratulations to: James Belardo, Amanda Buyer, Dominic Ramos, Paige Thurmond, Dominic Sandoval, Robert Sandoval, Ziyad Hassan, and a special SHOUT OUT to Meg Crane who was chosen as first chair ALL-DISTRICT!
Jacobson Elementary (2021-2022) 
Tristan Klokov is playing the ninjago overture as a solo in the spring band concert. Several students are showing off special skills in band and orchestra daily as they prep!
Rice Elementary (2021-2022) 
Max Reich and Halyn Hahn were selected to play in the Chandler Unified School District Honor Band. Max Reich is the 1st chair trombone (he had the highest score of all the trombones who auditioned) and Halyn Hahn is 4th chair flute. Congratulations to our talented students.
Rice Elementary (2021-2022) 
Rice students Derek Hutchins, Lucia Carvajal, Reegan Jones, Kiera Freestone, Ethan Savoie, Mayli Johansen, Harrison Nicholls, Rhett Lewis, and Makena Leeper qualified for CUSD's Honor Orchestra. Reegan Jones placed 1st out of 47 violins! Rhett Lewis also placed 1st out of 18 cellos!
Jacobson Elementary (2021-2022) 
Jacobson Elementary fifth grader, Eliza Schaefer, designed this year's band T-shirts. More than 100 students from fifth and sixth grade band now wear their JETS-band shirt proudly.
Chandler Unified School District (2021-2022) 
The entries for the City of Chandler's Creative Expression Competition were beautiful art pieces and eloquently crafted essays from students throughout all of Chandler. Each year judges are amazed by the creativity, sincerity, and talent of Chandler students. They mention how essays and artwork like our students make them hopeful toward the future and proud of the next generation. This year's visual art winners are being displayed in Downtown Chandler during the Regional Unity ArtWalk. The banners are officially on display and ready for public viewing. Take a drive down Arizona Avenue in Downtown Chandler to see the inspired work of these students. City of Chandler website: Creative Expression Competition
Hamilton High (2021-2022)
Congratulations to Hamilton sophomores Jordan Bivins who won 1st and Jessica Burke who won 2nd place (Visual: High School) in the City of Chandler's Creative Expression Competition. Congratulations also to Hamilton juniors Sally Shin who won 1st and Solenn Vincent who won 3rd in the Writing: High School category. This year's theme was: Connected Through Diversity: Finding commonalities and connections in our diverse community.
Hancock Elementary (2021-2022) 
Hancock Elementary sixth grade band and orchestra students visited the Musical Instrument Museum where they went on a STEM tour. It was very interactive and hands on. They had fun trying out various instruments and had lunch at a park.
Tarwater Elementary (2021-2022)
Congratulations to Tarwater 3rd graders Kate Menghini who won 2nd place and Gabrielle Berard who won 3rd place (Visual: K - 3rd Grade) in the City of Chandler's Creative Expression Competition. This year's theme was: Connected Through Diversity: Finding commonalities and connections in our diverse community.
Willis Junior High (2021-2022)
Congratulations to Willis 8th grader Kailah Johnson who won 1st place (Visual: 4th - 8th Grade) in the City of Chandler's Creative Expression Competition. Congratulations also to 7th grader Claire Ulep who won 2nd and 8th grader Clara Olpin who won 3rd in the Writing: 4th - 8th grade category. This year's theme was: Connected Through Diversity: Finding commonalities and connections in our diverse community.
Chandler High (2021-2022) 
Ten CUSD choir students participated in the All-State Show and Jazz Choir Festival 2022. Casteel, Perry, Basha and Chandler High Schools were represented!
Chandler High (2021-2022) 
Artwork created by Imani Spivey (watercolor self-portrait) and Makenna Yazzie (skull) were accepted for showcase at the upcoming State ESSA Conference: Every Student, Every Day, Every Opportunity in January 2022.
Hamilton High (2021-2022) 
Twenty-two students qualified at the Central Arizona Regional Theatre Festival to represent Arizona at NATIONALS!- GROUP MUSICAL-Zahra Alsooz, Ellie Barker, Megan Burke, Meera Domadia, Alyssa Fabio, Taylor James, Abby Pilgrim, Alyssa Fabio, Taylor James, Alyse Negroni, Colby Raskin, Viet Zaengle
- LIGHTING-Chloe Applegate
- DUO MUSICAL-Ellie Barker and Alyse Negroni, Megan Burke and Alina Pierzga, Taylor James and Viet Zaengle
- MONOLOGUES-Regan Blawn, Megan Burke, Abby Pilgrim
- GROUP ACTING-Ava Apell, Lindsay Dussault, Alyssa Fabio, Taylor James, Alyse Negroni, Alina Pierzga; Regan Blawn, Lindsay Dussault, Sara Gwin, Abby Pilgrim, Colby Raskin
- COSTUME CONSTRUCTION-Quincy Cowans
- COSTUMES-Kris Crane
- DUO ACTING-Lindsay Dussault and Alyssa Fabio; Maddy Gillipsie and Colby Raskin
- MAKEUP-Ellora Nanda
- SOLO MUSICAL-Taylor James, Alyse Negroni, Alina Pierzga, Viet Zaengle
- STAGE MANAGEMENT-Dylan Strickland
Sanborn Elementary (2021-2022) 
Holly Eske's 2nd grade class learned about Arabian horses during the week of Jan 10. Student did an art lesson and submitted their artwork to receive T-shirts and tickets to the Arabian Horse Show in February!
Tarwater Elementary (2021-2022) 
Tarwater 6th graders performed a dragon dance at the Chandler Multicultural festival on Saturday, January 15.
Tarwater Elementary (2021-2022) 
Congratulations to Alexandra Gabriel in Amanda Yang's 4th grade class who won 3rd place (Visual: 4th - 8th Grade) in Chandler's Creative Expression Competition. This year's theme was: Connected Through Diversity: Finding commonalities and connections in our diverse community. City of Chandler's Creative Expression Competition website
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