The ILTexas Fine Arts program has had a banner year in 2024–2025, demonstrating remarkable growth, talent, and dedication across its network of campuses. From regional art contests to statewide music competitions, and from solo performances to standing ovations at dance championships, ILTexas students and educators have shown what passion and perseverance can accomplish in the arts.

A Year of Excellence in UIL Competitions

ILTexas schools made a powerful impact at UIL music contests this year. Standout performances were given by bands, orchestras, and choirs from Keller-Saginaw HS, Arlington Grand Prairie HS, Katy Westpark HS, Garland HS, Aggieland HS, and several K-8 campuses. Whether in full ensemble competitions or sight-reading evaluations, ILTexas students demonstrated technical skill and artistic growth.

Keller-Saginaw High School also showcased their theatrical talent in the UIL One Act Play, continuing their tradition of excellence in performance arts.

In UIL Solo Contests, students from across the charter performed with precision and heart. Keller-Saginaw HS, Garland HS, Katy Westpark HS, and Arlington Grand Prairie HS sent guitarists, orchestras, and bands to compete. Several ILTexas students advanced to the UIL State Contest, including one orchestra student and five guitarists from Garland HS, 11 guitarists from Keller-Saginaw HS, and an impressive 12 guitarists from Arlington Grand Prairie HS.

Pre-UIL and All-Region Contests

Pre-UIL events saw bands from Westpark K8, Orem K8, and Katy K8 sharpening their skills ahead of the competition season. In All-Region contests, bands and orchestras from ILTexas K8 campuses in College Station, Pearland, Garland, Katy, and Keller were joined by Aggieland High School's band and orchestra, marking another high point in regional participation and recognition.

Visual Arts: Honors on the Canvas

Visual artists at ILTexas left a lasting impression this year. Students participated in the Houston Rodeo Art Contest from campuses including Windmill Lakes Orem HS, Katy K8, Richmond K8, and BG Ramirez K8, while Keller-Saginaw HS represented at the Fort Worth Rodeo Art Contest and the National Scholastic Art and Writing Contest.

In the Visual Arts Scholastic Event (VASE), Keller-Saginaw HS entered 26 artworks in the district competition, with every single one earning top honors. Two of those pieces advanced to the state competition, highlighting the school’s continued leadership in visual arts education.

Dance that Dazzles: AGPHS Dance Company Takes the Spotlight

The Arlington Grand Prairie High School Dance Company, under the direction of Manny Silveyra, delivered a show-stopping season that culminated in a historic performance at the North Texas Colorguard Association (NTCA) Championships.

Founded a decade ago by Silveyra, the AGPHS Dance Company has participated in over 18 collegiate dance concerts and made an undeniable mark in the NTCA high school circuit. Over the past three years, the team has claimed 12 area championships, rising above more than 225 schools from across North Texas.

This year, the AGPHS Dance Company earned third place in the NTCA State Finals, taking home the Bronze Medal—a groundbreaking achievement as the only charter school team to advance to the finals. Their journey to the podium included winning the Area Championship preliminaries, setting a new benchmark for ILTexas performing arts.

“AGPHS Dance Company is like no other,” said Silveyra. “The energy and the positivity that the students consistently bring into the dance room is like nothing I’ve ever seen. The students are the reason why the AGPHS Dance Company shines so bright. I am who I am today because of the amazing hearts that have been in my program.”

ILTexas Fine Arts Solo Contest: A Community of Talent

The annual ILTexas Fine Arts Solo Contest reached new heights this year, with 2,848 students from across the charter competing in visual and performing arts. Spanning grades 3–12, students entered in categories including art, music, band, orchestra, choir, guitar, theater, and dance—reflecting the broad and inclusive reach of the ILTexas fine arts vision.

Celebrating Creativity and Community

From the stage to the studio, ILTexas Fine Arts continues to inspire a culture of creativity, discipline, and excellence. These achievements not only celebrate student success but also highlight the transformative role of arts education across all ILTexas campuses.

As the program looks toward another year of innovation and achievement, one thing is clear: the arts are alive and thriving at ILTexas.