Georgetown ISD Fine Arts

What do Fine Arts teachers do in the summer? They create opportunities for students to lead, learn, and connect.

This summer, the East View Patriot Band has been busy preparing for another outstanding year. The EVPB Drum Majors attended ETAMU Drum Major Camp, where they learned from some of the top music educators in Texas and strengthened the leadership skills they'll bring back to their program.

The EVPB also partnered with the Georgetown High School Band to host the SASI Leadership Camp, welcoming student leaders from across the area for several days of leadership development, collaboration, and unforgettable memories.

Most recently, incoming freshmen participated in a two-day band camp led by the student leadership team, where they were introduced to the traditions, expectations, and culture of the East View Patriot Band while beginning to build relationships with their fellow band members.

Long before the first football game or marching competition, Fine Arts teachers are investing in the people who make their programs successful—building leaders, strengthening relationships, and laying the foundation for an incredible year ahead.

What do Fine Arts teachers do in the summer? They keep creating, collaborating, and planning for the year ahead.

This summer, theatre directors from across GISD are taking part in their own version of a theatre book club. Together, Hailey Cagle (GHS), Cole Shuffield (TMS), Beatrice White (BMS), Haley Brower (FMS), and Vanessa Queen (FMS) are reading 12 plays throughout the summer and meeting after every four to discuss their thoughts, challenges, ideas, and the possibility of bringing some of the productions to life during the upcoming school year.

Their most recent meeting took place at the Georgetown Public Library, but the group meets at locations throughout Georgetown as they share scripts, exchange ideas, and collaborate across campuses.

The work of Fine Arts teachers doesn't stop when the school year ends. Sometimes, summer preparation looks like reading, discussing, imagining, and dreaming about the stories students may bring to the stage next year.

What do Fine Arts teachers do in the summer? They prepare the next generation of leaders.

This summer, the 2026–27 Georgetown High School Drum Majors—Bailey King, Walker Rackley, and Abby Borho—attended SASI Drum Major Camp in June to develop their conducting, leadership, communication, and rehearsal skills in preparation for the upcoming marching season.

As drum majors, these students will play an important role in leading the GHS Eagle Band both on and off the field. Summer camps like SASI provide student leaders with the opportunity to grow their skills, learn from experienced instructors, and prepare to lead their peers with confidence.

The work of Fine Arts continues all summer long—building musicians, performers, artists, and leaders.

Another Congratulations Is in Order!

Following yesterday's recognition of GISD Theatre, we're excited to celebrate another outstanding achievement in GISD Fine Arts!

Congratulations to Georgetown ISD on being named a Texas Art Education Association (TAEA) District of Distinction for the seventh consecutive year!

This prestigious recognition honors districts that demonstrate outstanding leadership and commitment to visual arts education. Districts are evaluated through a rigorous 14-point rubric that includes TAEA participation, student exhibitions and contests, community engagement, field experiences, service opportunities, collaboration across content areas, and visual arts learning experiences at all grade levels.

Out of more than 1,200 eligible districts across Texas, only 109 districts received this recognition for the 2025–2026 academic year.

Seven consecutive years of being named a TAEA District of Distinction is an incredible accomplishment! Congratulations to our visual arts educators and students for their continued dedication to creativity, learning, and excellence in the arts.

Excellence in Theatre Education!

Georgetown ISD has been recognized as an Exemplary District by the Texas Educational Theatre Association (TxETA) for its outstanding commitment to theatre education across the district.

This prestigious recognition is awarded to districts that demonstrate excellence in developing and supporting high-quality theatre programs. Schools are evaluated on a variety of criteria, including theatrical productions, student participation in UIL and design competitions, theatre technology, performance spaces, community and administrative support, and opportunities for student learning and growth.

This honor reflects the dedication of our incredible theatre educators, students, administrators, and community members who work together to create meaningful performing arts experiences for students throughout GISD.

Congratulations to our theatre programs on this well-deserved recognition!

What do Fine Arts teachers do in the summer? They cheer on their students as their accomplishments reach new heights.

This summer, East View High School Art Teacher Jon Hanna had the privilege of attending a special reception at the Texas Governor's Mansion with EVHS student Hannah Harvey and her family.

Earlier this year, Hannah's artwork, Myself in Transit, was selected for the First Lady of Texas Governor's Gallery, making her one of only 13 students across the state chosen to have artwork displayed in the Governor's Mansion. During the reception, Hannah had the opportunity to see her artwork on display in the First Lady's business office and visit with the First Lady to discuss her artistic process and inspiration.

The teacher-student relationship doesn't end when the school year does. Moments like these reflect the lasting impact of Fine Arts education and the pride our teachers take in celebrating their students' success wherever it leads.

What do Fine Arts teachers do in the summer? They share their expertise with students and educators beyond our district.

This summer, Amanda Blackstone, Head Band Director at Tippit Middle School, served as a clinician at the Killeen ISD Band Camp, working with young musicians to strengthen their performance skills and prepare for a successful year of music-making.

Opportunities like this allow Fine Arts educators to collaborate with students from across Texas while contributing their knowledge and experience to music programs beyond their own campuses. Whether leading clinics, presenting at workshops, or mentoring young musicians, our teachers continue making an impact throughout the summer months.

From Georgetown to Killeen and beyond, GISD Fine Arts educators are helping shape the next generation of musicians one rehearsal at a time.

What do Fine Arts teachers do in the summer? They continue creating opportunities for students to learn, grow, and be inspired.

This summer, East View High School Theatre Director Jon DeMitchell traveled to New York City with a group of theatre students to experience Broadway shows, participate in workshops with industry professionals, and explore future college and career opportunities in the performing arts.

While there, Mr. DeMitchell had the chance to see EVHS alumnus Landon Winslow perform in an Off-Broadway production. Landon, who attended East View beginning in 2020, was part of the cast of Ride the Cyclone, which earned Best Show at the Texas Thespians State Festival, and recently landed his first professional theatre credit in New York City—an incredible accomplishment for a young performer.

For current students, seeing a former Patriot succeed on the professional stage was a powerful reminder of where dedication, talent, and a passion for the arts can lead.

At GISD Fine Arts, summer learning isn't just about professional development—it's also about helping students envision their future and celebrating the success of those who have gone before them.

We're Hiring: Head Orchestra Director at Tippit Middle School!

GISD Fine Arts is seeking an exceptional orchestra educator to lead the Tippit Middle School Orchestra program and continue building a culture of musical excellence for students in grades 6–8.

This position offers the opportunity to work with dedicated student musicians, collaborate with outstanding Fine Arts educators across the district, and help shape the next generation of orchestra students as they prepare for success at the high school level and beyond.

If you know an educator who is passionate about music, student growth, and building strong relationships through the arts, we encourage them to explore this opportunity.

Apply here: https://www.georgetownisd.org/departments/human-resources/job-postings-online-application

Please help us spread the word by sharing this opportunity with talented orchestra educators.