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Band

Lamar High School - Dean Corey Marching Extravaganza

The Arlington ISD band program begins formal instruction in woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments in 7th grade. Students start in instrument-specific classes to build foundational skills and later perform together in large ensembles. After the first year, students can join advanced band courses, where they continue to grow musically and participate in auditions and evaluations like the Arlington All-City Band and TMEA All-Region Band.

In high school, students join various ensembles such as marching band, concert bands, and symphonic orchestra. These differentiated groups help students refine their skills and perform publicly throughout the year. High school students also audition for All-City, All-Region, All-Area, and All-State Bands, and participate in solo and ensemble evaluations.

Choir

Formal instruction in choral music begins in 7^th grade for students in the AISD. At the Junior High School Level students are placed into either treble or tenor-bass ensembles that are differentiated to meet individual student needs. Varsity level students may also be exposed to a mixed choral ensemble that usually meets during the advisory period or after school. At some campuses, an auditioned show choir ensemble is also available. Students show individual achievement through audition processes with the Arlington All-City Choir, the TMEA All-Region Choir and solo and small ensemble evaluations.

At the high school level, students are exposed to multiple ensembles that are separated by voice part as well as mixed ensembles that incorporate all parts. Each student is placed in a choir that helps them continue to develop and refine their vocal skills. Students are involved in auditioned activities such as show choir and musicals that are available at many campuses. Students show individual learning through the TMEA All-Region, All-Area, and All-State process as well as through solo and small ensemble evaluations.

Dance

Students can begin formal dance instruction at the high school level in the Arlington ISD. Courses are designed to help students develop fundamental skills with exposure to jazz, tap, ballet, modern, and folk-dance instruction. As students progress through the program, instruction is differentiated to meet student’s needs and help them develop further skills and knowledge of these styles. Students are exposed to public performance throughout the year and demonstrate individual and team skills during these performances.

Elementary Music

General music education in Arlington ISD begins in kindergarten and continues through sixth grade, guided by certified music specialists. Lessons follow a sequential and engaging curriculum based on Kodály and Orff methodologies, emphasizing singing, instrument playing, movement, creativity and listening. Students build foundational musical skills such as beat, rhythm, pitch, form, dynamics and tempo, while also exploring historical, cultural, and contemporary musical connections. These experiences foster critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and self-expression, helping students grow as both performers and appreciative audience members.

Beyond the classroom, students can participate in extracurricular activities like choir, drumming, movement, and musical theatre ensembles. They also have access to enriching opportunities such as field trips to Bass Hall, Music Memory competitions, Cliburn in the Classroom, and performances at events like the MLK Youth Extravaganza and the Levitt Pavilion. A standout program is the Arlington Children’s Chorus, an auditioned ensemble for 5th and 6th graders that meets weekly and performs at local, regional, and state events. The chorus has premiered new works and collaborated with prestigious groups and conductors, offering students high-level musical experiences and exposure.

Orchestra

The Arlington ISD is proud to boast a robust string program. Instruction on the violin, viola, cello and string bass begins in grade 5, where the program is offered at all 54 traditional elementary school campuses. In grades 5-6 students learn the foundational skills needed to play their selected instrument and perform in multiple public performances throughout the year.

Once a student moves to the Junior High School level, the student is placed in a differentiated ensemble that continues to develop their musical abilities. Students are offered the opportunity to develop individually through auditions for the TMEA All-Region Orchestra and various solo and ensemble opportunities. The program is offered on all 10 traditional Junior High campuses.

At the High School Level, students broaden their musical horizons with ensembles that challenge and refine the student’s abilities while offering multiple opportunities for the student to showcase their individual skill through the TMEA All-Region, All-Area and All-State process and solo and ensemble opportunities. At the highest levels, students will be exposed to a full symphonic orchestra setting with multiple opportunities to perform music by the world’s greatest composers.

Theatre

Beginning theatre classes are offered beginning in 7^th grade at all of the Arlington ISD Junior High Schools. Students are given a variety of foundational skills that allow them to develop stage presence, vocal and language skills and many aspects of technical theatre. After the beginning year of instruction, courses are offered that continue to refine these skills. Students are allowed multiple opportunities to audition for plays and/or musicals that demonstrate these skills in public performance.

Students that are involved in theatre at the high school level are placed in courses that match their individual skill level that consist from beginning courses to advanced placement courses where students can showcase multiple facets of the theatre arts. Students at the high school level are involved in multiple public performances throughout the year and display their talents through the UIL One-Act Play competition.

Visual Arts

The Arlington ISD Visual Arts Department aims to enrich students' lives by fostering creativity, innovation, and critical thinking through visual arts. The program emphasizes collaboration among students, families, and the community, supporting the holistic development of each child.

Elementary students explore foundational art concepts using various 2D and 3D media, learning to express themselves and connect culturally through art. They participate in district and community events like the Dallas Cowboys Art Tours funded by the Gene and Jerry Jones Youth Foundation and Youth Art Month at the Arlington Museum of Art.
Secondary students build on these foundations, focusing on media techniques, theme development, and personal expression. They can specialize in areas like painting, ceramics, graphic design, and AP/IB studio arts, gaining skills for future careers. They also engage in competitions and events such as VASE, Junior VASE, Dallas Cowboys Art Tours, High School Art Day at the University of Texas at Arlington, Youth Art Month, Imagine No Violence, MLK and 4^th of July.