The AISD fine arts department boasts over 80 full-time educators who instruct students in various visual and performing arts subjects including, band, orchestra, theatre, art, choir, and more. These educators bring a wealth of experience and talent to the Abilene community, and pass their knowledge on to thousands of students every year. Because of this, the AISD Fine Arts Office initiated a Fine Arts Educator Spotlight program to recognize fine arts educators in the district. 

The AISD Fine Arts Office partnered with community organizations in order to make this recognition even more special. In addition to a surprise announcement on their campus, framed certificate and media release, each recognized teacher receives a gift donated by a local organization. Donations from community organizations so far include event tickets from the Center for Contemporary Arts, season tickets to the Abilene Philharmonic, movie passes to the Historic Paramount Theatre, dinner for two at Cypress Street Station, and a family membership to the Abilene Zoo.

Candi Ice

Candi Ice shows an amazing ability to adapt to adverse situations and focus on positivity.  She exhibits high standards in everything she does.  In addition to her job as orchestra and special education handbell director at Madison Middle School, she also makes time to teach elementary string students through the Abilene Youth Orchestra which meets on Sunday afternoons.  In addition, you will often see her on television performing on violin with the Celebration Orchestra of First Baptist Church.

Mrs. Ice received two tickets to the Art Brunch + Paint Off hosted by The Center for Contemporary Arts in November. 

Kyle Martin

Kyle Martin excels in his role as Theatre Director at Abilene High School.  He also is always willing to step up and lend a hand when it comes to audio/visual needs in the AHS auditorium.  His duties as auditorium manager have him setting up the technical details of plays, concerts, meetings, and other school functions.  Kyle does it all with a smile on his face and a spirit of kindness.  These traits represent Abilene ISD fine arts in the best way possible.

Mr. Martin received a family membership to the Abilene Zoo. 

Fred Grigg

Fred Grigg, assistant orchestra director at Abilene High School and Cooper High School, works hard to ensure orchestra students have the tools they need to be successful.  In addition to his directing responsibilities, he runs sound for Revolution Strings, plays piano for First United Methodist Church of Clyde, often performs on piano with local musicals, and completes original compositions and arrangements for musical ensembles.  Recently, Fred’s composition entitled Hakkapeliitta, was performed by the Abilene Youth Orchestra.  

For being named as the November recipient, Mr. Grigg received two season tickets to the Abilene Philharmonic Orchestra. 

Kelly McNamee

Kelly McNamee, art teacher at Abilene High, takes time and care to create meaningful experiences for her students. She is always working to achieve excellence and improve her teaching skills as well as artmaking techniques. She is an active artist, creating works ranging from charcoals and landscape paintings to hand-painted pet portrait ornaments. She is also the swim coach for both Abilene High and Cooper and manages a vibrant schedule with ease, while remaining dedicated to her students and instilling high expectations. She recently created a painting project with her students to create paintings of every AISD campus. She, her students, and other art educators painted all 24 active campuses and donated them to display at the AISD administration building. 

For being named as the December recipient, Ms. McNamee received a multi-use movie value card from the Paramount Theater.

Remel Derrick

Remel Derrick, assistant choir director at Abilene High School, teaches choral music, AP music theory, and assists as music director of the annual AHS musical. Mr. Derrick began his teaching career at Abilene High in 2015 and quickly endeared himself to students and staff. In fact, if you attend graduation ceremonies, you will hear his golden voice successfully pronouncing the names of over 500 graduates each spring. In addition to his work at Abilene High, Remel serves as the music minister at Minda Street Church of Christ. His piano skills have aided him in arranging music and composing new works for choirs. Recently he has published two choral works with Walton Publishing which has brought him national attention as an up and coming composer. This summer he will serve as a guest artist at the ACU All-State choir camp. 

For being named the January 2022 recipient, Mr. Derrick received dinner for two, donated by Cypress Street Station.