At Columbia Union School District, the Fine Arts program has become a vibrant centerpiece of student life, creativity, and collaboration. Thanks to the dedication of our Music Teacher, Ms. Diane Ditler, and Art Teacher, Ms. Rebecca Fitzwater, students now have access to meaningful, high-quality experiences in music, visual arts, and theatre that are transforming the school culture and enriching students’ educational journeys.
The Fine Arts program has seen tremendous growth, both in participation and scope. Ms. Ditler proudly highlights several milestones, such as a steady increase in band enrollment, high levels of participation in school concerts, and the return of musical theater with performances like Willy Wonka Kids. Students in general music classes continue to build musical skills each year, while new instruments and four-day-a-week middle school band rehearsals have boosted both enthusiasm and proficiency.
On the visual arts side, Ms. Fitzwater emphasizes a rising interest in after-school plays and creative projects. A notable initiative, the “pet project,” invites students to use their artwork to spotlight adoptable animals from the local community, a heartwarming fusion of creativity and service. Student artwork has also gained public recognition at local art shows, reflecting both technical skill and community engagement.
Several key moments underscore the program's success. The Advanced Band’s participation in a shared concert at Sonora High School drew compliments from peers, older students, and fellow educators. Additionally, Columbia had more students selected for the Tuolumne County Honor Music Festival this year than in the past five years.
Ms. Fitzwater fondly recalls the productions of "A Walk in the Woods" and "Willy Wonka Kids" as peak experiences, citing them as exemplars of cross-disciplinary collaboration between visual, musical, and performing arts. These productions brought out exceptional performances and underscored the benefits of integrated arts education.
The Fine Arts program has profoundly impacted student growth. Students who once hesitated to perform now take the stage confidently. For many, these opportunities are a source of joy and pride. As Ms. Ditler shares, students regularly express that music is their favorite class, and many are eager to pursue band or choir “forever.”
Ms. Fitzwater notes improvements in student focus, confidence, and pride, especially among older students. Theatrical participation has helped boost reading fluency and emotional intelligence, while visual arts instruction reinforces academic concepts like symmetry and proportion.
While the program thrives, continued support is essential. Both teachers express a desire for increased collaboration time, additional performance support, and recognition of student achievements in the arts. Ms. Fitzwater also hopes to introduce the International Thespian Society and explore offering musicals on a more regular basis. Clarity on production expectations and access to resources like stage time and functioning sound equipment are also top priorities.
“The district and some community partners have been prioritizing funds to help build out the program’s needs,” elaborated Dr. Nicolas Wade, Superintendent. “The board and the Griggs Music Fund replaced a lot of our aging instruments, the sound system will be fixed and improved upon this summer, we renovated two classrooms to create a proper, single Art Room, and we have been receptive to additional programming needs and requests as they’ve come in.”
Ms. Ditler emphasizes the importance of community presence at offsite performances and the need for community volunteers. “The arts aren’t ‘extras’,” she says. “They’re essential to a well-rounded education.”
Looking ahead, both educators envision a future where Fine Arts are seamlessly integrated into the fabric of Columbia’s school culture where every student has the opportunity to explore, express, and excel through the arts. Next year, the middle school will see a larger scope and sequence to Fine Arts electives, the district will be offering Fine Arts related after school opportunities attached to its Discoveries program, and students K-5 will have five (5) days of Related Arts exposure.
The Fine Arts program at Columbia is not just growing, it’s thriving. And as students continue to sing, paint, perform, and play, they’re not just learning skills. They’re discovering themselves.
