Javier R. Vera
Director
(956) 473-7121
jvera@uisd.net

Mission

The mission of the United ISD Fine Arts Department is to prepare students with an array of knowledge and skills that will allow them to create dances, musical performances, theatrical productions, and visual artworks. In an effort to cultivate the whole child and achieve student success, this comprehensive arts program will establish a lifetime of learning and growth through the arts.

Program Overview

The United Independent School District Fine Arts Department supports all fine arts personnel and provides opportunities for students to participate and perform in district wide art shows, one act play performances, cheer & dance events and a wide variety of music events and competitions throughout the academic year. The specific areas in which the fine arts department works in conjunction with fine arts personnel are as follows:

• Evaluation of fine arts programs
• Curriculum development for fine arts programs
• Promote student participation in visual and performing arts events: Fine Arts Fiesta, Talent Search, UIL One Act Play contests (middle and high schools) UIL Band contests (middle and high) USSBA Marching Contest, Band & Orchestra Evaluation, Mariachi contest, and UISD Cheer & Dance Festival
• Conduct Staff Development for Art, Band, Choir, Orchestra, Theatre Arts and Speech
• Assist with staffing needs, recruitment of teachers and conduct interviews for fine arts positions
• Work with staff to ensure compliance with University Interscholastic League(UIL), Texas Education Agency (TEA) , and Texas Music Educators Association(TMEA) guidelines, Texas Dance Educators Association (TDEA), Texas Educational Theatre Association (TEDA), Texas Art Education Association (TAEA) and Center for Educator Development in Fine Arts (CEDFA)
• Provide CPR/FIRST AID/AED TRAINING for band, choir, orchestra, cheer and dance personnel
• Safety Training for Cheer & Dance personnel
• Fiscal Management of Band, Choir, and Orchestra Budgets

Fine Arts Programs in United ISD

Elementary Music K-5 Each elementary school offers general music taught by certified music teachers
Art 6th – 12th Grade All secondary schools offer art instruction taught by certified art teachers
Band 6th – 12th Grade All secondary schools offer band instruction taught by certified band directors
Orchestra 6th – 8th UISD has one orchestra program at United Middle
Choir 6th – 12th UISD has choir programs at United HS, Alexander HS and United South Middle
Theatre Arts 6th – 12th Grade One act play productions are offered at all secondary campuses
Cheer & Dance -Elementary Most UISD campuses have cheer or dance or both
Cheer & Dance -Secondary All secondary schools have either cheer or dance programs or both

Department Staff

Javier R. Vera	Director of Fine Arts	(956) 473-7124	jvera@uisd.net
Leticia M. Leal	Fine Arts Coordinator	(956) 473-7123	lleal@uisd.net
Michael A. Carrillo	Lighting/Audio/Visual Technician	(956) 473-7129	macarrillo@uisd.net
Katrina Sellers	Secretary	(956) 473-7121 Main Number (956) 473-7135 Fax	ksellers@uisd.net
Jose Trevino	Assistant Fine Arts	(956) 473-7121